Step into Orangetheory Fitness in Milpitas (1317 McCandless Dr.) on any day of the week, and you’ll find passionate members engaging in strength training, using treadmills, or hitting the rowing machine.
After having owned two locations previously – one in Sunnyvale and one in Morgan Hill – Owner Elaine Little was excited to bring the first ever Orangetheory to Milpitas in 2023.
As an effective and energizing one-hour workout, Orangetheory is a combination of cardio and strength training geared toward all fitness levels and body types.
“After I took my first Orangetheory class [in 2013], I was just blown away by the concept of it,” said Little in an interview with The Beat. “It’s all science-backed, too, so you get to watch your data on the screen as you’re working out.”
When Little was a child, she watched her parents struggle with their weight and go through multiple fad diets. This sparked within Little a deep interest in fitness and working out — one that would eventually steer her away from her corporate job and lead her to becoming a dedicated franchisee for Orangetheory.
“I really loved the concept of Orangetheory because it’s so inclusive,” said Little. “I know my parents would’ve loved it back then.”
Eva Dorner is the Studio Manager and Head Coach of Orangetheory in Milpitas. Before Orangetheory, she never much cared for treadmill workouts. But the unique environment of Orangetheory – along with the music, the people, and the top-quality coaches – actually has her thoroughly enjoying the treadmill.
“Orangetheory is a beautiful blend between strength and cardio. And then you have that combined with the coaching side as well,” said Dorner. “So that usually will result immediately into you being able to gain muscle, or to lose fat pretty fast, if you’re consistent. So all you have to do is kind of come in here and we take it from there.”
The workouts, which are designed by Orangetheory’s corporate office, are different every single day of the year. That way, members don’t have to experience the same old routine over and over again. Along with that, members don’t have to worry about deciding what to do or what parts to work on, because the entire program is planned out for them. And there is always a coach present to guide and support members through the workout.
Dorner spoke to The Beat about how Orangetheory is a good fitness option whether someone is looking to run a marathon, lose weight, get in good shape before a wedding, or simply feel more healthy and energized. She feels there’s something for everyone who’s interested in trying an Orangetheory workout.
As a mom of three toddlers, Raissa Cain needed to find space and time for herself. When she started up at Orangetheory in Milpitas, the classes immediately helped her to become more energized and balanced.
“Joining Orange theory…started as a place to start bouncing back from my second baby, but I quickly realized that our widely known and loved Milpitas studio was not your average studio,” said Cain. “The coaches and community are unique. That’s what makes this studio stand out the most and had me wanting to come, not just for the benefits of working out, but for the people and fun.”
Member Jay Ratliff feels that Orangetheory Milpitas has truly changed his life: “What Orangetheory has taught me is that if you want more, to do more. Every day is a new day to show up, make results, and challenge yourself.”
Milpitas holds a special place for Little. Before she was even born, her parents had an apartment in Milpitas. But since her dad was in the army, they moved around a lot. Still, Little experienced some of her teenage years in the region, after her family settled in the Milpitas/San Jose area during her freshman year of high school.
“I have such a passion for Milpitas. I grew up here and I used to drive the streets in Milpitas,” said Little. “To see the community and everyone here in Milpitas come to our studio and really find happiness and joy here, that’s really, really important to us. We’re just really proud to be a part of the community as a whole.”
Orangetheory invites people to come and try their first class for free. To schedule a free class, or learn more about Orangetheory, go here.
