Twice a year, Orangetheory Fitness hosts a DriTri — a special class that OTF enthusiasts prepare for. It’s a competition (with yourself) to see how long it takes to row 2,000 meters, how quickly you can complete 300 reps of six bodyweight exercises, and how fast you can finish a 5K run or 1.55-mile power walk on the treadmill. Six months later, you see if you can beat your previous numbers.
In 2023, the Orangetheory DriTri happens on March 25, and comes around again in September.
The DriTri is a big deal in the Orangetheory community, but if you don’t know what it’s about or are curious about taking on this year’s fitness event, we spoke to DeeDee Hillman, NSCA-certified trainer and education program manager for digital fitness at Orangetheory Fitness headquarters, and Rachel Vaziralli, Orangetheory’s director of fitness design, to get all the expert info.
What Is the Orangetheory DriTri?
As the name indicates, the DriTri is a sort of triathlon completed on dry land (in this case, an Orangetheory Fitness studio or in your own home, if you have the equipment). It starts off with a 2,000-meter row where you time yourself to see how quickly you can complete it. Then you move to the weight floor where you complete 300 reps total of six bodyweight exercises (more on those later), and then run a 5K (3.1 miles) or power walk 1.55 miles for time.
DriTri classes are held at designated times (as opposed to the traditional workout of the day), and each DriTri class is dedicated to that event specifically.
Registration is open to all current Orangetheory members, and you need sign up ahead of time and pay a $25 registration fee, Vaziralli says. (Though that could be slightly different depending on your studio; Orangetheory prices, in general, vary by location.) “Participants will receive a special edition OTF DriTri tote bag and medal. Winners and prizes are a part of this fun event too!” Vaziralli says.
Hillman noted that the DriTri is completely voluntary. So if you’re not feeling up to it, you don’t have to take it on, even if you’re an OTF member. The DriTri may seem intimidating, but Hillman emphasized that the only person you are competing against is yourself, and you go at your own pace.
“The workout is designed to showcase just how far they have come, from beginners to athletes,” Vaziralli says. “DriTri is challenging but rewarding . . . It’s a competitive and measurable training event for all fitness levels. And when we say competitive, we mean with yourself! The purpose of the event is for members to assess and improve their personal fitness ability and gauge their progress.”
What Are the Orangetheory DriTri Floor Exercises?
The DriTri includes these six bodyweight exercises, which you will complete twice for a total of 300 reps. Once you complete the first exercise, you move on to the next one (bench hop overs followed by bench tap squats, etc.). After completing all six moves, you start the circuit again. Don’t be fooled: although there is no strength training equipment, you will still challenge yourself using just your bodyweight.
- Bench hop over: 40 reps total
- Bench tap squat: 20 reps total
- Bench step-up: 20 reps on each leg (40 reps total)
- Push-up: 20 reps total
- Plank jack: 20 reps total
- Burpee: 10 reps total
What Is the Orangetheory DriTri Sprint or Relay?
If you want to take on the challenge of the DriTri but as a modified version, many Orangetheory Fitness studios also offers the Orangetheory DriTri Sprint and Relay, Vaziralli says.
The Sprint is essentially the DriTri cut in half: you row 1,000 meters, do 150 reps of bodyweight exercises, and run or walk 1.55 miles on the treadmill. The Relay allows you to split up the different segments between different people.
The Orangetheory DriTri Sprint and Relay are held on the same days as DriTri, they just may be held at different times.
How to Prepare for the Orangetheory DriTri
You can physically prepare for the Orangetheory DriTri in the weeks and months ahead by taking Orangetheory classes, running and rowing on your own, and completing the Orangetheory Infinity Workout, which is usually offered in studios a few weeks earlier. But Hillman wants people to remember that DriTri is for everyone.
“We cater to all fitness levels,” Hillman says. “We even like to say that everybody is an athlete.” She added that if you are feeling nervous, you can channel that emotion into energy for the big day. Coaches and fellow members will be cheering every participant on, and Hillman said the atmosphere on DriTri days is electric. “It’s straight magic. It’s hype. It’s so energetic,” she said. “From the coach’s perspective, one of the most exciting things is to see members complete a task, a challenge that they didn’t even think was possible for them.”
To make sure you are ready for the DriTri, drink plenty of water before and after the workout, get a good night’s sleep the night before, eat a meal or snack with carbs and protein before for energy, and blast your favorite pump-up song or playlist to get you in the mood to crush your workout.
Ready to take on the DriTri challenge? Check out Orangetheory’s website for more information on how to sign up at your local studio.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Mazzo
Image Source: Courtesy of Orangetheory Fitness