Barre Challenges – Liz Zaharis

Taking on a new challenge. We’ve all been there. It’s not always easy to push yourself to try something new. Especially when that something is often referred to as a ‘formal self torture routine’ (kidding).

Yes, I’m talking about Barre. Not always (never) easy, but I have to admit, I’m in it for the long haul.

I’ll keep the details short and sweet. Barre is a full body workout that targets various muscle groups and works them to fatigue using small precise movements. It’s tough, but incredibly rewarding when you commit to doing the work.

I didn’t know what to expect when I attended my first Barre class – only that I’d probably feel pretty sore afterward (and I did for a solid week. I couldn’t laugh because my abs hurt so much!).

However, I reassured myself that if I stuck with it, I’d get stronger and would be able to keep up with the intensity.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, right? After I pushed myself to have a go at this crazy hard workout and stopped shooting dirty looks at the instructor thinking, you want me to do what with my what, are you insane?! (c’mon, you know you’ve all done it), I started to really love what Barre was doing for me physically and mentally.

Barre opened the door to new opportunities that might have passed me by that if I didn’t give myself the push. For example, I recently started teaching Barre classes here at the studio, and just completed a mat training at Power Pilates. Through these experiences, I was able to learn a lot of new things about myself – like how I’m persistent, and intuitive, and actually pretty good at teaching!

Listen, Barre might not be for everyone and that’s ok. I highly recommend trying it if you’ve been at all skeptical. The bigger message here is giving yourself that extra nudge to attempt that one thing you’ve been nervous about trying because you’re afraid you might fail. I encourage you to take that leap and embrace what’s in front of you because you just don’t know what opportunities are out there. Don’t miss the boat. Whatever the outcome might be, you learn and then you grow.

The proof is in the pudding, people. We all know life can be pretty relentless (hey, just like Barre!). But what’s life without a little challenge?

Anyways, simply put, the moral of the story is this – when you need a little push, a workout, and maybe a little self reflection,  you know where to look…

See ya at the barre!

Yours Truly,

Liz

(Barrie-bie for life)