Nowadays when I say I am going to “The Bar”, I don’t mean “the club”, scantily dressed. I’m speaking of “The Bar Method” where my hair is up in a bun, yoga gear in full affect and grip socks on my feet. A big thanks to owner Carolyn Williams of The Bar Method Vancouver for reaching out to me months ago as I won a 5 class starter package. I finally peeled myself away from my hectic work schedule to give it a go and 5 classes later, I am a huge fan.

“The Bar Method™ workout creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles.”

The staff at the Vancouver chapter are very friendly and the studios are clean and inviting. I get greeted every time I show up and all the instructors make an effort to get to know each of the students by name. (Yes, this means they watch you, correct you, push you and call you out). There’s no hiding and slacking off in a Bar Method class.

Each class is one hour long and if you have any concerns or injuries, make sure you speak to Carolyn and her team beforehand, they will guide you through modifications. The exercises are meant to help you shape your muscles so yes, they will shake and fair warning for the newbies…you will hurt the next day. Some lingo you’ll have to get use to and that will be ingrained into your brain: Tuck tuck, squeeze squeeze, pulse pulse, stretch stretch, a little higher, a little lower, a little in and hold….

For the advanced Bar Methoders, your dreams have come true. As of October 3, 2011 Vancouver is ready for Level 2 classes! Starting the week of October 3rd, each Wednesday 9:45 a.m. class will be in the advanced Level 2 format. To participate, you must have taken at least 20 Bar Method classes. Good luck to you guys!

I think I am far from the level 2 classes and sometimes I give Carolyn a playful dirty look and a “gawd that class was hard” moan, but as I leave my Bar Method class, I feel like a million bucks.

Sunny Shum, Footwear Buyer, Blogger & Your Industry Insider | Follow me @partly_sunny

*Images taken from The Bar Method site, http://vancouver.barmethod.com/