I was thrilled when I found out I was pregnant with my son – thrilled – and absolutely petrified. I was so terrified that I would do something wrong that I sat on my seat for the first trimester. Going from fairly fit to pretty flabby was tough, but I figured it was better than overdoing it. Come trimester two, I decided to put my fear aside and get moving. I didn’t know what was safe so I mostly walked. That’s when my sister sent me The Bar Method Pregnancy Workout DVD. Life. Saver. I had always enjoyed joining her at The Bar Method in Portland. I loved the grace, intensity, attention to form, connection with the instructors, and community. I longed for it to come to Phoenix and it finally arrived in Phoenix (Arcadia) last winter! Plus, it has childcare! Through the Bar Method prenatal workouts, I was able to gain strength and improve my posture without feeling like I was moving my body in a way that would compromise my state of baby brewing. I got stronger, slept better, and my lower back pain disappeared – yay! Even more, I knew I was taking care of myself and preparing for the main event and life with baby.
Life with a newborn can be challenging. Who am I kidding – it’s rough! The Bar Method helped me bounce back in both body and mind. Taking time to reconnect with my body was grounding. And, the results: toned arms, slimmed and defined thighs, lifted seat, tight core, and posture that would make my mom proud. Bonus, I found that it didn’t completely zap the little energy I had.
I fell so hard for The Bar Method, that I am now a certified Bar Method instructor. I understand, on a deeper level, why The Bar Method is so effective and safe for a range of body types and abilities. The Bar Method was developed by Burr Leonard and combines ballet conditioning with physical therapy. Bar Method instructors go through a rigorous training process, including intensive study of human anatomy and a mind-numbing final exam. The attention to form, in addition to strategic class design, makes The Bar Method both safe and super effective. Every class includes built-in intervals for cardiovascular fitness, exercises to build fast-twitch muscle, and stretching for a long and lean affect; all with low to no impact. The Bar Method utilizes proprietary props in order to position students in the most effective and safe way. For example, in core work, mats are used to support the back and neck while targeting the abdominals. I love that many of the Bar Method core exercises target the pelvic floor and the transversus abdominis, aka your deep abs, that act like a corset to cinch in the waist. Science-y? Yes. Results? Please.
The Bar Method is so well designed, in fact, that they brought on an obstetrician to advise on pre and post-natal modifications for students. For example, no twisting at the waist after 20 weeks, and additional use of props for support. All certified Bar Method instructors are versed in these modifications and seamlessly include these cues in class, so everyone gets an amazing workout.
It’s well-accepted that exercise during a normal pregnancy is beneficial for mother and baby. Some advantages include: increased blood flow, reduced aches and pains, improved sleep, preparation for labor, and potentially making it easier to lose weight after delivery (Mayo Clinic, 2016). Of course, before you begin an exercise program, make sure you have clearance from your healthcare provider. The Bar Method requires a doctor’s note before beginning class while pregnant. It’s nice to know that The Bar Method has your back when it comes to offering a safe and effective workout for all stages of pregnancy.
Fast forward. With a recently turned threenager, I love Bar Method more than ever. It continues to challenge me physically and mentally with ever-evolving exercises. I’m inspired by the avid community of Bar Stars, many of whom I have admired through their pregnancies and beyond. And, let’s be honest, it’s cheaper than therapy.
Want to be strong, safe, and sane during pregnancy and beyond? Bar Method for the win! I dare say, it can even be fun.
You AND a friend can test out Bar Method for yourselves! We are giving away an amazing package (value $250) that includes:
- A full month of unlimited classes for you and a friend at the Bar Method Phoenix (30 days)!
- A pair of grippy socks for each of you
- Private 20-minute form session with an instructor
Visit our Facebook page to enter HERE.
For more information about the Bar Method Phoenix visit and follow them:
At 12 weeks postpartum Id love this!
This sounds amazing for mommy’s mind, body and soul! I hope to try it to get mentally and physically stronger.
Becky Hoffman Azulay we need to try this!!i used to do it in chicago, but its been years since ive been to bar! !winning a month woukd be awesome way to get motivated into going!
I’m sending my little one off to preschool for the first time in a couple of weeks. This would be a wonderful way to pour back into myself during the time she’s at school!
Love this giveaway!!
I would love to try this out! It seems like a fun way to get fit!
Sounds like a fantastic workout! 🙂
There’s no better workout than the Bar Method…but to go for a month free with a friend? Amazing!
I’ve always wanted to try the Bar Method! And after having two kids in the last two years I’m sure it will do my body some good.
Sounds amazing! As I’m wrapping up my first trimester and moving on to my second so totally relate to the post.
I love finding new mom friendly workout places!
I absolutely love barre! It’s my “mommy time” !!!
This sounds incredible. Would love to get rid of my post pregnancy body.
This looks like exactly what I’ve been looking for!! Would love to go try out a class!
This would be amazing I just recently find out I was pregnant ! ?
I’d love an opportunity to work out here and stay in shape throughout my pregnancy!
Great article! Always looking for new classes in the valley, I’ll have to check this out!!
I’m due in October and going for an all natural delivery at a birth center with a midwife this time around. It’s super important that I stay limber and fit to help with my all natural goal. I’ve never tried the bar method, doing a general prenatal workout dvd and chasing my 3 year old is doing an ok job as of now. But I’ve heard of the bar method and would love to try it out.
My pregnant belly and I would love this!
I would love this! It is right down the street from my house!!!
Always looking for a way to get a good workout post kids. I need something to kick start me back into action!
I’ve always wanted to try a bar class! I would love to expand my horizons with fitness!
This sounds so amazing!!!
I love barre!
Exactly what I need! I live less than a mile and keep saying I need to check this place out!!!
I have The Bar Method DVDs from 12 years ago, but I’ve never taken a studio Bar Method class. I didn’t even know there was a studio closer than LA! Also, Burr Leonard is really inspiring.
I would love to try this!
Always wanted to try this!
I’ve always wanted to try the Bar Method. This would be a great introduction!
I’ve been looking for a good workout I’ll enjoy while pregnant and after, I think this might be it! I’d love to try this out!
My mom and I love doing these videos. It would be fun to take a real class!
This looks amazing!!! I’ve been wanting to try this and get my dancer body back!
Three months pregnant and I could definitely hse the motivation! Would love something like this, looks like the perfect workout .
This is wonderful! I’ve always been in love with fitness, but I had twins and was on complete physical restrictions throughout my entire pregnancy. I wasn’t allowed to even walk up stairs! Needless to say, I’m so anxious to get sweaty and sore! ?
This would be perfect for me! At 23 weeks along I need some fresh workout inspiration!
I would like be to try this out! I’ve always wondered how I would do! Thanks for the giveaway!
This sounds like a fun and challenging workout!
Love this!! ???
This sounds fun!!!! Something I can actually do!!!
30 weeks and have a toddler (they will be 17 mo apart). Would be so thrilled to win this and finally make some “me” time before baby #2 comes!
This is a great giveaway! I need a new routine and would love the chance to check out The Bar Method.
I was a dance teacher and then a fletcher Pilates teacher until I had my daughter a year and a half ago. I would LOOOOOVVVEEEE to try out bar method!
I would love this so much! My friend Courtney and I are huge into fitness and finding awesome new places to go!