I’ve partnered with Harvard Pilgrim on this sponsored post, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. You can find more ways to be well at HarvardPilgrim.org/CountUsIn.
For the next part of the “Well-Together Challenge,” Sarah and I decided to share our favorite workouts with one another, so, not surprisingly, I picked CrossFit, which we’re doing tonight, and Sarah invited me to join her for a class at The Bar Method. I’ve done similar barre workouts in the past (Secret Physique and Core Fusion), and I know they’re a serious workout and always kick my butt, so I was excited to go.
Sarah and I attended a class at the Boston location, which is located on Clarendon Street in Back Bay. It was a gorgeous space with high ceilings and lots of light. It wasn’t super huge, but it had a locker room with showers, which I hear is a bonus for this type of studio.
The class started with a warm-up and moved into some upper body exercises that used free-weights.
I remember the little hand weights from previous barre classes, so I planned to go light with them, but Sarah insisted I could handle the 5-pound weights, which were the heaviest of the bunch. Surprisingly, I made it through the free weight exercises without much trouble. It was definitely challenging (I broke a sweat on the standing triceps extensions), but I wasn’t dying like I had in previous classes.
The lower body and core exercises, however, were a totally different story!
We used the bar to do three sets of pulsing pliés, which, if done correctly, are insanely hard. The instructor (her name was also Sarah) warned me I’d “feel some burning, but it would eventually stop.” Haha!
Being a beginner to this workout, I didn’t quite have the proper form down, so Sarah (the instructor) made sure I had my hips tucked and heels lifted, and then, ohmygodholycrap, did I feel the burn. My gluts and quads were on fire! Those tiny adjustments made a huge difference!
After the bar work, we moved to the floor to do an exercise called the “pretzel,” which may have scarred me for life is one of the most difficult exercises in The Bar Method repertoire. (Seriously, who comes up with these moves!?) It’s a seated exercise that strengths the arms and core while sculpting muscles in the hips, back, and glutes.
It might not look that difficult, but I had to stop and rest at least a half dozen times.
I typically consider myself a fairly fit person, but The Bar Method (and barre classes in general) are so tough. All of those little isometric exercises really get your muscles working (and screaming for mercy). I love challenging workouts like this and they really push me out of my comfort zone, so I’m glad I was able to try The Barre Method with Sarah.
Question of the Day
Have you ever tried a barre class? What’d you think? Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks they’re really tough!