A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to go to an exercise class; a different type of exercise class by the lovely Pip. I wondered, how did she know I was needing a lil kick up the tuche? Had she seen my lil blog? And before assumptions are made, no, it wasn’t a Zumba class, nor a Tae Bo class (nor had I gone back in time to the mid 90′s) but one called Barre Body.
Created by the sleek and petite Emma Seibold (who is the warmest person you could meet), also responsible for creating the Urban Remedy Cleanse, there are a mix of classes that entail yoga, or a yoga/ballet blend for differing levels of experience. I know I would be extremely beginner and to be honest; I irrationally wondered if I was going to be brave enough to go. Just like I cannot go to a pool or beach unless I’m wearing a miu miu (or something along the lines of what Homer Simpson wore when he became BIG) and so the thought of going to a ballet/yoga fusion class had me envisaging that I needed to look like I’d come off the set of Centre Stage, or just have the sexiest pins already for tight wearing uses.. before I’d even started a barre body class! Of course, that was stupid and I knew it’d be a fun experience to say that I at least tried.
Oh GOD it hurt! In that extra special way; purely illustrating how unfit I was. Thankfully it’s a small studio that allows no more than 18 students so this is definitely comforting and it still gives enough room so with each plie and attempt at a dancer’s pose (Google it to see illustrations!) there is no accidental kick-boxing. Before you even think that something seemingly so delicate and gentle can’t be a workout, let me tell you within the first ten minutes your heart will race, and you’ll be taking off any excess clothing you may have on. You will stretch, you will bend, and even if you can’t make certain angles, Emma will present you with options. Sometimes I tried the advanced option, then quickly stumbled a bit with a chuckle. Ah well, I would try!
I could have only gone the one time; and been proud that I lasted the full hour. I was clock watching, wanting it to be over, thinking I couldn’t last. I was sore, and felt like a creaky old lady for the next 2 days, but I felt even more determined to try again, and again to improve. This kind of class worked all the muscles. All parts of the body, and was way more exciting than awkwardly trying the weights at the gym. I went a second time, and felt proud, and felt ready to give it another go, knowing I wasn’t perfect at all, but for all the effort I put in for the hour with Emma’s direction; the words svelte and lithe became the target I was going for. I felt as if I found something that yes, I’m probably comic relief in some ways for the class giggling away at some points where I’ve not managed to reach a pose; but something that I knew was a lot more beneficial for a lot of muscle groups that I wouldn’t have otherwise attended to. Also a heck of a lot more affordable than any personal trainer in a quarter of the time.
I will keep trying to do the dancer’s pose, or try to kick out my stumpy legs and one day have it look entirely graceful, because I know that even before I do, I will already been much fitter, and more toned than I could have been without it. I will keep you posted on progress for sure, because I feel as if this is merely the start.
If you’re in Melbourne, you are very lucky! You can go to Barre Body – check out the website here, and make a booking for your preferred class. All classes and prices are listed there for your information, but give it a whirl! How awesome would it be to say, oh I’m just going to my ballet/yoga class? (Seriously, you’re already too cool for school ahead of your friends)
Disclosure: Whilst my first class was offered en gratis, it was my choice to keep going, and I am another paying student of Barre Body. There was no obligation at all to even post that I went. I feel like if I can get through an hour; you could be even better! :)
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