This year has reminded me of the truth about physical transformation…that significant long-term change requires long-term practice. Covid pretty much forced me into this reminder. Consistency is the key and there is no way around it. If you just experienced an eye roll – I totally get it. Hearing that can be really overwhelming and annoying. Trust me, I wish I could say if you do this for two months you can achieve great health, balance, and strength and you will stay like that forever. How amazing would that be? If change is your goal it is going to take time dedication and practice. Whether that is physical, mental, or learning a new skill. Is committing to doing the work it takes to reach a new fitness goal challenging, oh yes, but the increase in energy and positive results are so motivating and rewarding in so many ways. It will be worth it.
Teaching through Covid has reignited my love for barre style workouts because they really work …if you do them. I started taking barre classes in San Francisco in 2001. I quickly became addicted and regularly took class 3-4 times a week. I loved all the benefits I was experience through barre class. The transformation I saw in my body, energy, and outlook totally surprised me and I was hooked. I stuck with classes regularly until I began teaching about 8 years ago. I started teaching because I loved barre so much and wanted to share it with everyone. I also thought teaching was going to allow me to continue to get in my own barre workouts. I realized when I started teaching that the people in my classes were getting a much better experience if I demonstrated an exercise and then walked around the class assisting people. It ended up that while I was teaching I was not really “doing” a lot of barre work.
When Covid started in March and all the classes I taught went online .…Boy was I surprised. I will never forget the first class I taught online (meaning I would lead the class by doing the entire class) … I was breathless and could barley get through it all. Fast forward four more online classes that week and I could barley walk. This past weekend one of my longtime students said I noticed that your classes have been progressively getting more challenging online (in a good way) … I laughed because the real reason for that is now can I actually do the exercises. I am again amazed at how much stronger/lighter my body feels now that I am doing four or more barre classes a week.
Through consistency I am seeing a similar result that I saw when I started 20 years ago. Regular practice, whether it is taking class a few times a week, or focusing on increasing the level of challenge/intensity/practice in each class changes us inside and out more than we may have even believed possible.
