After spending 18 years of my life staring at a straight black line on the bottom of the pool, I am constantly on the lookout for a new kind of workout to keep me entertained. Lately my exercise routine has consisted of running and some yoga, but when Nicholas’ told me about this new “ballet” type class called The Bar Method it sounded like the perfect way to shake up my cardio-coma.
The Bar Method will be opening a new studio located across from International Mall near Texas de Brazil. Fortunate for me, the studio won’t open until December, therefore Bar Method is spreading the word by offering free preview classes. Once I heard about the classes I immediately went to the website to find out more. Here I was able to find their class schedule and sign up. They offer three classes a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as two classes on Saturday mornings. With so many classes I thought it would be a breeze to get in, but I had to register a week in advance in order to hold a place.
Since I had a week leading up to my class I decided to do some research. I discovered that The Bar Method was founded in 2000 by Burr Leonard (and was pleased to find out I knew who the instructor was referring to when she said “Burr” during the class). The first studio opened in Greenwich, CT and has since expanded into numerous studios and even a line of DVDs. I also researched what to wear and expect from my first class. They suggest you wear comfortable clothing and socks, so after work I threw on my yoga pants, a tank, matching socks and was out the door.
Class began at 6:30pm, but if you’re a first timer (like me) they ask you be there 15 minutes early. They are currently holding their classes at Atelier of Dance at 1110 W Platt St. I have to be honest, I was a little bit nervous going to this class alone but I got a friendly greeting right as soon as I entered the door. I met the 2 instructors, Jeanette and Kimmy and they let me know I was going to be the only new comer to the class (awesome), but they were so great with me and made me feel comfortable. Jeanette got everything I needed and placed me near some girls that had taken the class before. The class is a full body workout, so we began with arms- some work with weights and some push ups. Being a swimmer I didn’t have much of an issue with the arm workout but then we made our way to the bar- and the pain began.
By the end of the bar workout my thighs, calves and knees were shaking. Kimmy and Jeanette let us know this was a good thing as we were “in the muscle”. The nice thing about the workout was that after you worked your body to the point of shaking you always stretched right after which provided such a relief. The whole class Kimmy and Jeanette went around to each of us moving our shoulders back, tucking our tailbone (my main issue) and pointing our toes in an effort to get our mechanics correct. The class winded down with some leg and core work and finished up with some stretching.
After the class was over, Kimmy took the time to ask me how I liked the class and talk with me a little bit more about the different workouts we did. I had such a great time at the class (although I’m sure I’ll be regretting it tomorrow) that I already signed up for my second class. I can’t wait to go back and perfect my “bar method”
While searching for Bar Method pictures I ran into these 2 gems…. You’re Welcome. – Allison
NHIE Guys 