Recently I found myself in a workout rut and with swimsuit season around the corner I knew I needed a change. I had been using ClassPass for a while to go to a couple of different gyms but found myself feeling restricted with only 10 classes a month. (Whyy did they take away ClassPass unlimited?! 😱)
Wanting to try something new, I signed up for a month of unlimited classes at the Bar Method in Tysons to experience the ultimate Yoga, Pilates, and Barre mix!
At Bar Method I participated in their "mixed classes" meaning that the class involves more than just pure Barre. Which was initially confusing to me because what in the heck is Barre any way?
Thankfully Fitness Magazine can break it down for us:
"Most barre-based classes use a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other disciplines like yoga and Pilates. The barre is used as a prop to balance while doing exercises that focus on isometric strength training (holding your body still while you contract a specific set of muscles) combined with high reps of small range-of-motion movements.
Take that mouthful of a workout add in some push-ups, planks and a short round of weighted exercises and you have the "Bar Method". This workout seemed to literally have everything I needed: strength, stretching, and booty sculpting 🍑 😏
What did I learn from my month at the tall bar?
- 4 inch heels are better in person! 👠
- Diamonds ARE a girls best friend 💎
- Postural muscles exist and mine need work 😅
- Push-ups are my friend 💪
- The Bar Method is my new favorite workout!
For any shoe lover about to try this class, get ready to do it in your "4 inch heels"; in other words on the balls of your feet! It sounds easy at first until your in a half squat trying to move an inch up/down, I'd rather have my stilettos!
(Photo Credit: Bar Method)
As for diamonds, that actually refers to a pose we do in class where your on your toes while pressing your heels together to form a "diamond" shape. This works your butt like no ones business, a bit of a balance challenge for me but totally worth it!
Like so:
(Photo Credit: Bar Method)
I've never thought I had perfect posture but now I know it needs work. Every class for the first two weeks, I was reminded to reengage my postural muscles for almost every move. I wasn't complete sure what those where until my 4th class in! Thankfully I've been improving and may even stand a bit straighter outside of class.
...doesn't everyone? While I always gave them a shot, I have never thought pushups where necessary for a good workout. If I can sweat/burn calories without them why bother?
Bar Method actually managed to change my mind. Each mixed class has about 60-80 pushups total and being forced to do them almost every day has actually made them bearable (maybe even enjoyable? .... nah).
The conclusion?... Bar method is my new best friend!!
I really enjoyed my time at the studio and I'm officially addicted to the workout! If you have any questions feel free to comment or check out their website -->(Here)
