Mary Kay is an amazing part of our community who not only uses Bar Method to stay fit and de-stress, but she has been taking to build bones. Yes, you read that right- build bones. It turns out that Mary Kay has osteoporosis and since she has been taking Bar Method, she has increased her bone density- AMAZING! Mary Kay, THANK YOU for your Bar Method passion! You are a role model for us all. Read her testimony below. Hopefully, you’ll learn from her as much as we did!

“I came to BAR for a very specific reason… I was a statistic- 1 in 2 women post 50 years of age with low bone mass at risk for fracture, in serious need of Bone Building activity. Being post 50… BAR isn’t about how I look; it’s about how I feel… AND how my health related numbers correlated with aging disease (not fun to thing to talk about but a reality) improve!

The Disease I’m talking about is Osteoporosis… yes, for ANY structural degenerating condition (scoliosis, etc)… BAR METHOD totally ROCKS!

While it isn’t the most hip thing to be speaking about in a studio of incredibly cool young ladies, bar none (a perceived “old ladies disease”), I feel compelled to speak about it since we all have Grandmothers, Moms, Aunts, Friends that we have seen the quality of their lives diminish via stooped over humps in their backs, hip & spine fractures, etc. that ultimately lead to demise!

This is a quality of life issue that we can impact change in the early years of our lives via Bone Building Activity… BAR METHOD!

BAR is about improving focus, balance, flexibility, and bone mass above all else…

Of course I’ve enjoyed the exterior results of looking like the hottest Aunt in a bikini (designation from my nieces), seriously the greatest results of BAR for me have been those that aren’t visible to the eye, but I totally love that my nieces think I’m “hot!”

BAR has kept me sane through difficult periods of my life, BAR gives me the few moments I need in a day to totally let go and focus on me, BAR opens me up to possibilities of what I can become, BAR challenges me to be give the few extra inches to get stronger and give more in my life… basically be a healthier me as an offering to my family, my customers, my friends and my community at large!

Being post 50, I had a screening DXA exam to evaluate my bone mass a year ago and was stunned that in spite of my always being active/”healthy”, I was diagnosed as Osteopenic (low bone mass)… which could ultimately lead to a debilitating fracture.  When I thought about it, my Mom and Grandmother had suffered hip fractures and had Osteoporosis although never diagnosed.  No one talked about it, but the quality of their lives diminished, they never regained the vitality they had pre-fracture.  Scary thought…  Osteopenic was a wakeup call for me… one designation short of full blown Osteoporosis.  Osteoporosis undiagnosed and treated leads to diminished quality of life and ultimately a painful death, yikes!

I did a lot of self education and learned that the time to really build bone mass is up through age 20’s when peak bone mass is formulated … wish I had known then!  BAR is Bone Building Activity!  Refusing to feel totally defeated at this stage of my life, I found BAR.

There is some good news to this story, and the silver lining is that a year ago I was diagnosed as Osteopenic (low bone mass), but today I’m within NORMAL range, and the reason for this is BAR… 4-5 days a week, whatever I’m able to manage… it WORKS!

Now I’m going to throw out there some hard hitting facts:

1)     1 in 2 women post 50 are at risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture

2)     After around age 30 bone mass starts diminishing

3)     Hip and spine fractures set off a downward spiral of events that negatively impact quality of life

4)     Of the women who are ambulatory before a fracture, 50% will never be able to walk again without assistance

5)     1 in 5 of these women will require long-term care

Bone Building BAR exercises assist in ceasing bone loss before it leads to fracture!  It’s never too late OR too early to initiate activities that aid in osteoporosis prevention!  Bone Building activity can improve bone density roughly 1% per year!

On the month of my 54^th Birthday, I’m so honored to be the BAR Star of MDR BAR Studio.  Every single class I’ve taken the stellar instructors have been so keenly tuned into the needs of our entire class, no matter how large… they will catch us when our minds periodically wander and get us right back on track … focus, yeah!  They want more for us because they know we all want to be more… maybe it’s about reducing a muffin top, maybe its acquiring a few more inches of flexibility, maybe it’s about learning how to have the discipline to push though for whatever reason… BAR gives us the tools we need to deal, majorly!

To all my wonderful BAR Method Instructors I remain perpetually grateful for the extra inches of flexibility, improved balance, greater mental focus and strengthened bones that will carry me into the many years of health filled days ahead of me!”

For further info:  http://www.nof.org/

When we first read Sarah’s testimony about Bar Method, it seriously pulled at our heartstrings. It’s real, personal and true. Here’s Sarah’s Bar Method story:

I love Bar Method. It has become as much a part of my life as eating, sleeping and work. Friends and family support what they often call my “habit,” my “fix,” my “obsession,” but they rarely seem to understand it despite the chance to give me a gift card on every special occasion.

In the last couple months I have found myself to be an unofficial Bar Method Ambassador-bringing in new students, but in doing that also searching desperately for the right words to sum up my passion for Bar- why it works and why they should join or stick with it.

Defining Bar depends on who you ask and almost everyone is right or on the same page often defining Bar’s physical purpose. One of my preschool students told me the other day that his “mommy goes to the Bar after work…to work out her muscles (then he flexed)”. An article I recently read in a New York Magazine says it combines strength training with yoga to help elongate the muscles for a long and lean look. If you take a look at the Bar Method website you’ll discover Burr’s definition to be along the same lines…and where I agree with all of the above I have finally discovered what is missing, what makes Bar different, and what happens to dedicated students…sometimes without recognition.

Bar IS BEYOND physical.

In fact, Bar Method changes lives emotionally, physically and mentally through a practice where pride and dedication are standard and new friendships are made everyday. Right?

Take a minute. Think about it.

And although it may be the only minute you take today to “calm your thoughts,” “find your center” or “thank yourself for all of your hard work” -unless you are signed up for class, of course- use that minute to define what Bar Method is to you.

Like me you may find that YES the 13 pounds and counting weight loss is AMAZING and so is fitting into those jeans you haven’t fit into for years, BUT that extra hop in your step, glow in your skin, willingness to do something outside of the box and understanding your body and how it works (both inside and out) is because of a little thing called Bar Method that has changed you in a BIG way… And like me, you are madly in love with it.

Thank you for a year filled with joy and inspiration. You make the studio and most importantly, our lives, better! To many more years of sculpting, lifting and toning! Cheers!

As if that wasn’t inspiring enough, Jac also has MS. An auto-immune disease, MS tries to keep people from moving- but not Jac. She is using the Bar Method as a “…foundation for supporting my day to day life with MS. A strong core is vital to maintain balance which can be a challenge to MS patients, Bar builds a strong core.” And core she has. Look at those ABS!

For the last 2 months, Jac has found the Bar Method to be the perfect compliment to running and to help with her MS. Read Jac’s own words below:

Bar:

“It is the perfect compliment to running.   It is a fantastic strength and flexibility work out, with focus on building endurance in key major muscle groups central to running.   A strong core is key to running well, Bar gives you that.  Runners are notoriously inflexible – a distance runner who can touch their toes comfortably is a rarity.   Lack of flexibility makes you prone to injury – a runners worst enemy, being benched from running.     Every runner knows this, and yet it is difficult to discipline yourself to dilligently work on your flexibility because let’s be honest, it hurts and going for a run is a lot more fun then stretching.  :)  Bar changed that thinking and has made a huge difference in my flexibility.   It is true- it is addictive! I focus on staying aligned to maximize my stretch.   A strong core is the foundation for holding your posture and maintaining your breathing during long runs – Bar builds a strong core.    Every muscle group we work includes an extra focus on the core to stabilize and focus the muscle group we are working.    The same applies to running – if your core is strong, breathing will be easier and with good posture your legs can do the work.   And frankly, you stand up taller and maintain a better posture in daily life.

Bar offers a great alternative to a “traditional” gym setting.    It is a welcoming environment with a personal touch.   How great is it that the instructors know everyone’s name in class?    Kudos guys.   I am the most “anti class” person you will ever meet.   Fitness classes have just never been something I enjoy.    I find them loud, the lighting overly intense, impersonal, and I don’t enjoy being “barked” at by an instructor yelling instructions over too loud music to a routine I likely can’t follow because I don’t go all the time.   So when my friend invited me to Bar Method – well let’s just say there are not too many people I would have agreed to go with, but this was a GOOD friend so I agreed.    Lucky for me or I would have missed out on a gem!  On my first day, the instructors made it possible to follow along through the entire class.   I never felt lost, and never once did anyone “bark”.    I went in a skeptic, I left an hour later completely hooked.   I had found a new approach to building strength and flexibility that was both appealing and difficult!  I was intrigued.   I talked with my coach and told him I was interested and wanted to give it a try.    Bar Method was new to him too but he was willing to see what kind of results we could get from it.   Since I am a “jump in with both feet” kind of person I bought the intro package for 30 days and started going 4 days / week.    In a couple of weeks time I could see and feel the difference.   I was stronger, leaner and more flexible.   I started to notice on my runs that my core was stronger and my legs didn’t tire as easy.   I think they were just grateful to be out running and not doing quad sets in class.  ;)   Today was a good testament of what I have noticed…   I ran the LA 13.1 half marathon and took 8 minutes off of my time from my prior half marathon in October 2010.   3 months later, 8 minutes faster.   So 2 months into doing Bar and the results have been great.    I am hooked!   I feel better, and run stronger with Bar as a part of my training program.  THANK YOU!

“Multiple Sclerosis is an auto-immune disease that as the National MS Society says tries to “keep people from moving”.   So what does that mean?  That’s right.. as I see it it means we need to keep moving!  :)   I was diagnosed with MS in 2006.   I was experiencing vision issues which led doctors to the diagnosis of MS.  MS is different for everyone, it doesn’t behave the same from person to person so the journey is different for everyone.   My faith is my foundation in accepting the journey of MS, and it helps me approach every day grateful and thankful in a whole new way.   Bar is a great foundation for supporting my day to day life with MS.    A strong core is vital to maintaining balance which can be a challenge for MS patients, Bar builds a strong core.”

Hannah is seven months pregnant at the moment. She started coming to Bar Method before she was pregnant and took a few classes. Once baby was on board though, she became Bar OBSESSED. Hannah comes to class 4-5 times a week and does EVERYTHING. She works so hard and is an inspiration.  Her uncle said to her, “No one in the family would accuse you of being athletic until you were pregnant.” Well, she is and it shows: her arms are toned, her legs are lean, her seat is lifted and most importantly, she feels strong and fit while still being able to eat her delicacies. Her hubby has noticed. Her doctor has noticed. Girlfriend is sculpted. Here is Hannah at class at 7 months:

Hottie, right? Hannah plans on doing Bar Method for as long as she can until she gives birth and is REALLY excited to return afterwards to get back into shape.

For all of our new moms, if you have had a baby in the last year and want to jump-start your work-out, we are now offering our Bar After Baby Package. Four months of unlimited classes for $740. The package is always available one time for “new” moms only at the Marina Del Rey studio.

We can’t wait to meet Hannah’s new bundle of joy! We’ll keep you posted with her post-pregnancy!

We always find a new challenge, even though we have been taking consistently for years. Let’s talk about one arm lifts for example: THEY NEVER GET EASIER! Just when you think you’ve mastered it, you check yourself in the side mirror and realize that your back could be flatter, your arm higher/straighter and your working hip is opening a little. Or roundback: last week your leg seemed completely straight and vertical. You thought you had won the battle of roundback! But this week it seems so much HARDER! You struggle to hold L and your foot is drifting away from the bar.  In thigh you think, you’ve got this; your back is vertical, your heels are high and you can get through thigh without taking any breaks. No problem! But thigh is like Vegas, the house always wins. Seriously, are you REALLY as low as you can go? Have you taken yourself to your edge? Or have you become “comfortable” with a certain level of back-burner burn? Guaranteed, if you try working two inches lower, if you try flattening your back more and if you try pulling your leg in to the point where it is shaking, you’ll be back in the honeymoon stage of your Bar Method romance!!

In each exercise there are secrets to unlock. They only reveal themselves to you by doing them again and again and AGAIN with focus. True Bar Methodistas learn this. Read Burr’s eloquent blog entry on this topic.

Last week, Agathe got married in France-comme c’est romatique! We spotted her wedding photos on Facebook and our jaws dropped to the floor. One word to sum up how she looked: WOW! She was kind enough to share her pictures with all of us for this feature… doesn’t she look stunning?  We interviewed her about how she got her killer Bar bod in time for her Big Day and why she’ll continue to come even as a married woman. Thank you Agathe for being an inspiration to everyone. Your body is the testimonial. Hard work pays off- and in your case, you’re a wealth of hotness!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Munkowitz! To a lifetime of love, happiness, good health and the Bar Method!

P.S. Calling all brides-to-be, take advantage of the Bar Bride package- 3 Months of Unlimited classes plus a free week on us, for $600. As you plan your wedding, set aside the time to squeeze, burn and tuck your way into your best shape- hello Agathe!

]]> http://barmethodmarinadelrey.wordpress.com/2010/08/26/bar-star-agathe-fay-munkowitz/feed/ 3 barmethodmarinadelrey agathe4 agathe7 agathe6 agathe1 agathe2 agathe5 http://barmethodmarinadelrey.wordpress.com/2010/08/03/confessions-of-a-bar-addict/ http://barmethodmarinadelrey.wordpress.com/2010/08/03/confessions-of-a-bar-addict/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:27:25 +0000 barmethodmarinadelrey http://barmethodmarinadelrey.wordpress.com/?p=238 Continue reading →]]> Meet Matt. He was introduced to the Bar Method in Marina Del Rey by his cutie-patootie fiance, Jessica. She convinced him to try a class during Bring a Boy to Bar Week. Since then, he’s been coming to class 5 times a week and constantly wows us with his hard work. Matt is a gift to us because he is a perfect example of how Bar Method is beneficial to both men and women. Matt is taking classes for all the right reasons:

1. Strength and Endurance

2. Rehabilation

3. Low Impact, but High Intensity Workout

Watch for yourself as Matt confesses his new found appreciation for the Bar Method. We can’t wait to follow Matt and see how his body changes!

When Cori came to the Marina Del Rey studio, she was an obvious choice to be an instructor and we jumped at the opportunity to have her on our team. She began training in May and was officially crowned new Bar MDR Princess last week. Cori will teach 3 free Community Classes this week (please sign up here):

• Wednesday, July 28: 11 am-12 pm
• Friday, July 30: 4:30-5:30 pm and 5:45-6:45 pm

Beginning this Sunday, August 1st, she will be on the regular schedule. Come experience Cori’s wonderful teaching- calm, cool and collected. She pushes you to your limit while encouraging your spirit! Congratulations Cori! Now it’s time for you to kick our butts!

P.S. Starting Monday, AUGUST 9, our schedule will be expanding.. again! Look for Level 2, lunch time, early Friday morning and evening classes.

1. Core Strength- tone your abs, improve your posture and define your back.

2. Interval Training- the high level of intensity will boost your metabolic rate, challenge your leg muscles throughout class, and isolate key muscles for sustained periods of time.

3. Flexibility- this combined with strength is the perfect recipe.

4. Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention- safely recondition and improve your body.

We have a perfect example of a guy who has reaped all the Bar Method benefits that Burr writes about. His name is Art Lyons. He was introduced (a.k.a forced) to try class because his wife happens to be a big fan. Jenny, an instructor and one of the 3 Marina Del Rey owners, is his wifey. Art has been taking class regularly for over 3 years and actually really loves it. He says, “I’ve tried a lot of different workouts over the years. From free weights, to yoga to marathon training. And by far, the Bar Method workout has done more to transform my body than anything else. I have never felt stronger and more solid in my body than after a few months of consistent Bar training. The exercises are simple, but super challenging and wildly effective at toning every muscle in the body, while at the same time burning away fat. And there are so many amazing looking women in class that you are motivated to work even harder and not give up!”

Art! We are proud of your openness in trying Bar Method. It has absolutely paid off! We see your strength and improved flexibility… and yes, we agree, there are beautiful, hot women in class. Now, round up the boys and let’s get shaking!