The Bar Method - Raising the Barre

Last week I was invited to try out the new Bar Method in Vancouver. I was really looking forward to my class, as I'd heard that it was crazy tough. In fact, I had been told, "I have sore muscles that I didn't even know existed!"

I'm always looking for a tough workout that challenges me. Having played softball in University, I'm used to getting my butt kicked on a regular basis, so needless to say, finding myself a challenging workout has been quite the task!

A few weeks ago, while I was waiting for Bar Method to open, my friend and I tried out a class at Barre Fitness in Yaletown. I thought the class was challenging in that it involves movements I don't typically do, but afterward, I had the feeling that I needed to go workout some more. I hate that feeling. I decided to wait and see how I felt the next day before passing any judgment, because DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) can be the best way for me to see how challenging a workout is (since I no longer push myself to either exhaustion or vomiting). I woke up the following day and....nothing. Not. A. Single. Thing. My friend (not an athlete, but exercises quite often) said the same.

I desperately hoped that the Bar Method was not the same as I had just experienced. In fact, I had psyched myself out so bad, that I went into class at the Bar Method expecting the absolute worst.

Don't get me wrong. Bar Method is HARD. Straight up. But was it the nightmare I was anticipating? No. Which is probably a good thing. The class was tough and I'm told that it gets tougher with experience, because you're able to challenge yourself more. Excellent.

Owners Carolyn & Ella

After class at the Bar Method (who are located on the second floor of their building), I could barely feel my legs. In fact, going down the stairs on my way out, I had a death grip on the railing, so not to fall down the stairs. I was also thankful that I had to walk to the skytrain, so I could try to gain some feeling back in my legs. There would have been no possible way for me to do a second workout after that. I expected the worst for the next day.

One of the classrooms

I woke up and my legs were rested. In fact my body was all rested. But sore? Nope. Well, I was sore (mostly in my ribs) but not to the point where I was walking funny or couldn't wash my hair (true story). So, I chalked up the muscle fatigue to plain old lack of stamina and the lack of soreness to just being plain old strong.

The amazing Women's Locker Room

If you haven't seen the space in the Bar Method, you have to. It's gorgeous - best woman's locker room EVER. Serious. It's hotel-styles. It's a great workout - super challenging but not to the point where you want to die (cut off your legs, maybe). I definitely recommend trying at least one class.


Thanks to Curve Communications for the class and the photos.