They’re coming. It was only a matter of time. Orangetheory, the it-girl of HIIT franchises is set to open their first Shanghai studio on Maoming Lu mid-November. Apart from the Traceys, Staceys, and Brendas of the world, the New York Times accredited them as having the ‘best one-hour workout in the U.S.’ So what can you expect? Details after the jump.

*** Orangetheory Fitness is a US franchise, with HIIT workouts that promise more energy, visible toning, and extra calorie burn post-work out, because you know, science. The first (surely of many) will be opening it's doors on 245 Maoming Lu, right next to the new Hard Rock Cafe. The work out is really similar to the FhiitLAB experience. It’s a group class, with a professional trainer guiding you and making adjustments when necessary. You strap on a monitor to keep track of your heart rate, which your meant to keep up in a target zone, which will be nicely color-coded from shades of yellow to red -- you want to stay in orange. This zone is hit for optimum calorie burning that they say will last up to 36 hours after you get your swell on (also has the same calorie burn promise as the other HIIT spots, around 500-1,000 in a 60 minute session). You rotate through running, rowing, and lifting. All classes will be in English, led by professional trainers who've lived 'the theory.' Orangetheory is the hip thing (at least in the U.S. circa 2016) combining science and exercise to get you the most bang for your buck in a workout that's apparently pretty good (at least according to my friend Brenda). But speaking of bucks…

Pricing:

Orangetheory doesn't do long term contracts, it's on a month to month basis. You can opt for 4 sessions a month at 788rmb, 8 sessions for 1,300rmb, or the ‘Orange Premier’ 1,788rmb for unlimited classes in a month. There’ll be a ‘Founder's Rate' of 1,600rmb a month, if you sign up soon-ish, and that also gets you two free 'trial weeks' before the gym officially opens in mid-November. So that's 6 weeks for 1,600rmb folks (fine print: that rate will continue unless you stop your membership for over 3 months, then you'll go back to the normal person rate). If this gets you excited you can make an appointment to check out the gym by calling 021-6031-4777. A very nice lady named Mandy who speaks English and Chinese will help you. Look for a November opening date of their first Shanghai location. Also updates on their WeChat: orangetheory Photos from Orangetheory fitness' Facebook page.