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Ilana's Story:

Before

After

I decided to make a change in my life, I could barely look in the mirror, in fact I think I can safely say, I chose to NOT look in the mirror. When I did, it was with a blank stare, and an unclear picture of what I saw. In fact, more of what I was seeing was in my head rather than my reflection. November 2009 was when I hit rock bottom (again)… I had outgrown all my clothing and even my ‘fat’ clothes that were supposed to be temporary were - tight. Ironically, I think rock bottom should have been the summer of 2009, but I was choosing to ignore myself, my inner voice and my distorted reflection was a part of how I got to where I was.

My inspiration comes in the form of friends and people who challenge themselves each day, and are motivated to achieve amazing feats, with their personal, physical and emotional selves. My friend motivated me to try The Bar Method because I had been saying I wanted to do something and make a change, but I was a tough customer… I hated the gym, I was not inspired by boot camp, and to say the least… I was not able to commit to videos at home as my motivational gauge was broken. I also suffer from a connective tissue disorder in which I have arthritic pain at such a young age, for me, that was always a reason to not run, or do the high impact work outs, it hurt and I was on anti-inflammatory medication.

I signed up for my trial class; I put on my baggiest clothes, to hide myself, and showed up to see how I could make a change. I looked around and was inspired by the people in the class around me. I warmed up, and started to get into it – a shaky start ;) then with the kindest words of inspiration Bev and Maika told me to ‘believe in myself’. That day, I did. I fell in love with the class, and during those shakiest moments of inner strength, I believed in myself… that I could make a change and find that inner woman who only a few years earlier had peaked in herself physical fitness after a tremendous weight loss journey and fallen ‘fat’ again… from that, I knew that I could be strong for myself and I could do it again. This was my new path.

As my leg was perched on the bar for stretch, I could feel my thighs hanging over either sides of the muscle, and I won’t hide now I will say that my rolls hindered me from folding over completely. There were days in those later weeks and months, and even still now, that I hear the teacher say – “look at yourself in the mirror – you can do this!” I push, and I succeed. I have found new muscles (now months later) that I can honestly say even at my lowest weight I am not sure I had, I have created curves that happened sooner than I expected, and in fact, my first measurements were the most dramatic. My fat was melting. When I was sore after class, I told myself that those pangs and pains were the muscles telling my fat – to get out of its way! I also no longer take anti-inflammatory meds on a regular basis, and I work out 4-5 days a week at The Bar Method!

If you ask me – why did I want to lose the weight, I could tell you a handful of reasons.. fit my old clothes, feel better, be more flexible, have more energy but what I might not have been able to tell you, because I did not know how much it would change me is how I feel about the people I have met in class, who each day inspire me to be better, hold myself up higher, and stretch deeper. The bond that I feel during class is amazing. In a room full of amazing successful and beautiful people one might feel intimidated, but at class, I can say that each person in there has worked hard for what they have… curves, tone ,strength, confidence and for the inner beauty that shines through as we each strive for our best as we workout at the Bar Method. I have achieved my goals and so much more – I am a believer again in so many aspects of my life.

I can truly say, that I am addicted to Bar Method, it has changed me in so many ways;
Mentally – confidence and believing in myself: Physically – My body has transformed, and no longer requires the meds it needed to feel good, Emotionally – I am not scared of what is in the mirror, in fact, I am so proud of the new shape it is taking.

Dramatic changes in my body measurements: Weight loss 24 pounds. Waist measurement change: 4.5 inches, Arm measurement change: 2 inches, Thigh measurement change: 2.75 inches, Size Change: down more than 2 sizes, Inspirational Transformation: Fit, more confident, increased energy, support system - Priceless!!

I believe in myself again, I make time for me, and make time for Bar class, because it means so much to me, and without it, I feel something inside is missing… and I can say, that I hope this feeling never goes away. I am addicted to Bar, and I am transformed because of it. Thank you to Bev, Maika and Luke and the inspiring people at class who keep me believing. I am grateful.

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