On March 20th, Chicago Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a “stay at-home” order due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Ashley Sunderhaus, an OrangeTheory Fitness Coach and personal trainer was not able to go to work on March 17th, when OrangeTheory decided to temporarily shut down for the safety of staff and members. Originally, this “stay at-home” order was set until April 7th. Now, on May 1st, she still has not been to work at OrangeTheory.

The governor continues to update Chicago, but as of now the modified order will continue until May 30th.

“It’s just hard. How will I know when I can see my members again? How will anyone truly know? This is an invisible battle,” Sunderhaus said.

I talked to her about her experience working from home, despite having such a hands-on career.

This pandemic has impacted workers nationwide, but for an interactive coach like Ashley Sunderhaus, the work can still be done virtually.

OrangeTheory Fitness shares at-home workouts everyday that are accessible through YouTube.  Members have been able to use these workouts at home and share their results via OrangeTheory Fitness Instagram accounts.

For instance on the Orland Park OTF Instagram, they post challenges, results, funny videos at home, and more to stay interactive with the OTF community.

Ashley Sunderhaus continues to train virtually. She will send workouts to her clients through videos or even Zoom calls. She discussed how lucky she is to have known most of her clients now and know what workouts at home will be best for them.

Sunderhaus has also been training at home with our mother. This gives them an opportunity to bond and do what Ashley loves from the safety of our home.

“I love to help her. I miss my clients, but working with my mom at home has been a blessing in disguise,” Sunderhaus said.

Overall, Ashley Sunderhaus and OrangeTheory Fitness Community emphasis the importance that, “We are all in this together.”