This morning, I decided to sleep in for a bit instead of attending Fitness Boot Camp. Then through the day I felt slightly guilty, so I decided to try out a Bar Method class after work.
According to the website, the Bar Method is a body sculpting workout that
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.
(Wait, where’s the part where they promise me the moon?)
Just kidding. I’ve read a lot about the Bar Method (mostly good, with a few lukewarm reviews), and I’ve been interested in adding Bar Method workouts to supplement the Fitness Boot Camp. The only thing holding me back from the Bar Method is the cost. Each class costs $20+, even if I buy multi-class packages, the classes will still be around $18 or $19. But I decided to take the class once and see how I feel, then make a decision.
And, let me tell you…. the workout is HARD. It doesn’t seem hard, because it’s no-impact (no jumping, no cardio), you just wear socks, and you work with very light weights (2-3 pounds). My body was burning through the exercises. When do 20-30 repetitions with each tiny movement, your muscles will get exhausted. And when your muscles get exhausted, they will shake. I shook a lot.
Looking in the class, about 90% of the students are in great amazing shape – they are all long and lean and slim, like ballet dancers. I saw this one lady who was about my size, very petite. Even though we might wear the same size in clothing, it’s clear that she has the tone and definition (and, judging by how calmly she held her plank, the strength) that I dream about.
I really like the after work exercise option, so I might try to figure out how to add Bar Method into my schedule (and more seriously, my budget). My ideal exercise schedule would be Fitness Boot Camp 4 mornings a week, then the Bar Method twice on weeknights, and once on weekends. I also found a Tai Chi class that I really want to try, so that might become an occasional exercise as well. The Bar Method might deliver everything that they’ve promised, but I don’t think it’s a class I can do just on its own. It’s also probably not a replacement for cardio.
My Bar Method instructor said that most students see a difference in their body after a month of consistent classes (3 – 5 times a week). There is a new client special of $100 for a month of unlimited classes… I am going to see if I can make it to 3 Bar Method classes a week, if so, I will consider getting the pass.
If you have tried the Bar Method, let me know your thoughts! What type of results did you see, how long have you been doing it, what’s your favorite exercise?
image source: barmethod.com
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I LOVE bar method, but sadly, can not afford to take them regularly. There's one right across the street from my office though, which would make either a pre-work or post-work work out really easy.
The Bar Method is so expensive, isn't it? For $20 it's almost double the price of most other fitness classes. There's a studio really close to my work as well, which is one reason why I decided to try it out. It would be very convenient…
I have to admit, I exercise solely for the reason of getting fit…but I can't help but wonder why my legs aren't getting any more toned! I guess I'm fairly thin anyway, but I wouldn't mind a bit of definition…
I definitely want to work my triceps more (have a bit of the wobbly upper arm) and more crunches – I remember what a flat stomach I used to have when I would do situps while watching TV. Ha!
I've read that planks are one of the best ways to get your core in shape (can you tell I'm a little be in awe of the plank?). You can also do side planks to work your obliques: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqzrb67Dwf8
Oh man! You pretty much have me sold on the idea. We have some great group exercise classes at the university sports rec center, but no Bar Method classes. I'm excited for next semester because there will be small tone up for spring break classes where each student will get more individualized attention from the instructor. I think that will be kind of cool. Some day I look forward to joining a real gym with amazing classes like you're able to take! Good luck!
Try Core Fusion at Exhale! Its the same style of class and very intense. There are different membership packages and I only belong to my local club, which is $150 a month for unlimited classes. The instructors are great, very enthusiastic and helpful. I haven’t been to Bar Method so I can’t compare, but I’ve been very happy at Core Fusion. You can email me if you have more questions.
I would love to try CoreFusion, unfortunately there's nothing near my apartment or work. And realistically, I am not going to drive an hour to go work out. I have heard VERY good things about CoreFusion, though, so I'm a little bummed.
I know someone who teaches Bar Method but I have yet to try it. I try to workout 3x a week: cardio kickboxing class, weightlifting class & bootcamp class. I did yoga for a while and want to get back into it, but it doesn’t give me the high that other classes do! I’ve always been fit and in shape, but I’d like to gain more muscle! Good luck, and trying new things is always fun
Wow, you are really going for it with this fitness stuff. Good for you!!
We have a Pure Barre here opening in January. One of my Yoga teachers is t4eaching there, too. I'm looking forward to checking it out!
Let me know how Pure Barre is!
This sounded fabulous, so I went to check out the website and see if there are Bar Method classes in NYC. There are… but their new client special is 30 days for $250!!! Huge price difference.
Yeps, the NYC prices are unbelievable.
How about DVDs? I own several Pure Barre DVD and Core Fusion Exhale DVDs. They run from $12.00-$20.00 on Amazon and you can do them over and over in the privacy of your home. They are pretty thorough and seem to be effective…I didn't stick with them long enough but plan on trying again. Just another option.
DVDs are great, but I know that if I didn't have an instructor there I would not push through the different exercises as much as I had.. especially when it comes to those planks!
I would sleep in too instead of going to the boot camp. And I would not feel guilty.
__No gym offers here a bar class. Sounds interesting… all we get here is Zumba, kickboxing and all the regular stuff (pilates, yoga and body pump).
I thought this was a personal finance blog. . . . .
Wow, I would like to try that bar method. But since I'm a mom I need to find time to squeeze that in or ask my husband to change his basketball workouts schedules. I'm really convinced with your post. Hope I can start soon as possible!
Thanks!