Orangetheory Fitness opens in Algonquin

A new fitness studio with locations across the country is making its way to the Randall Road corridor.

Orangetheory Fitness opened this month in Algonquin at 1624 S. Randall Road. The fitness center is in the Algonquin Commons shopping center, with large picture windows facing the main strip so shoppers passing by can see the workouts going on inside.

Many have been wondering exactly what kind of workout happens inside.

Orangetheory Fitness offers personalized training in a group fitness setting. It is interval fitness training, mixing cardio and strength training in the 60 minutes you are in the studio.

Participants switch from cardio to strength and use the studio's treadmills, rowing machines, suspension unit systems, free weights, benches and more.

As they work out, there is upbeat music and motivational trainers are in the studio guiding and training.

Still, workers say it is something you need to experience for yourself to get the full effect.

"What I always tell people is it is unlike anything they've ever experienced before in a group fitness class," assistant studio manager Rachel Navarra said. "We have fitness coaches that are there to guide you and inspire you and be your best friend.

"People will love the sense of community that we are able to build," she said.

Navarra said that newcomers shouldn't be intimidated and are welcome to come give it a try.

"They will find out that basically everyone is in the same situation and doing the same thing. It's really great," she said.

Orangetheory Fitness is a fitness franchise that began in Florida and has spread across the country. Locally, many new locations are popping up, including the latest in Algonquin Commons.

Presently, it has nearly 650 working studios in 44 different states and in 11 different countries, according to the Orangetheory website. Along the Randall Road corridor, there is also a location in Geneva at 2401 Kaneville Road, right across from Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. That location soon will be celebrating its 2-year anniversary.

St. Charles has an Orange Theory Fitness at 124 Kirk Road.

There also is a new location coming soon to the Randall Road corridor in South Elgin at 454 Redington Drive.

For information on the new Algonquin location, call (847) 565-5711.

Bye tie-dye:

Soon you will need to find another spot to buy your room tapestries, moccasins, tie-dye T-shirts and body jewelry.

The Funky Munky store at 323 N. Randall Road in Lake in the Hills is closing soon.

Free gift wrapping:

If you're overwhelmed with Christmas shopping and can't even imagine wrapping your gifts in time for Dec. 25, there is help available in the Algonquin Commons shopping center along the Randall Road corridor. Through Dec. 23, the mall is offering free gift wrapping for all mall purchases.

From now through Dec. 22, the gift wrapping center will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. On Dec. 23, the wrapping center's hours will be 1 to 5 p.m. After that, you're on your own.

The center is between Pottery Barn and White House Black Market at 1976 S. Randall Road.

You will get boxes, bows, tags and gift wrap on your packages, and all done by elves from local charities for free. Donations are accepted.

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.