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.
