The Bar Method : Trust Me, You Have to Try It

By Punch Passport Correspondent Lori González Lazzarini

When I first heard about The Bar Method from my friend Dana, who is a regular at the studio in DC, I was under the misconception that this was a ballet class.  The bar method is a full body workout that focuses on strengthening and stretching your body.

I had the great opportunity to attend a class last Sunday.    It was a short walk from my apartment, since the studio is located in the corner of 9^th and H Street.  As soon as I arrived at the reception area, I was greeted by Kate Arnold, the studio owner, and she is also one of the instructors.  She gave me a tour of the facilities, which are great, with nice lockers and clean bathrooms.  Afterward, we walked into the studio for the actual class to begin and now I will proceed to narrate my thoughts during class.

4:00pm: *Class starts.* You can do this!
4:05pm: It’s been 5 minutes… why am I sweating already!?
4:10pm: Oh wow… This is a lot harder than I thought it would be.
4:20pm: What the heck did I get myself into?
4:25pm: Wow’za!  I’m going to feel this tomorrow.
4:32pm: She wants me to do WHAT?  Bend WHERE?
4:40pm: THAT’S NOT HUMANLY POSSIBLE!  *I look around the room* Oh.
4:43pm: OMG. I am going to die.
4:45pm: I’m dying.  I’m really dying.
4:55pm: Are you there God?  It’s me Lori.
5:03pm: Oh. Wow. My body feels actually really nice.  Whew!  Can’t wait to come back tomorrow!

So as you can see the class is tough; however, your body really likes the after feeling, so it’s really good for you!

Throughout the class, the instructor calls you by name and makes sure you are getting personalized instruction on how to position your body and I swear that one inch I had to move my hip to the right made a lot of difference.  She also gave encouraging words when people had good form.  Basically, you receive the attention of a personal trainer, but in a group setting.

The studio’s owner, Kate is an attorney that moved from Chicago to DC with her husband and when she learned that there were no Bar Method studios in DC decided that the only way she could move here was to open her own studio because this approach towards exercise had changed her life and she couldn’t live without it; plus, she wanted to share the experience with us Washingtonians.

The Bar Method is suitable for all levels, so please do not wait to go and try it out.  The first class is only $10, you will not regret it and it’s an amazing experience for your mind and your body.

Kate Arnold, TBM DC owner and instructor with other TBM instructors