Shake it.

This past fall, I participated in The Bar Method’s Fall Fitness Challenge. The goal was to take 60 classes in 90 days. The winner of the challenge would receive three free months of membership. It was a great incentive to get back in the studio.

I used to be a Bar Method regular. I attended 3-5 classes a week for over a year. It was the best thing I had ever done as a workout. I was in great shape for my wedding and I continued attending classes through almost my entire pregnancy. But in the last year and with my new adventures in motherhood, I decided that I didn’t have the time anymore. Between the baby, working full time, remodeling a house, selling a house, buying a new house and moving I felt like there was very little time left for me. 

Then I had an epiphany. No one was going to make time for me but me. If I wanted to get back in shape, only I could do it. 

I took a couple of classes leading up to the Fall Fitness Challenge to see if I could make it work with my schedule. That part was easy. The tough part was class itself. I was out of shape and stiff. Halfway through my first class back I decided it was too hard. I couldn’t do it. But then I remembered that it was supposed to be hard. Changing the shape of your body is not easy but with enough sweat and effort, it was not impossible. I had done it before, I could do it again.

So I did it (kind of). 

I wasn’t able to complete the required amount of classes to be eligible for the prize but the changes I feel and see are enough of a prize for me:

• I increased my flexibility. Prior to the challenge, I could not touch my toes while stretching and could barely keep my legs up in round back. Now I can.
• I increased my strength. Prior to the challenge, I could not lift my legs in flat back or let go in curl. Now I can.
• I decreased my pant size. Prior to the challenge, I could not fit in any of my pre-pregnancy jeans. Now I can (and I lost almost two inches from around my thighs!).
• I increased my confidence. Prior to the challenge, I was terrified to be seen in a swim suit. Now I’m not quite so terrified.
• I increased my “me time”. Prior to the challenge, I thought I had no time to work out. Now I realize that just isn’t true.

Thank you, Bar Method, for inspiring me to get back in shape. I know I have a long way to go to get where I want to be but the Fall Fitness Challenge provided a great launching pad for that journey and I am excited about my next fitness challenge.