We all want more. More energy. More strength. More results. Orangetheory is designed to give you that, and more.
Since co-founding Orangetheory in 2010, Ellen Latham devoted her personal and professional life to changing the world, one heartbeat at a time.
Ellen’s journey to create Orangetheory started under uncomfortable circumstances when, as a single mother, she lost her prestigious job and was compelled to begin a new journey teaching fitness classes. She originally taught Pilates from a spare bedroom in her home, which quickly began to require a larger space where she could dedicate herself to teaching full time. She opened a fitness center in South Florida, where she introduced an exercise program that would metabolically charge the body based on feedback from her members, in addition to the Pilates classes she continued to teach. To achieve this metabolic charge, she added rowers, treadmills and other equipment similar to what today’s Orangetheory studios feature. This came to be known as Ellen’s Ultimate Workout, which is still in operation today, and rebranded as Orangetheory Fitness in 2010.
In the years since, Ellen and her team have worked tirelessly to grow Orangetheory into a global operation, with more than 900 total open studios, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Women Fitness is #CelebratingWomen this International Women’s Day, with a new story of an inspirational woman going out every day. Lets check out the next one about the fitness entrepreneur, Ellen Latham, who has redefined fitness for millions of Americans.
Women Fitness:
How did the Orangetheory come into existence?
Ellen Latham:
I have been in the fitness industry for more than 40 years, beginning with a small pilates studio. However, while my members loved Pilates, they were frustrated with their fat burning workouts. They were taking spin classes, running and working with personal trainers, but nothing was really satisfying them. So, I decided to create my own fat burning workout to go along with their Pilates workouts. After starting that class, the results were so popular that there were waitlists to get in. Soon after, I was approached to franchise and that’s how Orangetheory started. By focusing on the Orangetheory trifecta – science-backed, technology-tracked, coach inspired, we’ve grown to more than 900 studios across the U.S. and internationally.
Women Fitness:
What makes your life story so different?
Ellen Latham:
When I was 39-years-old, I was let go from a job that helped me support my 9-year-old son and myself. I was a single parent and very frightened. I started doing one-on-one Pilates training sessions out of a spare-room in my house. That kick-started the amazing journey of co-owning a soon-to-be, billion-dollar business.
Women Fitness:
How were you able to grow Orangetheory into a global operation?
Ellen Latham:
The success of Orangetheory can be attributed to the passionate franchise partners and dedicated members that have become a part of the Orangetheory family.
Women Fitness:
Tell us about your top 5 tips to creating a fitness empire.
Ellen Latham:
My five tips for creating a fitness empire are…
- Be results oriented.
- Create a workout for all levels. For instance, at Orangetheory, we have walker, jogger and runner categories, so no matter what level you’re, the workout can be customized to you.
- Incorporate technology that offers real-time feedback and measurement capabilities
- Build a tribe of fitness ambassadors
- Buy into a higher-power than your workout. At Orangetheory, we give people more than just a good workout, we give them more life. This means more energy, more happiness and the chance to work towards a longer life.
Women Fitness:
This International Women’s Day, what advice would you like to give to the women out there?
Ellen Latham:
Women need to believe in themselves. Don’t get caught up in the discouraging dialogue that sometimes floats around in your head.
I would also encourage women to get support along the way. I wouldn’t have been able to build Orangetheory into the brand it’s today without great partners and support. I also create constant timelines to get things done.
For more such real inspiring stories on this Women’s Day, click here.