I felt so privileged to have been part of that first group and Rachel is even lending me the Bar Method DVD so I can learn all of the modifications I will need for pregnancy and be able to return to class soon, now that my OBGYN has cleared it.
I asked Rachel about what inspired her to open her own Bar Method studio---and she's also generously offering a special promo to my readers---read below for more details---and if you're in Houston, maybe I'll even see you in class!
Rachel Good - the Bar Method Houston Studio Owner
When did you first learn about The Bar Method/take your first class?
I was living in LA at the time and went to Chicago for work in 2008. I stayed with a friend who insisted that I try this bar workout with her while I was in town. She and I worked out together a lot when i lived in Chicago, so I didn't even hesitate to say yes. She explained that she wasn't going to tell me anything about the class except it was challenging and there was a ballet bar in room. I remember that first class being the most challenging thing I had done in my life....and I couldn't quit giggling at myself and how bad my legs were shaking. No matter how many times I said to myself to stop shaking, I couldn't!! Once I got back to LA I discovered there was a bar method 3 miles from my front door. I tried the 30 day new client special, and I was addicted from that point forward.
What inspired you to want to open your own studio?
I took class literally up until my last day in California. As I was leaving, I asked one of the teachers if they knew of any studios in TX. She was excited to report one opening in Dallas. When i told her I was moving to Houston, she casually suggested that I open a studio there. When I returned home to Houston, I was staying in shape by running and doing the Bar Method dvd's. And though the dvd's are challenging, it's nothing like being in a classroom. After being back for two months I quickly realized that Houston was ready for the Bar Method and I was going to give it to them!!
Tell us about the certification process.
The certification process to become an instructor is just that, A PROCESS!! First you attend a training that consists of 6-7 hours of classroom time a day for seven days and that's either in San Francisco or any studio in other cities that is hosting a training. The classes include learning from an extremely large manual that teaches you the setups, hands on training and anatomy lessons. Once you return to your home studio, you immediately start to apply what you learned by teaching community classes. You are then evaluated by headquarters and must teach an entire class and pass within 6 months of your 7 day training. You have to be motivated and dedicated as the process is all about how hard you are willing to work.
What was it like running a mini studio from your home?
The studio in my living room seems like such a long time ago!! I was teaching classes in my house for over a year. And everyday I had to move my furniture from my living room to the kitchen...so exhausting! But, it was fun to have these small classes and really get to know a handful of individuals who came to class week in and week out. My teachers and I gained a great deal of knowledge and the flexibility to practice when we wanted was also nice. To say I miss those days would be silly, but we made some life long friends/students and it was a necessary step to get me where I am today.
What was the most exciting part of designing your Bar Method studio?
The most exciting part of designing the studio was picking out my colors and figuring out a way to bring my personality into it, while maintaining the feel of every Bar Method studio you would walk into across the country. I love the clean look of modern, but I also adore the idea of repurposing something old and making it new again. I think you can see how I brought the old vs new together right when you walk into my reception area. The Tiffany blue and gray color scheme is modern, fresh and relaxing. There are lots of modern accessories surrounding my reclaimed wood front desk and chic distressed retail piece. My studio turned out better than I imagined....which is fantastic considering how much time I spend there.
Why is the Bar Method such an effective workout?/What changes have you seen in your own body?
The Bar Method is a one-hour total body workout comprised of muscle strengthening and stretching techniques partially performed at the ballet barre, strategically choreographed and executed to music. The system is designed to create a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of ballet dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy, and the intense pace of interval training. From my own personal experience, the biggest change I have seen is an increase in muscle tone, I have great posture without even thinking about it AND I have carved abs....which I never thought I would have in my thirties.
What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is getting to know the students, pushing them through some incredibly hard exercises and helping them celebrate their achievements.
Can you do Bar Method during pregnancy?
Yes you absolutely can do Bar Method during pregnancy!! The Bar Method worked with a team of OBGYN's to develop pregnancy guidelines and modifications. We believe it is important to remember that in a normal, healthy pregnant women, exercise is the best way to achieve a successful pregnancy and avoid the blues in the postpartum period. Pregnancy is not a sickness and we should empower women to feel strong and in charge of their bodies during pregnancy.
What is the most rewarding part of achieving your goal of opening your studio?
On a personal level, the feeling of accomplishment after months of hard work is something I can't even put into words. Most rewarding of all though is becoming a part of the Houston community and working to change peoples lives. Aside from great classes from some amazing teachers, in the very near future, I want to offer students goal coaching and nutrition seminars in hopes of giving them a total life enhancing experience.
SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR VERONIKA'S BLUSHING READERS!!!
The early bird special is running right now (until Dec 31st) which is 40 days for 100$. All Veronika's Blushing readers will get 10% off of this special! What better gift is there to yourself this holiday season than to get 40 days of fitness and one of the best workouts I've ever done. It's also the perfect way to start the new year---ladies, when I was doing Bar Method classes my body was toned and tight and strong---you will not regret it!
The code is: VSBLUSHING12 visit http://houston-montrose.barmethod.com to buy your package!
You can also purchase a special after the the new year---the new client special is generally 30 days for 100$.
Rachel is also generously giving away one week of unlimited classes---a $110 value to ONE of my lucky readers. Please only enter if you are in Houston and can attend classes in the studio located at: 503 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 77006.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you for entering and if you decide to start taking classes---please let me know how much you love them (because, you will) on my blog or Facebook page! You can visit the Bar Method Houston at: http://houston-montrose.barmethod.com
FTC: I am not being compensated for this post. I took Bar Method classes with Rachel and they are phenomenal so I am sharing my experience.
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