I said I'd report back.
As mentioned, I ended up buying an "unlimited classes in 30 days" package. And then (happily) I made it to 17 more classes during the 30 days.
THE PROS :
- I still shake like a leaf during the sets which means my muscles are being challenged.
- I no longer feel sore when I leave class or when I wake up in the morning.
- While I haven't lost any weight, I have dropped at least one pant size.
- I've noticed a remarkable difference in my strength, flexibility and body shape.
- The time flies. I never find myself looking at the clock wishing class was over.
THE CONS :
- My running schedule has suffered.
I assumed I'd be able to keep up a decent running plan post half-marathon. To ease into it, I cut back to about 2 runs a week. Recently though, I've noticed right knee pain towards the end of runs that wouldn't go away. Basically, it feels like my knee is tweaked and it's very difficult to maintain a good stride. Paul is describing it as Patella Femoral pain which means my knee cap is mal-tracking in the knee joint. Lots of things can cause this including overuse and the varying strength of the surrounding muscles. Both are probably contributing to my pain.
So at the moment, I'm on a running hiatus. I want to be sure it has time to heal correctly before I start challenging it again.
THE BOTTOM LINE :
I'm addicted and can not recommend this class more. Even for the price. Think of it this way : it's so much cheaper than a personal trainer and just as effective. I really wish there was a Bar Method studio in every city. Hopefully in the next few years there will be. I am already worried about what I'm going to do without one up by Ventura next spring. Secretly (or not so secretly anymore) I hope I'm good enough by then to start teaching part-time and help open a new studio.
Yep, I love it that much.
I've signed up for another six months of unlimited classes and I am going to buy the DVD
