So I write about it a lot. I’m an instructor so of course I am invested. But I am sure some of you are wondering, “What is so great about this Bar Method malarkey?”

I’m inspired to tell you why. My life changed the day I walked in to the Winter Park studio last September.
The change has been a 101% positive one.

Not only have I gained an amazing workout that makes me feel good about myself and has changed my body in ways that I never imagined possible, but I love the fact that I am learning every single day that I am in the studio…. AND I have the benefit of being surrounded by wonderful instructors/friends whose wisdom I try to glean on every occasion, and our clients, whose hard work and dedication always keep me inspired to better myself as an instructor.

It doesn’t matter whether you take a class with a seasoned instructor or a new one. Today, I took Cayce’s community class. Freshly certified is dear Cayce. I LOVE taking her class. She is a physical therapist so is extremely knowledgeable about the body and I love how she explains the exercises and their benefits during class. I also love her sense of humour and wit. She cracks me up! Her choreography today was perfect. It was simple yet soooooooo hard! I love that! She taught Foldover for seat and exerted a neat choreography… ueber simple, yet totally bum-whipping… that had my glutes still shaking whilst trying to grip them during curl. OUCH!

I love walking out of a peer’s class thinking, “That was brilliant! I am going to learn from that and use it in one of my classes!”

But let me back up. Why do I love The Bar Method?

I was a dancer for 26 years… 11 of those professionally. When I stopped dancing, I still had a huge desire to stay fit and keep in shape.
I tried the whole gym rat thing and was uninspired. I love yoga and have taught it… but I love it more as a form of meditation and stretching of the mind and body.

The Bar Method has helped me to discover muscles that I didn’t know I even had.
It satisfies my love of dance… it helps you to be elegant and achieve gorgeous posture.
It satisfies my needs to have toned muscles… the hour-long workout works every muscle in the body to fatigue and then stretches them out after each intense exercise.
It satisfies my need to meditate…. I get “into the zone” during every class. Eyes shut, often with a grimace on my face, and clear, precise breathing…. I am taken away to another plane.
By the time I walk out of class, I am proud that I have made it through the hour and have worked to my greatest capacity.

People are always fascinated when they hear about the hard training that each Bar Method instructor has to go through.
An intensive week long training with a Master Teacher. Then a good 4-6 months post-training at the studio. Three written exams. Community classes and a video evaluation.
And even when you do become certified (and oh it is a joyous event!) then as instructors and as a studio, we get together every week to discuss the Method… to be sure we are doing things correctly and to soak up wisdom from Head Office.

The Bar Method is safe. It is good for you and it is healthy. We are trained to make modifications for any students with injuries or issues. The Method has been formulated together with Burr Leonard and physical therapists to be certain it is completely safe for the human body.

We pay attention and give individualised focus to very single student in the class…. during EVERY class. Usually several times during the class.

I refer to Burr as “God”! I know it sounds cheeky… but she is our guru. She is so knowledgeable and has the most amazing experience and history behind her.
She worked with Lotte Burke and then went on to form The Bar Method so meticulously with great attention to detail.
This is no fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants workout. This is a methodically thought-out and produced exercise regime.
And quite frankly, it works. Ask any client.

My body is addicted to it! I love how it has strengthened and sculpted my muscles.
And I love how it never gets old or any easier! It just gets harder and more challenging every day.

Today I was excited. I had a Bar Method breakthrough and was able to put my own note up on the pinboard. I completed 40 push-ups on the balls of my feet.
(In all my life, I have never been able to do more than 3… pre-The Bar Method.)
My dear friend Trish and fellow instructor said, “Hey! One for each year of your life!” If this is what 40 is all about doing The Bar Method…. then bring on 50 and 60!!!

Thank you, The Bar Method! You are the absolute bees knees! You have given me joy, a better body, a daily challenge, and some of the best friends and co-workers EVER!