I am so excited to welcome my first guest blogger, Steph (of http://haygirlhay.tumblr.com/)! Steph is a regular visitor to the Bar Method classes in DC and gives her review below, sounds like a killer class, definitely worth a visit!
REVIEW:
Having been at this game since the DC studio opened in July, I feel like I can give this class my wholehearted endorsement. Real talk, I love it and it’s pushed me horrifyingly close to being one of those people who “likes working out." Ew? Who am I?
I haven’t tried any of the other barre-type classes, but from what I know, Bar Method is the granddaddy of them all. The OG, if you will. What is it? According to the website, the Bar Method ”integrates the fat burning format of interval training, the muscle shaping technique of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning, and the science of physical therapy to create a revolutionary new workout that quickly and safely reshapes your entire body.“ And in English: the hour-long class begins with a warm-up, then moves through an arm segment with light weights, push ups, thigh, seat, and abs, with deep stretching throughout.
You get to wear socks on plush carpet and that’s kind of fun. The classes are capped at about 15 people, so it’s small enough for the instructor to know your name and keep an eye on you. No hiding! They’re not afraid to call you out or adjust you, and it’s always done in an encouraging manner. I totally appreciate the supportive environment; it’s easy to be intimidated by lithe Lululemon clones, but don’t be. In my experience they couldn’t be nicer or less judgey.
Form is key, and a lot of the positions feel unnatural so it might take you a few classes to get the hang of it and know what you’re looking for. That’s okay, I flailed around like an idiot the first couple of weeks (and uh, sometimes still do). The focus is on tiny, controlled movements that only look like they’ll be cake. Don’t be deceived – when you have to do them for minutes at a time those one-inch repetitions will have you trembling and sweating like a wild beast.
More importantly, they work. Really. Like with any exercise, consistency matters, but I have seen fantastic results from the time I’ve put in. Bar Method claims to give its clients "sculpted arms, flat abs, a lifted seat, and elongated thighs” and while using the word seat causes involuntarily eye roll, they’re not wrong; though I haven’t actually lost any weight (hi there copious amounts of mac and cheese), there has been a definite change in the shape of my body. My thighs and butt are separate entities again! Nothing else I’ve tried has been as flab-blasting. Hate you/love you pretzel.
It’s also worth noting that the workout is incredibly low impact (great for people with injuries) and moves are completely adaptable to any fitness level – while tough, they’re all manageable for beginners and then it’s up to you to challenge yourself when you’re ready. As someone who plateaus easily, this is awesome. After nearly five months I have yet to consider a single class “easy.”
Interested? Try a single class for $10. You’ll feel awkward. You’ll use muscles you weren’t aware you had. You’ll be cripplingly sore in those places later. And if you’re like me, the results will have you sickly addicted to the pain and coming back for more.
For more info and studio locations click here.
PS – If any of you decide to check out the DC studio, tell Kate I said hi and that I sent you!!!
(image via: http://www.barmethod.com/)
Thanks Steph! Followers, have you tired Bar Method? What did you think?
