Exploring the Chipper Orangetheory Class at Planet Fitness

If you’re curious about trying a new fitness class and have heard about the “Chipper” style Orangetheory class, you might wonder how to experience something similar at your local Planet Fitness. While Planet Fitness and Orangetheory are two separate fitness brands, many people seek to recreate challenging, high-intensity, circuit-style workouts inspired by Orangetheory’s popular formats. This guide will walk you through what a Chipper class is, how you can explore a similar workout at Planet Fitness, what you’ll need, step-by-step workout instructions, and practical advice to get the most from your session.

What You’ll Need

• Planet Fitness membership or guest pass
• Comfortable workout clothing and athletic shoes
• Water bottle
• Towel
• Personal timer or stopwatch (optional, phone works well)
• Access to basic gym equipment: treadmill, rowing machine, dumbbells, mat

Step-by-Step

1. Understand the Chipper Format
   A “chipper” in fitness is a workout where you complete a long list of exercises or repetitions, “chipping away” at them until finished. Orangetheory’s Chipper classes typically involve a set sequence of exercises with high repetitions, often combining cardio, strength, and bodyweight movements. The goal is to finish all the reps of each exercise before moving to the next, completing the entire list once.
2. Plan Your Chipper-Style Workout
   Since Planet Fitness does not offer Orangetheory’s proprietary classes, you’ll create your own Chipper routine using available equipment. Here’s an example 45-minute Chipper workout you can try:
   • 500-meter row (rowing machine)
   • 40 walking lunges (bodyweight or dumbbells)
   • 30 push-ups
   • 20 squat jumps
   • 15 burpees
   • 10 dumbbell shoulder presses (moderate weight)
   • 800-meter treadmill run
   • Rest as needed, but try to finish all exercises in order

   Adjust exercises and reps based on your fitness level and available equipment.

3. Warm Up
   Start with a 5-10 minute warm-up to prepare your body. Use the treadmill for brisk walking or light jogging, or try dynamic stretches like arm circles, leg swings, and bodyweight squats.
4. Set Up Your Equipment
   Gather any needed equipment before starting. Place your towel and water nearby. If possible, choose a time when the gym is less crowded to minimize wait times for machines.
5. Start the Chipper Workout
   Begin at the top of your list. Complete all reps of each exercise before moving to the next. For example, row 500 meters, then immediately move to walking lunges, and so on.
6. Monitor Your Intensity
   The goal is steady effort, not racing. Take short breaks if needed, but aim to keep moving. Use your timer or stopwatch to track your total time, if desired.
7. Cool Down and Stretch
   After finishing the workout, spend 5-10 minutes cooling down. Walk slowly on the treadmill and stretch all major muscle groups, focusing on legs, arms, and back.
8. Log Your Results
   Record the time it took you to complete the workout and any notes on how you felt. This will help you track progress and adjust future workouts.

Common Mistakes

• Overestimating Your Fitness Level: Attempting too many reps or too heavy weights can lead to fatigue or injury. Start conservatively and build up.
• Skipping the Warm-Up: Going straight into high-intensity movements without preparing your body increases injury risk.
• Poor Form: Rushing through exercises can compromise technique. Focus on quality reps, especially for complex moves like lunges or burpees.
• Not Hydrating: Intense circuits dehydrate you quickly. Take sips of water throughout the workout.
• Ignoring Rest: While the goal is to keep moving, pushing too hard without recovery can lead to burnout or dizziness.
• Not Planning Ahead: Arriving at the gym during peak hours may mean waiting for machines, which breaks your workout flow.

Tips

• Go During Off-Peak Hours: Early mornings, late evenings, or midday are often less crowded, making it easier to move between stations.
• Modify Exercises: If a machine or weight is unavailable, swap in a similar movement (e.g., replace rowing with cycling or step-ups).
• Bring Headphones: Listening to music or a motivating playlist can help maintain your pace and energy.
• Invite a Friend: Doing the workout with a partner can boost accountability and make it more enjoyable.
• Use the PF App: Planet Fitness’s app may have timer features or additional workout ideas you can incorporate.
• Progress Gradually: Increase reps, weight, or intensity over time as your fitness improves.
• Focus on Recovery: After a demanding session, prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition to support your body’s repair.

Troubleshooting

• Equipment Unavailable: If someone is using the machine you need, skip to the next exercise and return later, or use an alternative (e.g., treadmill instead of rower).
• Feeling Lightheaded or Nauseous: Stop immediately, sit down, and hydrate. Don’t resume until you feel better. If symptoms persist, seek help.
• Workout Takes Too Long: Reduce reps or cut an exercise if you’re pressed for time. Quality over quantity is key.
• Losing Motivation Mid-Workout: Break the workout into smaller chunks, focus on one exercise at a time, or remind yourself of your goal.
• Pain or Discomfort: Sharp pain is a warning sign. Stop the exercise and modify or skip it. If pain continues, consult a fitness professional or physician.
• Unsure About Proper Form: Look up video demonstrations before your workout or ask a Planet Fitness trainer for a quick form check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take an actual Orangetheory class at Planet Fitness?

No, Orangetheory classes are only offered at Orangetheory Fitness studios. However, you can recreate similar circuit-style workouts at Planet Fitness using their equipment.

What makes a Chipper workout different from other circuits?

Chipper workouts involve completing a list of exercises for a set number of reps, one after the other, without repeating or cycling back. You “chip away” at the list until finished, often with higher total rep counts than typical circuits.

Is this type of workout suitable for beginners?

Yes, but beginners should scale down the number of reps, use lighter weights, and include more rest. Always listen to your body and don’t hesitate to modify exercises.

How often should I do Chipper workouts?

For most people, once or twice a week is sufficient, as these workouts are intense and require recovery. Mix with other forms of exercise for balanced fitness.

What if I can’t finish all the reps?

It’s okay! Do as many as you can with good form. Over time, you’ll build strength and endurance to complete more of the workout.

Can I ask Planet Fitness staff for help with my workout?

Yes, Planet Fitness staff are generally available to assist with basic equipment usage and can answer questions about safe exercise form. For personalized programming, consider working with a certified trainer.

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