Orangetheory 2G Vs. 3G: Which Is Better For Beginners?

At a glance, Orangetheory 2G and 3G are not actually what they mean; they have nothing to do with networks. On the contrary, they are all about the number of people in Orangetheory classes and the groups taking the class at a time, that is, G for groups. 3G= 3 Groups (1. Tread 2. Rower 3. Floor) and 2G = 2 Groups (1. Tread 2. Rower/floor). Whether 2G or 3G, the time of the class is the same; 60 minutes

2G is the original format, the way it is supposed to be done. 3G was created to accommodate high volume classes that were heavily waitlisted. They allow more members to get into class. Usually reserved for weekend or high traffic evening classes.

It’s based on maximizing your utilization. That’s all. As a coach and owner, we move very popular times to 3G so that people can workout. Nothing more frustrating than being motivated to workout and being placed on a big ass waitlist. It’s about utilization and ensure people have a place to workout.

According to Matt Kellett , Franchise owner/operator at Orangethery

What Does 2G and 3G Mean Orangetheory? (Details)

Regardless of the type of class you join in Orangetheory, whether 2G or 3G, the time you spend in the class is the same; 60 minutes. Nonetheless:

Orangetheory 3G

what is a 3g Orangetheory class? It refers to the type of Orangetheory class where three equal groups of people are stationed at each of the three Orangetheory exercise stations.

Essentially, Orangetheory is a full-body exercise gym with cardio (treadmills or bikes), strength (floor weight training), and a blend of the two (rowing machine). Technically, the three are referred to as endurance, strength, and power (ESP), granted by the three types of training.

In a 3G class, Orangetheory requires that there is a group at the treadmills, another at the rowing machines, and another on the floor weight training. That means that each group also gets to spend a third of their time at each station on a rotational basis.

Let’s take an example of a standard Orangetheory class; it has 12 treadmills, 12 rowing machines, and 12-floor station sets of weights. In a 3G class, the whole class should consist of people at each station at all times, hence 3 groups. Therefore, there will be 12 x 3 participants, which is equal to 36 participants.

One outstanding aspect of the 3G Orangetheory class is that one must go through all the stations because there isn’t much choice. One has to move with their group from one station to the next to give space to the incoming group.

Orangetheory 2G

what does 2g mean at Orangetheory? 2G refers to 2 groups in a single Orangetheory class. These classes are more liberal than the 3G classes since only two of the stations are usually occupied at a time.

Basically, the class setting requires that one group is on the treadmill, while the other is on the rowing machines or the floor strength training. 

Therefore, the rotation doesn’t have to be uniform among the three stations. Actually, one group spends half their time on the treadmill, while the other half is split between the rowing machines and the floor strength training. Also, one does not have to be on the floor and at the rowing machine; you have the option to either remain on the rowing machine the whole time or at the floor exercises.

In a typical 2G class in a standard Orangetheory with 12 settings in each station, there are 12 x 2 =24 people in a 2G class.

Orangetheory 2G Vs. 3G Summary Table

	Orangetheory 2G	Orangetheory 3G
Classes	Treadmill, rowing machine, and strength training	Treadmill, rowing machine, and strength training
Rotations	The treadmill is compulsory; the rowing machine and the floor training vary per individual preference	Compulsory rotation among the three exercise stations
Duration	60 minutes	60 minutes
Duration at each station	½ time on the treadmill, ½ time split between rowing machines and floor weight training	⅓ time on the treadmills, ⅓ on the rowing machines and ⅓ on the floor weights training
Number of people	Standard Orangetheory studio with 12 settings at each station: 24 people	Standard Orangetheory studio with 12 settings at each station: 36 people
Trainers	Any Orangetheory trainer can take a group through the training	The trainer must have gone through a specific number of 2G classes to coach 3G classes
Intensity	High-intensity interval training	High-intensity interval training
Exercise goals	Whole-body cardio and strength training; more cardio for weight loss	Whole-body cardio and strength training; evenly distributed exercises

Similarities Between Orangetheory 2G vs 3G

Generally, Orangetheory 2G and 3G are full-body exercises, where the heart rate, calories burned, and intensity targets are usually high. They also take 60 minutes each, which means subjecting the body to high-intensity activity for a good 60 minutes, with few breaks in between.

Moreover, the three exercise stations are available for either class. So, whether you are in 2G or 3G, you can access treadmills, rowing machines, and strength equipment.

Differences Between Orangetheory 2G and 3G

The main difference between Orangetheory 2G and 3G is the number of groups and, subsequently, the number of people in a class. In a 3G class, there are three groups, hence a large number of people. On the other hand, in 2G, there are only 2 groups, which makes ⅔ the number of people in a 3G class.

Following the number of groups in a 3G class, all the stations are always occupied at all times. Therefore, one has no option but to undertake all the Orangetheory exercises, giving each the same duration as the other. However, in 2G, one of the stations is usually unoccupied. Therefore, one can exercise more in one station and less in another station.

In this regard, 2G only has treadmills as the compulsory exercise option, which takes half the time in the class. Then, the rowing machines and the floor training can split the remaining time, or one could consider one over the other. For this reason, 2G is the best option for weight loss, especially if one combines rowing with running.

On the other hand, 3G is the best option for a wholesome exercise. Regardless of your feelings, you must go through the three stations equally. It is for this reason that Orangetheory 3G is referred to as the perfect ESP training.

Which Is Better for Beginners?

Well, most beginners find more difficulty rowing than with all the other stations. Therefore, 2G is the best option since you can always forego rowing and concentrate on running and strength training, where the correct form is not much of a challenge.

Which Burns More Calories 2g Or 3g?

I generally get close to the same burn. No real difference. It’s more about the template of the day that makes more of a difference for me. I burn way more when there’s heavy rowing involved. 3G always has that.

Now, I have been working on my rowing form 2g, you get more time in the weight room and muscle gain burns more calories at rest but 3g you get more rowing time and the water tower using every muscle in your body.

I think it really depends on how much you can get your heart rate up on the rower. When I first started, I couldn’t sustain a good pace on the rower in 3G. Now it’s more even. I actually like 3G better now!

Is Orangetheory 2G or 3G Harder?

Orangetheory 2G and 3G are high-intensity, making them really hard. Also, one is required to target at least 12 splat points in the whole class, meaning at least 12 minutes in levels 4 and 5 of the heart rate zones. These zones are represented by Orange and red consecutively and are the most strenuous.

However, 3G is harder than 2G, given that the breaks are shorter to utilize each station before the next group comes fully. Also, you have no choice but to participate in all the three-station exercises, unlike with 2G classes.

Pros and Cons of 2G and 3G

I like both 2G and 3G. But 3G feels like it goes by faster and 3G typically has a lot more rowing than 2G which I enjoy.

If you love the treadmill and don’t think you get enough time at each station in a 3g then I  prefer 2G

Orangetheory 2G and 3G template

What is the Orangetheory 60 Workout?

Orangetheory 60 workout refers to the common Orangetheory exercise, where you spend 60 minutes in a class. Usually, the 60 minutes are split for power, endurance, and strength training on the treadmills, rowing machines, and floor exercises.

Conclusion

Orangetheory 2G refers to two groups in a single Orangetheory class, while 3G refers to 3 groups in a single class. In 2G, one has the freedom to switch among the three exercise stations, while one is restricted to a station in each duration in 3G classes.

Given the information above, you can now decide which Orangetheory class works for you, though a combination is always great if both are available.

Get More Info:

• Orangetheory Results: What Can You Expect in 1 to 12 Months?
• Most Common Orangetheory Class Schedule
• Does Orangetheory Have Childcare?
• How Much Do Orangetheory Coaches Make?
• Does Orangetheory have a Student Discount?
• How to Use Orangetheory Fitness Membership At Any Location?
• Does Orangetheory Have Showers and Lockers?
• Does Orangetheory Have a Family Plan? (Discount and Policy)