5 Reasons I Love The Bar Method

Confession: I am addicted to The Bar Method. After many years of competitive team sports, my knees began to suffer. It was time to find a low-impact exercise regime that satisfied me just as much as the playing field. On a whim five years ago, while residing in Baton Rouge, LA, I took my first Bar Method class. Never having stepped foot into a dance studio before, my initial thought was, “am I qualified for this,” followed by, “will this be challenging enough?” Needless to say, I was hooked after the first class, and boy was I WRONG that the workout would emulate a ballet lesson! Although I could go on forever, below are five reasons I love TBM.

 

 

They just “Get It”

Although I just turned 30, but my joints feel older. Home girl CANNOT exercise on hardwood floors. Just NO. Some barre classes cover the floor with a pretty new carpet, minus one thing: the padding. Ladies and gents, the carpet at the Bar Method is “hella” padded. And for this, I’ll be forever grateful. For those of you with tender wrists, or delicate knees, I can assure you that you’ll be comfortable throughout pushups and while kneeling at the bar. Lastly, feet are weird. Socks that cover your entire foot are required to take class. Thanks for nipping that in the butt!

 

 

Targets All Muscle Groups

I like to say that my muscles are always confused. Just when I think I’m used to the exercise sequence, I’m sore the next day. Simply put, one does not plateau from The Bar Method. Rather, the more familiar you become with the exercises, the better your form gets. I wish I had a picture of old me attempting fold-over (five years ago) versus now. Or maybe I don’t! Regardless, it is precisely the reason students of TBM all have that coveted “bar bod.” Strong arms, rock hard abs, and a lifted seat – check!

 

 

Instructors are Rigorously Trained

The instructors have to earn the right to teach. There is no such thing as a “weekend certification” program at The Bar Method. It is only after three to six months of anatomy tests, hands-on adjustments, evaluations, etc., that they are given the green light to lead their first class. It sounds strict but it’s all for the clients’ benefit. And whether or not there is a section in the official Bar Method instructor handbook, they all have a special ability to learn names freakishly fast. No joke, five minutes into the workout and they know the class roster up and down. This personalized instruction guarantees a safe and effective workout at an individual basis.

 

 

Strengthens Mind-body Connection

I am not a very spiritual person. I have never experienced a moment of “zen.” I’m way too hyper to meditate, but The Bar Method has singlehandedly strengthened my mind-body connection. It is here where I retreat to, to let go of all the stressors and workday chaos. In fact, some of my most inspiring blog posts have “come to me” right in the middle of my workout. If that is not a good enough reason to take class every day, I don’t know what is!

 

 

Alleviates Joint Pain

Five years ago I was relying too much on Aleve. My knee pain was consistently bad. I guess that’s what happens when you play field hockey competitively most of your life. Aside from the health repercussions of taking NSAIDs regularly, I was fed up with feeling physically restricted. After several months of attending class three to five times per week, my knee pain SIGNIFICANTLY improved. Fast forward to 2018 and my knee pain is 90% better. My insurance company should probably be reimbursing me for my monthly membership fee! It is no secret that TBM exercises work to strengthen the muscles around your joints, and I’m a walking testimonial as to how advantageous this can be.

 

 

In case it was not obvious enough, I genuinely look forward to taking class at the Marina Studio Monday-Friday. In fact, my body craves it. To me, The Bar Method is so much more than a full body workout – it is a lifestyle. Here I am at the start of 2018, and I am the strongest version of myself. For that I give kudos to TBM! If you want to become the most fit version of yourself, click here to find one of the 114 studios across the US near you. But don’t forget to take advantage of the new client special! For a limited time only, RECEIVE TWO WEEKS FREE when you sign up for an introductory offer! Click here for the details. San Francisco marina chicks, join me at The Bar Method Marina for six weeks of unlimited classes for a whopping $49. What else can you get for less than $50?! One salad at Blue Barn costs $25…race you there!

 

 

Shop the Post:

Striped Pants c/o K-DEER | Tank (similar) | Sneakers (similar)