I watched The Bar Method studio in Darien, CT go in back in 2016. I lived right down the street. I would drive past and see people working out, and think to myself “I should try that sometime, it’s right down the street, but all the people on the post road would be able to see me and that’s weird!”
In the fall of 2017, I started babysitting early mornings for one of the teachers, and was able to ask her some questions about the classes. She kept telling me that I should try one, that I would like it. In January of 2018 she told me that there was a great new client special for the beginning of the year, and after a few weeks is thinking about it, I took the plunge and tried my first class on 1/25/2018…and I haven’t stopped going!
I walked into the studio for my first class feeling anxious. I have fibromyalgia, I was 227 pounds, and felt a bit out of place among the fit ladies in the room, but I was determined to give it a fair chance.
Margie was teaching the class that day, and Lara was in the room to observe her, but also to follow me around and help me with set ups/modifications as necessary. I had a few moments of WTF did I get myself into, and had to modify many exercises, but I survived my first class!
After class I was handed a new client gift bag with some sign up options and Epsom salts. I was told about the bingo game they had going on, and immediately knew that I had to sign up for the new client special, because I had to get at least one bingo…I’m competitive like that.
After my first few classes it dawned on me that I should probably take some body measurements, as I hadn’t done that in a while. I started losing weight while doing a round of whole30 before taking class, but I wanted to see how Bar Method was changing my body. Here are my February measurements:
Oof, it still hurts my eyeballs to look at some of that information, but hey, we all start somewhere.
I took 39 classes between January 25 and April 26, when I got cast in a show and needed to put my Club Bar on hold for a while, as I was in rehearsal so much that my body was too exhausted to Bar in addition to dance rehearsal. I did do some bar online during this time off and took one single class, just to keep my form on point.
I was able to fit into store bought costumes for this show, and had endurance thanks to taking so many Bar Method classes leading up to auditions. This was my first time on stage since 2015, and I felt confident in my body.
I have taken an additional 28 classes since coming off of hold. I have even brought some of my friends with me. Including my stage husband, and he rocked class like a professional!
I love that the studio runs challenges. I just completed the tone it up in 10 challenge, and will be entered into a raffle for a prize. Knowing that if I didn’t get my butt out of bed at 5 would mean losing my chance at winning was highly motivating!
When I first came off of the new client package I signed up for unlimited monthly classes. I lived very close to the studio and was working 9-5 close by. I have moved to a different town now and work even further away, so I am signed up for a 6 class a month package instead. This has been tough for me, as I LOVE being at the studio so much, but scheduling just doesn’t allow for me to get there as often anymore, but I am still seeing results. Here are my October measurements:
Pretty cool huh?
Now you might be wondering if Bar Method is right for you. I have an answer for you. Yes! Give it a try. They will work with you to make sure you get the most out of the class for your own body and fitness level. There are modifications for every exercise, and you can always take a break if you need to. No one will judge you for it! I have been to 67 classes, and actually had to leave a few early due to my body saying “not today lady” and no one questioned it. Some days I can take all of the challenge options, and other days I stick to the lightest weights and base level options. I just listen to my body and the teachers respect it. I was the largest person in the room during my first class, but didn’t feel like the fat kid on the playground. I have ALWAYS felt welcome and included at Bar Method Darien. They know me by name, even though I don’t know all of the desk workers by name (sorry ladies, I’m working on it) and it makes it feel like a second home.
If you are interested in trying a class click here to get to the main bar method website to locate a studio near you!
I’ll leave you with my final results. I am down to 182 (more lost since the calculation below 😀) from 240 on January 1, of this year. I was 227 when I took my first class, so 45 pounds were lost with the help of The Bar Method. I do stick to a healthy diet and get in at least 8000 steps a day in addition to bar class. I have lost a total of 42.5 inches from my body since February, I encourage you to give it a shot!
If you have questions about my experience you can comment or send me an email and I’ll be happy to answer them!
Talking Life with Alyssa 