I realize now that it has been almost 6 years since the last time I took an organized fitness class. And lots of poutine lunches, 2 babies removed, and 6 years of wear-and-tear later – well, let’s just say that I’m not quite working with the same machinery
After a few inspiring epsisodes of So You Think You Can Dance, I decided that it was time to get my jiggly bits off the couch and into some sort of fitness routine. I had heard of barre fitness, and was intrigued by the idea of combining ballet barre moves with modern-day pilates fitness exercises. I signed myself up, took a deep breath, and went along for the ride
Here are 10 things that I’ve learned from my very first barre class, that I thought I would pass on to aspiring newbies like myself
1) Do NOT, for the LOVE, wear light grey tight ankle stretch pants to a class where you will be surrounded by mirrors. My butt looked like someone had packed so much popcorn into a garbage bag, that it had stretched, changing its colour from a deep black to a light grey. Not pretty. If you thought horizontal stripes were unflattering, try light grey spandex wrapped around your trouble spots
2) When meeting your new instructor, don’t start the conversation with, “well I was a ballet dancer for 14 years so I think I’ve got this.” It’s great that you’ve danced, but if it was 16 years ago, it doesn’t count, and won’t help your cause.
3) Initiate conversation with the other classmates. I didn’t utter a word to anyone, feeling shy and insecure as the only newbie in the room. But as we were leaving, and I received a warm smile, I realized that maybe the other ladies were feeling a little shy and insecure too. If we’re going to fight in the trenches with each other for an entire hour, I don’t see anything wrong with a little bonding.
4) If it’s your first class, and your first time taking an exercise class in as long as it had been for me, you will, at some point in the class, shake like you’ve been given 2 doses of epidural (and for those of you who haven’t had one – that means a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on).
5) It’s not all plies and ronde-de-jambes my friends. My husband rolled his eyes and wished me well in my “stretch class” as I rushed out the door. Little did we both know, there were planks, pushups, crunches, and lunges tucked between those ballet stretches.
6) Use the mirrors to your advantage. Instead of twisting your face while studying all of your flaws, use the mirrors to copy the instructor and the experts in the class.
7) Don’t wear a baggy t-shirt. You will sweat, and as much as the idea of a tight tank top paired with those aforementioned stretch pants sounds a bit too close to a unitard, it’s completely necessary, and everyone else will be doing it too.
8) Don’t cheat yourself. At first it was easy for me to lower my leg and lean into a stretch in the middle of an exercise, but what good does that do when I’ve paid to feel the burn?
9) Be confident. Everyone has been the newbie in the room who doesn’t know what they’re doing. No one was BORN a barre star. It takes practice.
10) It’s torturous and relaxing, draining and invigorating, humbling and inspiring, and you’ll leave wanting more.
I don’t plan on today’s class being my last. I’ve taken a swig of the Kool-Aid, and I want more. I’ll be back, but perhaps next time, I’ll be suited up in a different outfit.
11 Comments
LOL to Grey spandex! Wish I could come with you sometime!
Your so funny. I’m sure you looked “hot” in your spandex. I’m proud of you for getting back into the world of organized exercise. Funny you blogged about this because come September, I’ve signed up for an adult, beginner Hip Hop class at the school where my teen dances. I’m so excited, I can’t wait! My teen granted me permission to do it being that I’d be a student at the same dance place as her. You know how that goes ( roll of the eyes ). 😛
Great post. I too have worn the “OH NO” pants to exercise and later went “What was I thinking?”. Oh, I found you on the hop-hope you get a chance to view my site..I’ll post it in a minute on the hop.
Irish
I’ve been doing mat Pilates for little over a year now and have seen a few of the barre places around. I may need to give it a try!!! 🙂
OH MAN! The whole thing sounds rough!! You are my hero! I can’t even touch my friggin toes! True story!
Great tips! Thank you for sharing. Hello! Found you at the Friday Blog Hop and I’m now following you via GFC. Love for you to follow back when you get a chance.
Altair of That Chief’s First Lady
http://inhighheelsanddogtags.blogspot.jp/
Love the way you describe it. I so miss classes. Motherhood can do that to you. Here from Chasing Joy. Love the look of your blog.
Barre is one of my favorite exercises. It builds muscle and shows results fast. You just have to come consistently. It looks like you liked your experience. I hope you go back bec it’s really good for you 🙂
Found you in bloghop and followed you via GFC.
Jen
whyyyjen.blogspot.com
Followed you in Instagram too!
Jen
Great post. I like the popcorn in trashbag analogy. lol
Oh, I’m stoping by from last weeks #FlashbackFriday.