enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

a month of bar method.

Remember this post?

I said I'd report back.

As mentioned, I ended up buying an "unlimited classes in 30 days" package. And then (happily) I made it to 17 more classes during the 30 days.

THE PROS :

  • I still shake like a leaf during the sets which means my muscles are being challenged.
  • I no longer feel sore when I leave class or when I wake up in the morning.
  • While I haven't lost any weight, I have dropped at least one pant size.
  • I've noticed a remarkable difference in my strength, flexibility and body shape.
  • The time flies. I never find myself looking at the clock wishing class was over.

THE CONS :

  • My running schedule has suffered.

I assumed I'd be able to keep up a decent running plan post half-marathon. To ease into it, I cut back to about 2 runs a week. Recently though, I've noticed right knee pain towards the end of runs that wouldn't go away. Basically, it feels like my knee is tweaked and it's very difficult to maintain a good stride. Paul is describing it as Patella Femoral pain which means my knee cap is mal-tracking in the knee joint. Lots of things can cause this including overuse and the varying strength of the surrounding muscles. Both are probably contributing to my pain.

So at the moment, I'm on a running hiatus. I want to be sure it has time to heal correctly before I start challenging it again.

THE BOTTOM LINE :

I'm addicted and can not recommend this class more. Even for the price. Think of it this way : it's so much cheaper than a personal trainer and just as effective. I really wish there was a Bar Method studio in every city. Hopefully in the next few years there will be. I am already worried about what I'm going to do without one up by Ventura next spring. Secretly (or not so secretly anymore) I hope I'm good enough by then to start teaching part-time and help open a new studio.

Yep, I love it that much.

I've signed up for another six months of unlimited classes and I am going to buy the DVD for while I am up in Sacramento this fall. Hopefully it's just as good!

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25 responses to “a month of bar method.”

  1. Robin Avatar
    Robin

    Please let us know if you liked the DVD(s). They don’t offer it in my area and I looked at the DVD’s so I’m curious if you like it as much as the class. THanks!

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  2. Alexandra Avatar
    Alexandra

    Hi Elise! Congrats on finding exercise that you are so addicted to! It’s hard to find something you REALLY love. I have yet to fall in love with running, but I do love being on my bike! 🙂 Too bad the bike doesn’t “work” as many body parts as running, etc :-/
    I’m with Robin– please let us know what you think of the DVDs!! There’s no classes in my area, and I want to try this out! 🙂

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  3. Ell Avatar
    Ell

    Would bar method be something to go into after you are already in shape? i.e. regular running… Or ok from a complete couch potato looking to get in shape?

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  4. Lisa Fine Avatar
    Lisa Fine

    So cool. I just checked out the website, and it sounds so California. You’re lucky to have it available, and I love that you’re considering teaching it.
    Several years ago I had the opportunity to teach a water aerobics class, and I had to turn it down since my schedule was so busy. Now I’m at a point in my life where I think it’d be a lot of fun [and rewarding] to do something like that.

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  5. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    I think it is a difficult class for any level – couch potato or fitness star. But happily, every move has variations. So you can make adjustments that work with your style/level. I would totally recommend trying one class (it is $10 to take your first one) and then see what you think!! Let me know if you do!!

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  6. Ris Avatar
    Ris

    I have heard so much about Bar Method and I’m definitely going to look into trying it out here in Chicago. Let us know if the DVD stands up to the class!

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  7. tara pollard pakosta Avatar
    tara pollard pakosta

    that’s wonderful!!
    I need to find a class that I LOVE!
    we are joining the YMCA this fall, so hopefully I will find something there!
    just started running again after 2 years of not!
    tara

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  8. Jamie Avatar
    Jamie

    i’ve had that same knee pain that you’re describing. i went to a running shop to see if they had any insight & there is a sort of band that you can wear right under your knee cap to keep it from moving. it’s made all of the difference, if i run without it my knee hurts. but when i wear it i don’t have any problems. let it heal now & then ask about it at a running shop or GOOD shoe store. hopefully that helps you run more, if you want of course! 🙂

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  9. kim Avatar
    kim

    good luck on your healing! I landed funny one time & thought I had wrenched my knee but after 3 chiro adjustments to my lower back, the knee pain was gone… just something to consider 🙂

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  10. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    AWESOME tip. thank you!

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  11. Morgan Avatar
    Morgan

    I know you’ve got a doctor connection 😉 but I’m a four times a week soccer player and I’ve struggled with this pain SO many times. I find the best way to beat it is to strengthen your quad and stretch. I do one legged squats (not deep, just enough until you can feel and see the muscle working/flexing). Hold onto a chair until your balance develops, the shaking is good (as you know from your hardcore method classes) and start with 3 sets of 15,one each side. Don’t forget to stretch your quads and hamstrings!

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  12. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    thanks Morgan! Ill continue working on it! 🙂

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  13. Lisa A. Avatar
    Lisa A.

    Elise, do you go to the Point Loma studio? Really wanting to try it. Any tips for a first timer?

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  14. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    I do, yes! Recommendations … bring water and get there about 15 mins early. Be prepared for pain. 🙂

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  15. L.E. Avatar
    L.E.

    Elise,
    There is a Bar Method studio in Agoura Hills AND in Santa Barbara. 🙂
    http://agourahills.barmethod.com/
    http://santabarbara.barmethod.com/
    Maybe, you’ll end up taking one of my classes.

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  16. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    I have the same knee issues, not fun at all. My rehab guy taught me exercises to help strengthen the muscles so that the knee cap stay “on track” and doesn’t rub. I’m really wanting to take the BAR classes now, there are two back home in Alabama, but I have no time to take any right now on my job in Louisiana. 😦 I hope your dream of a studio happens, I’d make a special trip 🙂

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  17. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    hi! yes! I will totally check those out as substitutes and hopefully I will be in your classes!

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  18. Grace Park Avatar
    Grace Park

    Get Marnie Alton’s Dancer’s Body Advanced Workout DVD!!! She kicks your butt even though it’s through a DVD! I miss going to Bar Method SO much.

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  19. jessica o'brien | jessohbee Avatar
    jessica o’brien | jessohbee

    thank you so much for sharing! the gym isn’t the right fit for me these days, but i have been looking for some form of exercise out of the house. pulling up their website now…!

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  20. Elizabeth Rosemond Avatar
    Elizabeth Rosemond

    Loving this follow-up! I’ve been intrigued since the first time you mentioned The Bar Method, but was honestly a little intimidated (as I used to be by Pilates). You’ve made it seem very doable and accessible, which will definitely help you should you decide to teach 🙂
    They’re opening a studio in my area soon, and I think I’m going to check out that beginner’s DVD.

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  21. misha french Avatar
    misha french

    I love love love bar method and currently attend two studios in los angeles.. i got super amped and bought a video, ball, and mat and much to my dismay the video didn’t hold a candle to the actual class itself. and i figured burr leonard would kick my butt. still a great workout (especially if you are used to the fast pace of the class) but just prepare for lots of dead space because there is alot of instruction which i’m assuming is for beginner beginners – so just do EXTRA reps! I’m going to get another one just to compare.

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  22. Lisa A Avatar
    Lisa A

    Too my first class this morning. Loved it! Wasn’t sure I could make it down the stairs afterwards with my legs shaking, but that’s a good thing. Thanks for the recommendation, and maybe I’ll see you there later this summer. 🙂

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  23. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    Glad you liked it! Those stairs are KILLER the first few classes. Be sure to say hi if you see me! I will be back in the next few weeks.

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  24. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    I was in your class this morning, but didn’t get a chance to say hello. I hadn’t taken a class with Erin before. That was a killer! Thanks again for the inspiration; I totally love – and am a little obsessed with – Bar Method. 🙂

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  25. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    omg! I wish you had! ERIN IS INTENSE! I cannot decide if lessons with her or Allison are harder. But wow, that was a good one this morning. Happy Saturday! elise

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