Tread 50 Orangetheory vs Strength 50: Which OTF Class Is Right for You?

When it comes to high-energy fitness classes that distribute real results, Orangetheory is a name that stances out. With the issue of two new plans—Tread 50 Orangetheory and Strength 50 Orangetheory—members now have more focused exercise decisions. But which one is best for you?

This guide will break down everything you need to know about Tread 50 and Strength 50 OTF, comparing benefits, construction, who it’s for, and how to get the most out of each. Whether you’re looking to build stamina, increase strength, or stability both, this Post will help you choose.

What is Tread 50 Orangetheory?

Tread 50 Orangetheory is a treadmill-exclusive, 50-minute class fixated entirely on running, power walking, and interval-based cardio. Think of it as Orangetheory’s answer to a structured running workout with music, coaching, and data.

Duration: 50 minutes on the treadmill only
Training style: Interval-based running or power walking
Heart rate zones targeted: Primarily Orange (84–91% max HR) and Red (92–100%)
Ideal for: Runners, endurance athletes, or cardio lovers

“I ran almost 4 miles, and the class went by faster than expected. The tune and pace reserved it fun and powerful.” — Martise Moore, Running Coach

Sample Tread 50 Workout:

5-minute warm-up walk
5x (5-minute push pace + 1-minute all-out sprint)
Recovery walks in between

What is Strength 50 Orangetheory?

Tread 50 Orangetheory is intended for those who need to build muscle, advance useful fitness, and escape cardio machines. It’s a full-body forte exercise class that uses weights, bands, TRX, medicine balls, and extra.

Duration: 50 minutes (no treadmill or rower)
Training style: Strength-focused, compound movements
Heart rate zones: Mostly Green (71–83%) with moments in Orange
Ideal for: Anyone aiming to increase lean muscle and reduce body fat

Sample Strength 50 Workout:

Total-body compound lifts (squats, presses, lunges)
TRX core exercises
Circuits split into upper, lower, and total body sets

“The variety kept me promised and the situation broke me firmer than home exercises.” — Lisa Hannam, Fitness Author

Tread 50 vs Strength 50: Key Differences

Feature	Tread 50 Orangetheory	Strength 50 Orangetheory
Equipment Rummage-sale	Treadmill only	Weights, TRX, bands, Bosu, etc.
Focus Part	Cardio stamina & speediness	Muscle strength & tone
Heart Rate Region Emphasis	Orange & Red (high intensity)	Green & Orange (moderate intensity)
Calories Burned (Avg)	Higher (due to continuous cardio)	Slightly lower (but builds muscle)
Best For	Runners & cardio lovers	Strength chasers & beginners
Coaching Style	Motivational pacing	Instructional for form & technique

Orangetheory Heart Rate Zone Breakdown

Zone	% of Max HR	Description
Grey	50–60%	Light warm-up or cool-down
Blue	61–70%	Easy cardio (power walking)
Green	71–83%	Base pace, steady effort
Orange	84–91%	Fat-burning zone, optimal intensity
Red	92–100%	All-out effort, short bursts

Goal: Earn 12+ “Splat Points” (minutes in Orange/Red) for an afterburn effect that boosts metabolism for up to 24 hours.

Which Class Burns More Calories?

While Tread 50 typically results in higher calorie burn during class due to continuous movement, Strength 50 supports long-term fat loss by building lean muscle. Muscle burns more calories at rest, enhancing your basal metabolic rate.

Example Stats:

Tread 50: ~500–700 calories, 20–25 Splat Points
Strength 50: ~350–500 calories, 12–18 Splat Points

Pros and Cons Table

Class	Pros	Cons
Tread 50	High cardio output, great for runners, fun pace	No strength training, repetitive
Strength 50	Builds muscle, full-body workout, varied gear	Less calorie burn, learning curve

Who Should Take Tread 50?

Runners training for a race
Cardio junkies who love pushing limits
Members on cold or rainy days looking for indoor mileage
Anyone needing a psychological break from weights

Who Should Take Strength 50?

Beginners intimidated by cardio equipment
People recovering from injuries
Those wanting to tone up and gain functional strength
Members plateauing in weight loss or looking to build muscle

Tips to Maximize Your Orangetheory Workouts

Use a Heart Rate Monitor – Visual feedback keeps you motivated.
Set Weekly Goals – Mix both classes for full-body benefits.
Ask Coaches for Form Feedback – Especially during Strength 50.
Track Your Progress in the App – Calories, distance, Splat Points.
Fuel Properly Pre-Workout – Light carbs for Tread 50, protein for Strength 50.

Plus added terms like:

Orangetheory heart rate zones
Orangetheory calorie burn
Orangetheory Splat Points
Treadmill cardio vs strength training
Orangetheory review 2025

FAQs

Q1: Can beginners join these classes?
Yes. Both classes allow you to scale intensity. Use bodyweight or lighter weights in Strength 50, and start with walking intervals in Tread 50.

Q2: Which class helps with fat loss faster?
Tread 50 burns more during class, but Strength 50 supports long-term fat loss by building muscle. The best approach? Combine both weekly.

Q3: How many times should I take these classes per week?
Orangetheory recommends 1–2x per week for each class type for balanced results.

Q4: Can I still gain strength with Tread 50?
Minimal. Tread 50 is cardio-intensive. For true gains, prioritize Strength 50 or mixed-format classes.

Q5: Are these classes available at all locations?
Most locations are rolling them out gradually. Check your local studio or Orangetheory app for class availability.

Final Verdict

If you’re serious about improving your fitness, both classes deserve a spot in your weekly routine. The Tread 50 Orangetheory class bodies cardio stamina, mental toughness, and endurance. The Strength Tread 50 Orangetheory improvements power, strength, and post-workout calorie burn.

For experienced fitness, consider irregular between the two: