Google reviewers rate the Santee location 4.9 out of 5 based on 294 reviews, with the owner responding to 37 percent of feedback. Positive comments frequently highlight welcoming staff, energetic coaching, and a strong sense of community that encourages consistent attendance. However, lower-rated reviews criticize the strict cancellation policies, perceived predatory billing practices, and inadequate parking availability, which some customers found frustrating during their initial visits.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Amazing coaches and staff! Glad to have incorporated OTF into my routine for over two years now. Different workouts every day and fire music playlists are great for coming back consistently.
I love everything about this place. OTF LA MESA one big happy family. Otf will change your life, worth every penny.
Love Orangetheory La Mesa!!!!!! Amazing coaches, staff, and members! Home away from home. Everyone needs to try it! In the words of former Coach Rob “you don’t know until you go!” 🧡🧡🧡
It's cool
Orangetheory is truly the best part of my day! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with such warmth and positive energy. Anna, the manager, does an incredible job creating a welcoming, motivating community where everyone feels supported. Brandon and Arahia at check-in are always friendly, helpful, and genuinely happy to see you. The coaches are absolutely incredible knowledgeable, encouraging, and somehow able to push you beyond what you thought you could do while still making every workout fun. No matter your fitness level, they make you feel capable and celebrated. This studio is so much more than a gym it feels like a family. I can’t recommend it enough!
Went to do an intro class but NEVER went in. Watched a middle aged woman through the glass try over and over to keep up with the rest of the aggressive group. I knew this was fast paced but not pass/fail SOLO as this poor lady was. She got crushed and left in the dust and had to go do something else because she couldn't keep up. ALL I SAW WAS SHAME IN HER EYES. Why is this so popular if it's SO solo sink or swim? I don't want "disconnected bootcamp". I had to "Karen" about this place because it came SOOO highly recommended. All I saw was shame on a persons face for not being able to keep up and fit in.
This is one of the most unprofessional locations I have ever been to. I have loved Orangetheory and wanted to bring a family member to try their first free class. However, traffic was horrible And once we arrive to the location, there was no parking. They canceled her free class and told us we’d have to pay $30 in order for her to take it because they could not give her the tour. I’ve seen this done multiple times where a tour can be given after if they want “sell” the person. What they did not realize is that I have advocated for this establishment SO MUCH because of how much I loved it but the way that this was handled horrible. I would not recommend coming here until they change or improve their parking and are more upfront than saying that we could come to the class 15 minutes ahead of time but once we arrive that we’re no longer to take it. The worker was rude and after discussion was told “if it’s the big of a deal” when you don’t realize people pay money. $160 a month. Yes it is a big deal.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. For all first-time guests, we require arrival 30 minutes before class so we can provide a thorough introduction to our equipment, discuss any injuries or limitations, and learn about their fitness goals. This orientation is an important part of the Orangetheory experience and helps ensure every new member has a safe, comfortable, and successful first class. When your family member booked the class, our associate explained this arrival requirement. The policies are also addressed in the confirmations we send. Unfortunately, because you arrived well after the required check-in time, we were unable to provide the introductory session before class began. While we understand that traffic and parking can be frustrating, we must apply this policy consistently to all first-timers. We're also sorry to hear that you felt our communication came across as dismissive. That is never the experience we want anyone to have, especially a member who has supported and recommended our studio. Your feedback regarding the interaction has been shared with our team, and we will use it as an opportunity to reinforce the level of professionalism and care we strive to provide. We hope to welcome you back in the future.
The coaches and the staff here are super friendly and welcoming, highly recommended for a super good workout with positive vibes!
I was in town visiting and had the chance to take two classes with Anna B. I like how she motivated me by name and had a fire playlist.
Do NOT sign an agreement/ multiple month contact if you are a newbie to exercise and studios like me. Save yourself money and extreme stress. My experience with this studio's management has been the worst customer experience. They only care about getting paid for the six months you signed. Pro tip: if you're sore for a week and have a medical emergencies in your first month of signing up. ****Just show up for 12 classes your first month, so you are able to get out while you can. Do not be deceived into a pause. They'll dodge you and you'll have to track management. They will not call you back. They will not bother to remind you of the 12 class minimum that's in the contract, that you signed, that will be used against you to pay 6 months of something you didn't use. Like me. Additionally they switched managers when I signed up in January. Old and new manager just said the same thing. You signed a contract x100. If they want to with hold a clause in your interest they will. I would have had a better experience if I had felt that they cared like they make it seem at first. Really wish I would have been told of the 12 classes so I could have down graded like I wanted to in week TWO. Done the work outs at a pace that worked for me. Given me more time to adapt.