30 Day Trial, My Review:
Background on me: 53 yrs old, 5'5" tall, 145-150 lbs, high cholesterol and blood sugar, low bone density (osteopenia), Doctor's advice: eat healthy and exercise daily.
I don't enjoy "pure exercise" for exercise's sake, but I bellydance one a week, workout with a trainer once a week, and try to work in walks when I can, and sometimes go to Zumba at a gym. This year I am making a real effort to do something 5 days a week at least, and my friend gave me this trial membership to Bar Method Long Beach, and we did it together. Today was our last day.
I highly recommend having a "buddy" to work out with, it helped me alot. The facility in Long Beach is very nice, small but very clean and attractive, almost spa-like, with a small locker room with two showers and amenities. The workout room has heavily padded carpeting, which makes the exercising more comfortable and enjoyable. The instructors and staff are friendly and professional overall, (especially enjoyed classes with Jo, Saudia, Andrea and Heidi). They learn your name immediately, and give personal attention to your form in class.
The workout itself was very challenging for me, and I can't say I "enjoyed" it, because I really don't like to exercise. But I felt a real sense of accomplishment after each class, and got more comfortable with the moves as time went on, we went 3-4 times a week, occasionally more. It never got easier. I am not flexible in my hips, so I could not do certain things, and had to modify, which they will help you do. I often could not complete all the reps without taking a breather for a second or two. My nick name for this program is "the butt clenching method."
My results:
I did not lose any weight (about 20 classes completed), and I may or may not have lost a half inch around my waist. I did not modify my diet.
I do feel stronger and more connected and solid through my abs and my butt and thighs. I am not sure if others would notice it, but I can feel it. My nephew did ask me if I had been working out, said I looked like I had lost weight. My clothes are not looser, but may fit slightly differently. I really do feel that my posture has improved noticeably, and I seem to have more stamina.
I think that if I could continue this program, I would see more results in a couple months. Unfortunately at the moment, I can't afford this workout. I will try to keep myself in shape other ways, and then perhaps in the future, I may be able to come back to Bar Method Long Beach. If you compare the price with hiring a trainer for 3 or more days a week, Bar Method is a good deal ($175 a month for unlimited classes, with a 4 months commitment), but just not in my budget now. It has motivated me to keep going with my fitness goals. The thing that might keep me from coming back is that I really do enjoy dancing more than this type of exercise, and more cardio is good for me too. Am I happy or sad to be leaving Bar Method after 30 days? the answer is "both". I am very glad I did it, but it was really hard. I may be back . . . read more