Been meaning to write this for ages, but now that I'm getting more than 2 consecutive hours of sleep a night (wait, did I really just type that!?) I must! I started Bar Method back in August of 2012, when my first child was about 10 months. After my first class (which was a gift from my husband, don't judge, I asked for it!) I couldn't make it up the stairs to my house (we only have 3 steps). I was hooked instantly and told all of my friends about my new found obsession. I had danced my way through high school and college but after a back injury and my first kiddo my fitness went out the window and so did my flexibility. Bar Method targeted muscles I never knew I had and literally changed the shape of my legs. I had always hated my thighs and after a few months of classes I remember trying on a pair of shorts and doing a double take. The back of my legs weren't all lumpy anymore but actually felt flat. I'm sure there's a technical term for that, but you know what I mean. Major change!!
When I found out I was pregnant with number two I knew I had to commit to continuing my classes. Both of my pregnancies I've had hyperemesis gravidum (made famous by Princess Kate) that requires me to be on a zofran pump, but I was still determined that I would keep working out. OB approved I made it to classes whenever I could. My OB loved the idea of a low impact workout that I could tailor to my growing body. Even with sneaking out during abs (because that wouldn't be pretty) I always felt better and stronger after each class. I continued until my doctor told me I needed to stay put (about 34 weeks) and vowed to start back up as soon as I could. I credit Bar Method to my second delivery being crazy fast with a quick recovery. As my husband likes to say, baby #2 was express delivery service, with no doctor making it in time and barley a chance to slip out of my forgiving lulu pants and into a gown! Pretty sure my calm attitude and breathing during delivery was all credited to Bar, who needs Lamaze!? I'll never forget my husband exclaiming "it's a boy." My response was "I feel so much better!" Recovery was awesome, in and out of the hospital in 24 hours, a completely different experience then my first baby. Six weeks after baby arrived I was ready to start back but with two little ones couldn't get out that much. I began using the "Dancers Body" DVD at home with a bar and although I'd rather be in class, the at home option is great for a mom with little ones and some free nap time. Within 2 weeks I started losing the baby weight, finishing Marnie Alton's sentences, and not laughing out loud at the "standing split" option. Once I got back into the actual studio I dropped the last stubborn pounds and felt myself toning again. When my fiends talk about fears of having more children because of the wear and tear on their bodies I tell them about Bar Method! Their husband's reallllly appreciate this ("wait, what, you want another one!?"). I love how the instructors know your name and can help you with adjustments throughout class to ensure you get the best workout for you. The modifications available and the optional challenges are so wonderful. It's so nice to do a workout where I can protect my old back injury and push myself in other areas where I feel stronger without causing pain. I'm so impressed with how Bar helped me with pregnancy, delivery and now getting back into shape that I may even consider #3 read more