My love affair with Bar Method began over five years ago. Thatâs me, below, after attending classes for six months at the Yaletown Studio. I came across this picture last fall while scrolling through old photos and was amazed that: 1) I was that fit, and 2) I had ever stopped going to Bar Method!
Me: Five years ago after doing Bar Method for six months.
Looking back, this was probably because of changes in my schedule. I was taking on different work contracts and my son started swimming competitively. As with many of us, once a regular routine is broken it can be difficult to start back up. Iâm sure I told myself I would swim or run in its place; which I did, but never to the same level of commitment or enjoyment I had when attending Bar Method.
Fast-forward five years, and I am now in my mid-forties. Like many women as we age; I find that my bodyâs weight distribution is changing. Iâve always been fairly lean with toned arms and flat abs. My body tended to hold weight around my upper thighs (aptly described as âsaddlebagsâ by motherâs generation). So, when I started to gain weight and lose tone around my midsection, it took me by surprise.
This was the final nudge I needed to get back into a committed routine. There was no question in my mind that I would be returning to my old love. Who says you can never go back! Walking up the stairs of the Yaletown studio, I felt as though I had never left. And it sure didnât hurt that I was greeted by name when I walked in the door. (Now, if only those real returns to old loves turned out as well:)
Iâm now four months in (thatâs me below) and itâs been the best of all returns. My stomach is toned and Iâve lost an inch around my waist. My legs are stronger and tighter and my seat has definitely lifted. Iâm working towards longer-term goals of seeing definition in my lower abs, improving my flexibility and doing all sets of push-ups on my toes. In class, Iâm constantly amazed and humbled by women of all ages doing full plank push-ups.
As I try to press closer to the floor in the splits stretch, straighten my leg while attempting leg holds at the bar (Iâm the one who still looks like a starfishÂâtoo many points!) and work on getting up on my toes for push-ups; I remind myself that the results I see from pushing myself a little further each class is what motivates me to come to Bar Method. Just like life, all those small movements lead to big changes.
This is one love I wonât be leaving any time soon!