By Erin Lavan | Associate Publisher

DiningOut chatted with Orangetheory Instructor Anna Level at the downtown location.

Tell us about the fundamentals of the Orangetheory workout.

It’s heart rate-based, five-interval training designed to keep your heart rate up. When you are in the “orange,” you’re getting a high-intensity workout. This means you’re using 84-percent of your heart rate, creating a 24-36 hour afterburn. It’s about pushing yourself and knowing your body. The workout is unique because of the heart conditioning, and when you tailor your workout to your heart, the benefits are great.

How did you train to become an instructor?

Well, I was already a personal trainer, which you have to be. You need to have a certain level of knowledge to begin with. Then I trained at a franchise in Fort Lauderdale. They train you to put all your knowledge into interval training. I like to call it multi-tasking—one week, 8-10 hours of training involving TRX, treadmill, rowing machine, weights, using templates, and adjusting them according to clientele.

How long has the downtown location been open?

September 6 is our one-year anniversary.

Congratulations. How has the first year been at the downtown location?  

The progression has been night and day. It is more refined now than when we first started, and the growth downtown is tremendous. We probably have close to 700 members downtown.

Tell us about your biggest success story.

When we open, we always do a weight loss challenge. At the downtown location, our winner lost about 50 pounds and won $2500. It’s about lifestyle—we encourage them to eat well, too. It’s about body fat, not necessarily weight loss.

Where is the next location?  

We are looking to open in Brickell.

What kind of a diet do you follow/recommend to your clients?  Do you ever dine out? 

I eat three meals a day and a small snack in between. I try to keep my metabolism moving by eating a little all day. It’s true what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You wouldn’t leave your house without brushing your teeth, so teach your body to need breakfast. You need to fuel your tank with food, or it shuts down and so does your metabolism. Hydration is very important as well. It’s okay to eat out, just make the best choices possible.

What is your favorite restaurant in Miami?  

Perricone’s is my favorite restaurant.

Orangetheory Downtown Miami {244 Biscayne Boulevard in the Vizcayne Building, Miami; 786.431.0294; orangetheoryfitness.com/downtown-miami}