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guess what?!

Monday, February 10, 2014
Remember this post?  Remember when I painstakingly described how schlumpy and out of shape I was?

Well, today I completed my 60th Bar Method class!

The-Bar-Method-Redmond_-WA



I am not sharing this out of pride (although I am a tiny bit proud of my exercise hating little self for sticking with it!).  I am sharing this to try to inspire/motivate someone else out there who might need it.

I was what I will call "skinny-fat."  I wore a small size and looked okay in clothes but I had NO muscle tone at all.  I was weak.  I was flabby.  I had lost all flexibility. I got out of breath walking up and down my stairs sometimes.  I was starting to look my age.  Now---I am not ready to don a bikini anytime soon y'all BUT I have actual muscles for the first time in a long time! I can even see the very modest beginnings of a six pack underneath a thin layer of flab on my abs! And I can almost do the splits!  My flexibility and strength have dramatically improved over the last few months.

I don't really love exercise and I doubt I ever will.  However, when I look in the mirror now, I can see muscle tone in my arms and my thighs and my abs.  My back and neck almost never hurt anymore (they used to hurt a lot).  I have more energy (still wish I had even more but I'll take this improvement).

I go to "the bar" about 4 mornings a week and I have made a really nice group of friends there. I will admit that I have wanted to quit at times but having a group of friends to exercise with does keep me motivated and accountable.

It has seriously cut into my time as it is not close by and so it sucks about 2 hours out of my day adding in travel time but I think it is worth it.  Kate complains sometimes when I drop her off in carpool line and asks me why I need to exercise everyday weekday morning (which is ironic because she used to tell me that I SHOULD exercise before).  I tell her I am exercising so that I am strong and healthy for her and the boys and Daddy.  I want to be around a long time for them and hopefully this will help keep me healthy.

If you are like me and you have let yourself get out of shape, try something new this week!  I never thought I would like the bar method or even be any good at it.  But I do like it and I am getting good at some parts (still hate the thigh work and pretzel).  Just try something. Anything!  I don't own a scale so I don't know if I have lost any weight (and I don't really think I have) but I have watched my body change before my eyes.  And guess what? I don't feel so old and schlumpy anymore.  And that is a good thing!

20 comments:

  1. Way to go! Good job! That is my next goal is to get myself back in shape!

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  2. Noted!!!! So inspired to try something new this week. I just hate working out but I'm gonna do it. Thanks so much!

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    1. I hate it too Pauline but I need to do it now as we aren't getting any younger:)

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  3. Congrats!! That is so awesome that you have been able to stick with something and see the results! Totally worth it :)
    I recently started barre classes, and I have never been more in love with exercise than now! I love that it's so girly and feminine but you get amazing results and feel healthier than ever.

    go you!!
    xox
    chloe
    http://popcosmo.com

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  4. That's awesome! You know I have a strong barre love. Just found one in Bmore that I have been going to. It does change your body in a good way. Yayee you!

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  5. That's great, Kim! I have gotten out of my walks with this frigid weather, and I can certainly relate to not really enjoying exercise!

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  6. Love this! So awesome. I started bootcamp classes back in October and go 4-5 days a week and I have seen great results. My back also hurts less and I actually have some strength!!!

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  7. *applause* Thanks for the inspiration!!

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    1. Thank you LIsa. It is hard cause I don't like exercise:)

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  9. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! You have inspired me to try Zumba - first time in a few years, so a big Thank you!
    -linda, NY

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    1. How was Zumba, Linda? I hope it went well.

      Kim

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  10. My friend has been begging me to go to a barre class for 2 years and I finally gave in last week after seeing this post. During my first class all I could think of was your other barre post about the muscle cramp ... I was definitely on the verge of that happening! THANK YOU for sharing your story and inspiring me to get my schlumpy self going again. :) I'm off to my 3rd class tomorrow and I can see this being a new part of my life!

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    1. Way to go Robyn!!! Hope it is going well. I am still going..trying to get to my 100th class:)

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  11. Hi Kate. Thank you for sharing your story. I started going to the Bar Method 5 weeks ago. I really love going, except during thigh but I can't wait to go back as soon as class ends! I'm trying to decide on continuing my membership or switching to a conventional gym. My arms, back, thighs, and seat look firmer but I've gained 5 pounds! Did you notice a gain when you first started? Thanks in advance.

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  12. We do not own a scale so I am not sure if I gained or lost weight. I am sticking with it because I am not good at consistently following through with any exercise and I have seen good change. I wish I were getting smaller in the hip and belly area (and I am not) but I am so much stronger and toned. So I am sticking with it for a bit longer. I think to lose weight cardio needs to be more a part of it. I am looking to add a bit more cardio to lose a few pounds but I am going toe tick with bar at a least a few more months. And I am with you on the thing work.. My kegs shakes soooo much but guess what, that is where I have seen the most improvement:)

    Kim

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  13. Wow! 60th - congratulations!!!! I remember your post and it inspired me to start exercising again. Love love love your sweet blog.
    - Linda, ny

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Thank you for your kindness.