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Jen's Story:

Admittedly, I believe I began the Bar Method Fitness Challenge from a slightly different angle than most; I had recently learned that I was pregnant. I entered the Fitness Challenge with my primary goal being to have a healthy pregnancy. I wanted to maintain muscle tone, build overall strength and gain greater flexibility – especially in my hamstrings and hip flexor muscles. I also wanted to shift my diet somewhat to ensure I was eating a lot of greens and good, natural (monounsaturated / polyunsaturated) fats. To keep the focus in the right place, it was recommended we take periodic photos of my belly instead of measurements. I loved the idea and was in!

The Bar Method – its “method” – has been instrumental in altering my exercise routine. I took years of dance classes when I was young and have always missed the benefits you receive from its movements, repetition and discipline. Later, I turned to running as my primary form of exercise. I have participated in aerobics, swimming, weight lifting, yoga and other activities through the years, but running has always been my mainstay.

When the Bar Method was introduced to me, I was thrilled. Although it isn’t a dance class per se, by the way it was described to me, I was hopeful that it would provide the same benefits. From the outset of joining the Bar Method, I definitely felt stronger and I wanted to improve on that during the challenge. I also made another big change – I stopped running for awhile. I primarily did so because of the pregnancy; however, I also believed it was causing some of my flexibility issues.

As much as my health allowed, I attended class consistently and truly found that I gained strength and flexibility. Although measurements were not taken, I see changes through clothing and muscle tone, and I am able to stretch a few inches farther than I have been able to in a very long time! I have also made the nutrition changes. Avocados, certain nuts, salmon, flax seed, spinach and lots of other veggies have become an integral part of my diet. Certainly not a perfect diet, but better.

Sadly, this time period turned into much more than I could have imagined and I ended up taking a journey that I hadn’t expected nor wa wish nted to take. I miscarried, had a D&C and began preparing for our next step, which was in-vitro fertilization. I mention this simply because this is where the Bar Method truly played a big role over the past few months.

Mentally and spiritually, I believe I remained fairly strong through the course of things; however, emotionally I felt devastated and physically, I simply felt I had no control of my body. My body went through so many changes after my D&C, as well as in preparation for IVF. In some ways, I I had been better prepared for what to expect but in the end, it was probably better that I didn’t know. I experienced weight gain and loss, bloating, discomfort and in some cases, some pain. For the most part, this was out of my control but what I could control was my attitude and staying consistent with my exercise and diet.

I kept attending Bar Method class and believe that it carried me through. It was the consistency, routine and discipline that I needed mentally, and gradually – and I mean gradually – I physically began to feel back to myself again. At a minimum, I felt strong and that was not only essential, but what was needed at this time.

Also important, the Bar Method helped me emotionally, which one might not necessarily expect from an exercise studio. But I have found that the Bar Method in Seattle truly offers this. Bev, Maika, and Luke always show they get to know and truly care about the people who walk through their door and they have offered me such incredible support through all of this for which I will always be grateful. The Bar Method in Seattle also has a great community about it. I have met some incredible people at Bar Method and do not want to miss class because it means I will also miss connecting with them! That’s real and that’s really hard to find.

It has been a bit of an unexpected road over the past few months but I am thankful for the Bar Method, as well as the fitness challenge for helping me muscle through it. I look forward to the next challenge and promise my next testimonial will be much more lighthearted.

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