I have never been a gym person. I always enjoyed running outside and having the freedom to explore my cardiovascular limit at my own discretion. I could take in the sights, get some fresh air and release the tension I held from the stressors of life with every step.
Then college began. I moved from my warm California climate to the cooler environment of North Carolina. Fall semester I was able to continue to run outside, but when I returned for my spring semester I learned that running outside was not kind to my ears; they could not balance the elevated temperature in my body with the frigid weather outdoors, causing a throbbing for some time after I finished my workouts.
I needed a change. I gave the gym a try, but it just was not enjoyable, so I began my search for something else. In this search I found Pure-Barre, Winston-Salem. I took my first class, unprepared to experience the failure of what I thought were my strong runners’ legs; they seemed to become Jello with each “up an inch, down an inch” and “tuck.” I could not walk normally the next day. Immediately I could feel change in my physical strength and I knew this was a workout I had to continue.
As I did, I learned (and am still learning) to perfect the choreography, saw my legs toned and the emergence of an even tighter stomach, and found that the 55 minutes in the studio allowed me to forget about anything that had my mind preoccupied before class.
For the last year and a half I have continued at Pure Barre, and I never get bored. Each class presents a new challenge. I love the change in my body, but have noticed something even more powerful I never expected to find in a workout—a change in my mind. During Pure Barre classes I would tell myself to push through my final 10, get my leg straighter, to point or flex my foot a little tighter, and never give up.
Somehow, this focused practice allowed me to translate the mental exercise of pushing myself in my daily activities. I pushed myself through areas of study when I wanted to give up. It gave me discipline. It gave me greater confidence. It gave me the opportunity to learn that my best is not my limit. It has allowed me to push through mental blocks and taught me to be introspective in determining the root of my self-set limitations.
The lift-tuck-burn (LTB) has allowed me to grow my muscles and mind in 55 minutes in a way no other workout compares to. I have recruited friends and family to share in this excitement. I have also found a family at each of my Pure Barre studios, Del Mar and Winston-Salem.
Eighteen months ago I was in search of a workout change; what I found was a life alteration. The Pure Barre method is one I credit for my sanity in times of stress, relaxation when I am overwhelmed, a place to find my peace, and an experience each time that never disappoints. The mind-body connection is an unparalleled relationship that has enabled growth I never could have imagined and one I will be forever grateful I found.
Through all of life’s ups and downs Pure Barre has been a place I can go to unwind. I am a huge advocate of this unique workout, and most people who can push through the shaking, changing muscles would agree. Whether it is Winston-Salem or a studio closer to your campus, this workout is worth a try as it has the power to change your life for the better.
I hope to see you at the barre.
