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| Cate's Story: |
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There are so many ways to evaluate the Transformation Challenge and the impact that Bar Method has had for me. When I sit down to write it, it's actually difficult to put into words. The phrase that keeps coming to mind is "life-changing." It sounds overly dramatic, but for someone who was never a regular exerciser for any sustained period of time, and who walked nervously in the door woefully out of shape, it honestly has been just that.
During thess life-changing past four Tranformation Challenge months, there were a series of firsts:
- The first time I could get through THIGH without giving up
- The first time I actually managed to lift my feet off the floor during flat back
- The first time since high school cheerleading that I went for the split
- The first time I finally let go during curl
- The first time I did 50 pushups before 9am (that wasn't very nice, Bev)
- The first time I actually touched my nose to my knee when she said "try to touch your nose to your knee!"
- The first time in my entire life that I have looked forward to exercising
There are some Transformation Challenge numbers worth reporting:
- 55 classes
- An inch off my waist
- 2 inches gone from each thigh
- 2 inches off my hips
- ...and a crazy week in February where I took 8 classes in one week (A Seattle-Eastside Bar Method record, thankyouverymuch)
The Tranformation Challenge pushed me to stay committed. Now, my posture has improved (is it actually possible that my shoulders are more square-ish?). There's more definition in my arms. My core muscles are now at attention and helping my entire body. The lower back pain I thought came with the territory as a desk worker is now gone. My muscles are getting leaner. I'm definitely stronger. I can breathe better. It's easier to walk in high heels. I could go on and on...there are dozens of tiny changes physically, physiologically -- and psychologically! On that note, as Bev and Maika can attest -- in class over these four months I have laughed (sorry for the giggle fits), I have actually cried (thank you, Maika, for the hugs) and everything in between.
There's no doubt that The Bar Method is a phenomenal workout. The classes are great and filled with amazing people -- from triathletes to moms to dancers to first-time exercisers. If it isn't obvious, I'm addicted. I found my thing and I love it. All of that said, the single greatest element of Bar Method is not the intense workout, not the beautiful studio, not the cool gray socks. It's the owners. Bev, Maika and Luke are nothing short of amazing. They have gone out of their way to support and encourage me, they smile at every person who walks through that door, they give 100% of themselves every single day.
Anyone would expect an exercise-related Transformation Challenge to be about looking good. The Bar Method is that and more. My tranformations have been in my head and my heart as much as in my body. As Bev, Maika and Luke say, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. Mine isn't over yet, in fact it's just getting started and I have a long way to go. But with The Bar Method family cheering me and challenging me, I know I can get there. These past four months have taught me that.
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