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| Karoline's Story: |
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 Before |
 After |
September - November 2009
THE EARLY DAYS...Although I had been exposed to Lotte Berk in Michigan, my introduction to the Bar Method began shortly after seeing the King 5 News story, highlighting the opening of the studio in Redmond. I quickly searched online, not recalling the name of the studio, and gratefully found Bev, Maika & Luke’s smiling faces. I signed up for the free intro class and became an instant fan. During October and again later in November, I underwent carpal tunnel surgery for a bilateral condition that had worsened. Bar Method was off limits for a few weeks after each surgery, but with the great skill & kind attention from Bev & Maika, I was able to find both short-term & permanent modifications to address my needs. In the midst of healing, gaining strength, building muscles and making new “Bar” friends, I learned my job was eliminated--a little more wind from my sails, but not enough to anchor me!
December 2009
The next step...Bar Method offers a Transformation Challenge & Holiday Celebration!
I excitedly joined in on the event, taking my first (of many) evening classes, and enjoying the kickoff festivities with new friends. The Lululemon trunk show was a hit, and many, including me found the Challenge a good excuse to buy something new. Now the work would begin...
UH-OH...Taking pictures and measurements was not my favorite part of the transformation. I suppose we are all our own worst critics, but it was a reaffirmation that my triathlon training was NOT enough to give me a sculpted and strong body.
GOALS--I HAVE MANY...After spending the last 8 years in constant triathlon training mode, I was fairly fit--but always battling some sort of injury, and frequently sidelined (iliotibial band syndrome, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome--to name a few). Despite the cross-training required to master the sport of triathlon, I realized my fitness goals needed to focus on injury prevention and strength & flexibility improvement. Applying the SMART objective to my goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic & time oriented), I was now attached to a set of goals, along with an action plan to get there, and it was time to do the work...enter the Bar Method...
Goals:
1. Reduce overall injuries/heal (wrists, IT band syndrome)
2. Run/Cycle injury free (half-marathon by early summer & 4-day bike tour June 4)
3. Increase strength: use 4 & 5 lb weights & L-shape in Bar Method
4. Improve endurance: run for 90 minutes / cycle for 2 hours
5. Improve flexibility: greater range during class & fewer trips to the massage therapist
6. Reduce overall body fat: 2-3 inch total reduction waist, hip, chest measurements
7. Feel more confident (wear bikini!)
January 2010
SO FAR...SO GOOD...Results showed improvement at all levels--inches (or perhaps centimeters) were starting to move. I was heading in the right direction & enjoying my sense of accomplishment. I also found a new job! Things were looking up...
February - March 2010
LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES...Life has a way of getting in the way of our intended path. Regardless of the extra & unexpected tasks, including 2 separate week-long trips (taking me away from my 4-5 times per week Bar Method classes), I managed to stay on track. The centimeters did not budge as easily, but I was happy to see the muscle definition in my arms and shoulders become more pronounced and noticed by others! Confidence (goal 7) was making a come-back....
April 2010
ONE MORE CHANGE...When stress is mounting, some turn to food or other unhealthy alternatives. I have found exercise is the key to a comeback. On April 2, 2010 the usual day-to-day stressors became secondary to the loss of my beloved dog, and best friend of 15 years. Many recognize the significance of this type of loss, others not so much. The great joy provided by Duggan was gone--and it seemed a couch & popcorn/wine encounter was far more comforting than a butt-kicking workout. However, the kindness of my new found “Bar” friends encouraged me to an evening workout, followed by tasty (um, sorta healthy) treats at a local restaurant. Though no one at Bar Method had met Duggan, they all seemed to understand. Body & confidence transformation were expected--friendship & support was a terrific bonus! Who knew?!
May 1 2010
RESULTS REVEALED...While perhaps a HUGE visual transformation is not immediately noticeable--the results are in fact very evident to me in countless ways.
LET ME COUNT THE WAYS...
- Run/Cycle injury free - CHECK! That’s right, no IT band or wrist recurrences!!
- Increase strength - CHECK!*
- Improve endurance: run for 90 minutes / cycle for 2 hours - 90 Min run - CHECK, 5 HOUR cycle - CHECK!
- Improve flexibility: greater range during class - BIG CHECK!
- Reduce overall body fat: 2-3 inch total reduction waist, hip, chest measurements- CHECK (waist: down 1/2 inch, hips down 1 3/4 inches, bust down 1 inch!!) Overall inch reduction over 3 inches!!! BIG FAT CHECK!!
- Feel more confident (wear bikini!) - PALM DESERT IN MARCH- CHECK!
My goals were met across the board (*except one minor miss--I still am not an “L-Shaper”). I am grateful to have accomplished each and every goal I wrote down, and a few that I didn’t even know I would need to meet. Those “unwritten” marks include overcoming fear of unemployment, managing a less than spirited Holiday Season (no job=fewer giving opportunities & no trip to Michigan to visit family) and lastly, dealing with the grief of losing my best friend. With great fortune I am also pleased to add to my CHECK list: making awesome new friends, learning to enjoy a 6:00 am workout, and feeling energized from my workouts! These “results” have even more meaning & significance....
Although I cannot express enough thanks to those who most influenced the changes, I will at least try...
BEV, MAIKA, LUKE...
Oh, to say what the 3 of you have done for so many of us. I have come to think of you as friends, and look forward to your smiles and warm, affectionate greetings when I enter the studio. It is your encouragement before, during and after class that inspires me to be a strong and confident woman both in and out of class. I reach inside to draw upon the key positive & formative feedback you have given to me to be a better student, and a better teacher to others in my work and personal life. I have heard myself utter: “believe in you” or “don’t give up on you” countless times. When I am most considering a short break in class, it seems Bev and Maika immediately recognize this and I hear “nice job, Karoline!” to encourage me through it. Losing Duggan was / is so hard, and before I knew it, your kind words lifted me--and your arms extended a comforting hug! Those extra generous and genuine moments you offer to all of us make a huge difference!!!
Without you, none of this would be possible for any of us--it is not enough to say thank you. I will try to demonstrate my sincere gratitude by being an example of what I have learned from each of you....
I bet you didn’t know how much sunshine the three of you have added to an otherwise cloudy town....
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