When it comes to working out, I love variety. Not only does this mean that in any given week I do a number of different types of exercise, but it also equates to me trying new workouts that peak my interest. A few months ago, I stumbled by a Bar Method studio. I had heard good things about this type of workout before, and was intrigued to try it.
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The Bar Method combines dance conditioning and isometric exercises with light weight training and more to help target and tone typical problem areas – arms, thighs, butt, abs. I decided to look into one of the studios in San Diego and try a few classes. I asked my friend Jackie to join me, and so a few nights later, I had a workout buddy to look somewhat clueless in class with….
”Nicole, tuck your hips!”
”Jackie, point your toes!”
The first Bar Method workout I did, the instructor must have corrected me 27 times, no joke (side note: I definitely prefer to be corrected and to actually learn the right form then to continue doing it wrong!). I was a competitive cheerleader for a lot of my life, not a dancer, and the idea of tucking my hips in is a bit of foreign concept to me. The Bar Method is also a very different style of working out than I usually do, and it definitely takes a bit of getting used to.
After the first class, I was really sore in a couple of pretty odd places. My achiness confirmed what I had suspected – that The Bar Method had targeted parts of my muscles that don’t typically get so much attention. Following the second class, though I definitely felt like it was as great of a toning workout as the first, I experienced no soreness at all. I always am surprised by how sore a new workout can make me, and then as equally surprised by how quickly my body adapts to that new form of exercise.
I’ve now done 3 of The Bar Method classes and am thoroughly enjoying them. Here are a few of my favorite moves from class and how to easily replicate them at home:
Standing back leg extensions: With palms down and elbows bent and out to the sides, place one hand on top of the other. Bend forward and place your hands & arms on a chair or couch in front of you, hinging at the hips. Point your toes on one leg, then extend your leg backwards until it’s in line with your upper body, as pictured. Pulse your leg for about 257 counts… okay, that may be an overestimate, but we do a TON of reps in class. Repeat the exercise until your butt is on fire, then repeat on the other side!
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Two-count Push-Ups: These are just like a regular old push up, only you lower for 2 counts (count 1- mid way down, count 2- lowered all the way), and return to your start position in 2 beats. Sounds easy, right? Try to do 30 (or more) and your arms will probably be shaking like crazy!
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Plie Squats on Toes: This is where my awkward attempt at hip tucking comes into play. Stand with the couch or chair on your right side, hand lightly gripping the furniture with a soft elbow. Stand with your legs in a wide stance, feet pointing outwards. Lift as high as you can on your toes, then begin to rep out plie squats, tucking your hips and squeezing your thighs and butt. Extend your other arm overhead.
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I love the fact that The Bar Method includes active stretching. Instead of stretching only at the beginning and end of the routine like a lot of workouts, you stretch muscles right after you train them mid-workout. For instance, immediately following push-ups, we do an overhead arm stretch.
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One thing to consider is the price to consistently do The Bar Method. Unlimited classes for a month costs $200. If I were to continue classes at the studio, I’d incorporate it into my exercise regimen as a toning workout to supplement my others workouts, and would probably go to about 10 classes a month. This would cost me $135 a month. I personally think that’s a bit expensive, especially considering that I go the gym in my neighborhood for free, and also have access to the gyms on the Marine Corps base for free. I know that a lot of specialty gyms, such as CrossFit and boxing, rival The Bar Method membership prices. However, since I don’t think that The Bar Method is a one-stop shop for my exercise regimen, I’m not sure the price is worth it to me. But, I am definitely glad to have tried this workout and will happily continue to attend classes (and improve my form!) through my trial period. 🙂
On that note, I’m off to enjoy the rest of my Sunday night!
Tey the DVDs at home if you want to continue without the high cost, I live in Ireland so there are absolutely no studios here but I like using the DVDs
Yes, that’s a fabulous idea! Think I might just do that. I also saw a Groupon for some Bar Method classes the other day, so I might keep my eye out for more of those as well.