By Olivia Muth
Three weeks ago I hit my 100th class at The Bar Method. TBH, I was really freaking excited - like, so excited I told everyone I came in touch with that day. I couldn’t help but gloat. I mean, ME? Take 100 workout classes?! You don’t understand - this was a huge accomplishment.
While I am naturally thin, I had never in my life been fit or toned. Like ever. If I had the option to opt out of any athletic activities, I took it. So the fact that I was not only working out but being consistent enough that I would reach 100 classes? Insanity.
Barre is all about technique. By doing precise isometric exercises, whilst stretching throughout the workout, you’re building lean, strong muscles like that of a dancer’s body. And while there are so many places that offer barre classes, what makes The Bar Method so special is that it was created under the guidance of physical therapists, so you know it is safe for long-term practice. They offer five different types of classes which constantly keep your workouts exciting.
100 classes later, I’m still in love and ready to keep pushing myself to the next level (because technique can ALWAYS be improved). Setting this goal has taught me so much, but if I had to sum it up in five, here’s what I would say...
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO MAKE A CHANGE
I felt like because I was never really “fit”, that I could never be fit. Lies. I saw results SO fast. First, in my arms, and then quickly throughout the rest of my body. I could feel myself getting stronger and my energy increasing. Because I saw the results rather quickly (after going about 4-5 times a week for the first two/three weeks), I was hooked.
CONSISTENCY = HABITS
After about a month of going to classes, it was pretty noticeable whenever I had a week where I would skip out on a class or two. Now, I can’t even imagine going back to my life without barre. It’s a part of my routine and my daily source of happiness and balance.
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING IF YOU SET YOUR MIND TO IT
As cheesy as it sounds, it’s true. One of my goals for 2019 was to be better at keeping promises, not only to my friends and family, but to myself. I was determined to once and for all keep this promise to actively strive to take care of my health. It wasn’t easy, especially since I started taking classes in the middle of December which required walking 15 min every morning in the freezing cold - but I did it! I knew if I just kept going, eventually it would become second nature.
WORKING OUT CAN BE FUN
I think growing up I had this mentality that working out = playing sports. TBH I am not athletic and as a kid I had a lot of anxiety around gym class so I just viewed working out as a hard no. Plus I grew up in a town with no public gym (yeah, I know.) and there was absolutely no such thing as taking a yoga, spin, barre class, etc. Once I moved here I started trying out different types of workouts and, in turn, really understanding what I liked and didn’t like. Once I found barre, I knew it was the right fit for me and something I could see myself enjoying and really implementing into my lifestyle.
YOU BECOME A PART OF A COMMUNITY
Becoming a member of Bar Method, I didn’t realize how much of a community I would gain. Most of the people that go to Bar Method are members, so you end up taking classes with the same people everyday. There are monthly challenges, book clubs, happy hours, community outings, and so many other things outside of just going to class. It’s made me feel like I’m apart of something, which I think is really special.
Now that I’ve reached my goal (and earned my Century socks!), I’m motivated to continue improving my technique and pushing myself physically. Outside of barre I’ve started implementing spin, boxing, and other workouts into my routine to keep challenging myself. And while I love trying new things and proving to myself I can do anything (at least for 60 minutes), at the end of the day barre is still my first choice. To me, it’s the perfect balance of a workout and meditation. It’s fast paced enough that I don’t get bored but slow enough that I’m able to really think about my intention during class and focus on what’s in front of me.
It’s become a sacred place for me - my happy place - and has even gotten me through some tough moments. I look back now and think, “what the heck did I do before this?”, and that’s how I know I’ve fully made a lifestyle change...and I don’t ever plan on going back.
OLIVIA MUTH IS A DAUGHTER, SISTER, FRIEND, CO WORKER, CITIZEN OF THE WORLD BASED IN HOBOKEN, NJ. HER CLAIM TO FAME IS PLAYING WILLY WONKA IN A 2008 COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (DM FOR PICS). WHEN SHE'S NOT BUSY MAKING NICE THINGS, SHE LOVES TO CATCH UP WITH HER FRIENDS & FAMILY, WATCH GILMORE GIRLS RE-RUNS, AND SING & DANCE AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS TO ANY SONG THAT COMES ON THE RADIO. SHE LIVES BY THE GOLDEN RULE (THANKS, DAD!) AND HOPES THAT ONE DAY SHE'LL LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE DOES THE SAME. FOLLOW HER JOURNEY
