Orangetheory Fitness is preparing to open its first studio in Visalia, with a grand opening planned for mid or late September. The new location will be at 3718 S. Mooney Blvd., near the Walmart Supercenter.
Sabrina Pendergast, owner and operator of the Visalia franchise, described Orangetheory as “a 1-hour, full-body workout with a focus on training endurance, strength and power.”
“It’s designed for all levels of fitness,” Pendergast said. “If you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran athlete, anyone can do Orangetheory because it’s at your own pace. We are here to guide you through different intensities based on you, and to give you options and guidance for a safe and effective workout.”
Members wear heart rate monitors that connect to equipment and screens in the studio to monitor intensity in real time. This approach is intended to help participants avoid overtraining or undertraining.
The Visalia studio covers 2,400 square feet and operates as a boutique fitness space. It currently employs two coaches, including Pendergast herself, along with six front desk associates.
Pendergast has been involved with Orangetheory since moving to California nine years ago. She started as a sales associate at the Fresno location before becoming certified as a coach and advancing into management roles. She eventually managed six locations across Arizona and California prior to purchasing her own franchise.
She noted that interest in group training remains strong even after disruptions caused by COVID-19.
“We are a reprieve from the day’s demands,” Pendergast said. “This gives them the opportunity to move their bodies and focus on themselves and check their stress at the door.”
Renovation work began in April on the former El Rosal restaurant site and took about ten weeks to complete.
According to Pendergast, clients include both men and women across various age groups—from teenagers to senior citizens. A couple hundred members have already preregistered for classes, with more inquiries coming in daily.
The grand opening event will include a parking lot party featuring food vendors as well as other health and fitness businesses from the area.
