Confirmed: The Bar Method REALLY IS a lovely addition to our neighborhood -- and my health.
It's the 3rd of July and 35 classes later, I'm as shocked as I am thrilled to report that since I started on May 10th, I've met my goal of taking five classes a week -- a huge shift from exercising zero times a week. Here is my update:
Changes In Shape:
While the scale hasn't shown massive drops (have lost 3-4 lbs.), my body is changing.The most noticeable changes are in my arms -- visible definition in the bicep/tricep region -- a big difference and stunning to consider it's happened so quickly. My shoulders also look different (in a good way). And I can attest The Bar Method's "seat-lifting" claims are legit -- things are on the rise. I also see the first hints of changes in my legs, which were very out of shape and not at all strong. There is significant improvement in the toning of my legs -- one that I can honestly say I've never experienced before. It feels great! I am stronger -- a lot stronger. What used to be utterly soft is firming, and rapidly. And while all of these shape changes may not necessarily be visible to others (as my size has not yet dramatically decreased), I am thrilled because I feel fantastic in my own body. I know how good this is for my body, my muscles, my bones. I have read on a blog of the Bar Method's founder (Burr Leonard) that it is common, when just a few months into this regular workout, for folks to experience an initial bulking-up as muscles formerly ignored begin to "sit up" and attract water. She swears up and down that if you stick with this exercise, after another few months those same muscles will "wrap around the bones" thus giving a more lengthened and toned appearance. If that should happen, fantastic! And if it doesn't, less-fantastic but still fantastic. Being strong and healthy and vital is a higher prize than a smaller pair of jeans (but that would also be nice, Universe, just to clarify).
Changes In Strength:
Phenomenal. I have an incredibly weak lower back -- one that has never allowed me to do sit-ups/curls without (almost) instant pain. In the past when I worked with personal trainers, we had to create a number of modifications for me to do push-ups, curls, etc. without injuring my lower back. And planking? Forget about it. That was an instant pain and fragility-alert. I'm not quite sure how it's all been working over the last few months of Bar Method workouts, but this week ... for the first time ever, I've been able to transition from push-ups on my knees to push-ups on my toes. I may not stay on my toes during the entire set, but hell ... "progress, not perfection" is good enough for me as long as I stay headed in the same direction. This week I was also able to sustain a 30-second plank for the first time. This leads me to believe my abdominals and/or lower back are really getting stronger. This workout (especially the "thigh" and "seat" work) is relentless. But it also seems SO economical in that, I can't imagine what else I could be doing for just an hour 5x a week that would bring such significant changes in my body after two months. A decade ago, I ran two marathons. NONE of that training gave me the strength that I have now.
Overall Fitness:
I have never done any one exercise 5x a week, but the Bar Method is compelling (and addicting). Do I feel strong and fit? Yes. Do I get a lovely wash of endorphins at the end of each class? Yes (and that alone is worth the price of admission). Do I feel I could run the mile to class from my home without getting winded? No. I realize the class indeed gets my heart rate up, so there is definitely an interval/cardio component, but I do not feel that cardio fitness agility/lightness that comes from movement. And while that element is missing, what I do get that feels like a huge compliment to my fitness is all the stretching that takes place during class. The balance between strengthening and stretching the muscles is just a brilliant combo. I definitely feel more "in my body" at all times now and feel taller, or more aware of my posture. It all feels good.
I haven't determined if I'll continue with classes or work out solo with their DVDs. I'm not confident with my form (as it's decidedly wonky still), but I'm also not certain I can offer the 4-month commitment they require to take advantage of their $175 monthly unlimited package. I'll be doing their DVD for the next few weeks while away from the studio and if that keeps me going, perhaps I'll take that route. But if I don't continue with in-class workouts, it's not just the excellent teaching and personal corrections/attention I'll miss. It's also the lovely studio atmosphere, the view of the trees from the studio windows, the camaraderie of the other students and warmth of the daily greetings given by Becky and Elyse -- just an incredibly warm, friendly and kind staff! Five stars all the way around. read more