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The Stories
A Bar Method Transformation: Meet Emily!
September 24, 2018
“If you’re not excited about it, it’s not the right path”- Abraham Hicks. How many of you wake up each morning excited to get your workout in? At The Bar Method, we believe that you deserve to look forward joining us for class. Working out should never be a chore, so we strive to create a community with classes that keep you coming back for more. Today, we introduce you to Emily, a Bar Method client who struggled maintaining consistency in her fitness journey until she found The Bar Method. Continue reading to see what Emily loves about The Bar Method and how it has changed her life for the better.
Have you heard the joke about the girl who walked into a bar? Well this story is about a different type of bar – The Bar Method! Barre workouts have been the trendy workout for a few years now, and it just so happens that it’s the first workout I’ve ever done for more than a few weeks in a row!
I’ve struggled with weight for longer than I can remember and haven’t been smaller than a size 16 since probably middle school. Even in elementary school, I was always the tallest and biggest kid in class. My weight never held me back but I always wished of being thinner. Growing up, I was always on a swim team; I joined a local synchronized team and swam competitively in high school, but once I went to college, swimming phased out and I never filled the void with any other sort of physical activity. All throughout my twenties, my weight fluctuated with various fad diets and short bouts of gym commitments.
Then one day in March 2015, I decided to try this new workout studio called The Bar Method. I did ballet as a kid so I assumed that would help me in some way since this was a workout based around a ballet barre. I researched the workout on their website page by page, psyched myself up, signed up for class, and got my yoga pants ready to go!
When I walked into the studio I was greeted by the instructors. The studio was beautiful and clean with some fancy spa vibes. I purchased some cute grippy socks, grabbed my two- and three-pound weights and chose a spot near the back corner of the room thinking maybe no one would notice me there.
The class began and I was in for a rude awakening as to how out of shape I was. It may look easy but my legs felt like noodles mid-way thru class. During stretch at the barre, I had to use a lower barre because I had zero flexibility and could barely get my leg up to hip height. I was definitely the biggest girl in class, but I never once felt judged or looked down on. Everyone was so encouraging, including the instructors, and after I successfully finished my first class, I felt so accomplished while I was standing there dripping in sweat.
Over the course of the next few months, I really started noticing changes in my body. My flexibility was improving—so much so that I graduated to the tall barre. My debilitating back pain I was experiencing from my desk job had subsided and my core strength really began to improve. I felt strong, powerful and proud during class. My posture improved and each week I noticed improvements in my endurance, flexibility and well-being overall.
My first year of doing Bar Method, I attended two to three classes a week, which was more than I had ever done consistently in my life, but I knew if I wanted to see more significant changes., I would need to do more. In 2017 I began going four to six times a week, which meant making myself a priority and sometimes saying no to other plans with friends and family when they would invite me to do things on weeknights. This was especially challenging for me because I definitely suffer from FOMO but putting myself first was the only way I was going to see any results. Besides, it’s only an hour out of your day!
At the same time I increased my weekly classes, I also started eating healthier and immediately began to see the weight melt off. Over the next nine months, I lost over 40 pounds and 30 inches! As the inches melted off, I definitely started noticing I could do certain parts of class easier and better. As my stomach and waist areas got smaller, I was able to do the core exercises with better form and felt the exercises differently than I had in the past. Seeing results definitely inspired me to work harder in class and stick to eating healthier.
Back in October, I took things one step further and tried a Bar Move class which is cardio-based and very fast paced. When I successfully completed my first Bar Move class, I stood there dripping in sweat, breathing heavily, but feeling so accomplished and strong. It’s always scary to try something new, even a barre class, but now it’s something I look forward to each week! Bar Move is the one hour each week where I’m challenged more physically and mentally to finish strong and I never regret going.
It’s hard to remember where I started in my barre journey and I never thought I would be able to progress as far as I have. I now stand proudly at the tall barre, I make it through all of thigh without coming out, my leg is higher in fold-over and arabesque, I don’t need as many mini mats during floor exercises, I can do push-ups from the balls of my feet, and so many more things that I never would’ve guessed I could achieve after my first class three years ago. I can only imagine how far I’ll continue to improve and progress as I continue to embrace the shake at The Bar!
10 Reasons I Love The Bar Method
1.You never get bored. Every class is different which keeps things fun. While the overall layout and flow of the classes are the same, the specific thigh, seat, and ab sets change so you never know what is up next. I think this also makes your favorite exercises more special because you only do them once a week or so (pretzel days are my fav!).
2.You’ll leave class feeling encouraged. One of my favorite things about my Bar Method studio is the community of women who lift each other up and encourage one another. I’ve never once felt judged or looked down on by anyone and the instructors are always there to show you how to improve.
3.Class is never easy. Even after three and a half years of taking barre classes I haven’t plateaued or ever thought class was easy. Class actually gets harder because with more practice, the easier it is to get right into the exercise which pushes you to reach new heights! There are always new ways to improve and new goals you can achieve.
4.The mind/body connection. It’s easy to just go through the motion of class and zone out. Staying present is essential and makes class so much more effective. Our instructors remind us of this often because they can tell when we aren’t tuned in to class. When I’m really concentrating on the exercising and my form, I get so much more out of class and feel even more accomplished when it’s over.
5.There are always ways to improve. One of the greatest things about Bar Method is that no matter how many classes you take, there are always ways to improve and get better. Whether you’re working on better posture, better form, going beyond your challenge point, or doing push-ups from the balls of your feet, there is always something you can work on to do better.
6.Modifications are key. One of my favorite things about The Bar Method are the modifications. If you have a previous injury, there’s a modification you can do to prevent pain in class. If you’re pregnant, there are modifications. If for some reason you can’t do a certain exercise, there’s another one you could do to ensure an effective workout. So many options!
7.The instructors are amazing. From day one, I was always impressed with the instructors at my studio. I know they have gone through rigorous training and are well-versed on human anatomy where they know off the top of their heads how to help you during class modify or adjust to keep us safe. Their hands-on approach really makes all the difference.
8.Options, options, options. Not only are two classes never the same, but there are also options available to challenge you even more. At first these options may sound impossible, but believe me, eventually you can conquer anything you put your mind to! The first time I tried doing push-ups from the balls of my feet, I felt proud and unstoppable! Start small by just doing a few reps to see how far you can push yourself, but always try the options when given the opportunity!
9.There is no age limit. The Bar Method is great for any and all ages. At my studio, there is quite a wide range of ladies from high school all the way up to 70 years old. It’s so inspiring to go through class with strong women (and sometimes a few men) who are in so many different stages of life.
10.It really works! Like any exercise routine, if you commit to it and do it on a regular basis, you will see results! Be determined to commit to going to class three to five times a week and make time for you! I really started noticing changes in my body when I took class three to five times a week. I felt so proud when I started noticing my body looking more toned. My arms were toned, my thighs were thinning, my seat was lifting and my waist was shrinking! Hard work and dedication will definitely pay off and help you reach your goals!
