Orangetheory, Hannah Berner Use Laughs To Break Down Fitness Barriers
The boutique fitness brand and popular comedian will tackle gym-intimidation with a “WTF is OTF” comedy show
Orangetheory Fitness and Hannah Berner have partnered to make the fitness community more welcoming using comedy.
The “WTF is OTF?!” comedy show is an experiential marketing event that aims to build community by critiquing several aspects of today’s fitness culture. The “roast” represents a significant departure from traditional fitness marketing and community building by critiquing aspects of today’s fitness culture.
“This WTF is OTF?! Comedy Event is going to be epic,” Berner, a popular comedian and entertainer with 2.8 million followers on TikTok, said before the show. “Expect laughs, roasts and maybe a little sweat. I know firsthand what it’s like to be in a bit of a fitness limbo, and all of the fads swirling around at the start of the year don’t help. What Orangetheory helped me to realize is that sweating it out doesn’t have to be too serious, and this partnership proves that while answering all of our biggest fitness WTFs.”
One of the biggest barriers to gym participation is the intimidation and misconception surrounding fitness culture. By partnering with Berner, a comedian known for her straightforward and relatable humor, Orangetheory hopes to break down such barriers. The WTF is OTF?! event aims to roast the fitness industry’s clichés and fads, making fun of the space’s unrealistic standards and strange trends.
“Nearly half of Americans set out to improve their fitness this year. Yet, we also know that an estimated 80% of people part ways with their resolutions after mid-February,” noted Ellen Latham, creator and co-founder of Orangetheory. “At a time when many are feeling defeated, we hope a bit of lighthearted fun can remind people that we’re all in this together. And that ultimately, what matters most in a sea of fleeting fads and unrealistic expectations is moving in ways that feel healthy and right for each person.”
WTF is OTF?! took place in Orangetheory’s Manhattan-East 39th Street studio on Wednesday, February 28th, with doors opening at 6 pm. After the event, attendees were welcome to join Berner in a one-hour Orangetheory workout.
The event was also live-streamed on Berner’s TikTok, @hannahberner, to encourage real-time engagement and allow a broader audience to join the conversation.
This article was updated after the event.