Five years ago I first walked in the doors of Bar Method Southlake. I was in search of somewhere to go where I would be motivated to workout after going through a difficult season of life. I was 8 weeks pregnant, my dad had just passed away from cancer, and my physical health had begun to take a toll. I knew barre was good for pregnancy, so I took a chance and gave it a go.
I had no idea that one class would be the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
I’ve worked out pretty much my whole life. Between sports, athletics, running, home workouts and everything in between, rarely has there been a moment where I haven’t been active. But I had never experienced something like Bar Method before. The workout itself was challenging, fun and interesting. But it’s actually so much more than that!
I’ve met some lifelong friends while sweating it out at the bar.
I’ve laughed, cried, prayed and danced inside those walls.
Three babies have kicked along with the music in my belly.
Which means I’ve also gone through postpartum recovery and re-strengthening my body three times!
I’ve experienced the toughest moments of my life while working out at Bar Method.
And I’ve celebrated some of the best days there too.
I’ve learned how to love my body for how strong it is, rather than just trying to be as skinny as possible.
I have started doing more workouts at home, and the kids have had so much fun joining in. I’ve loved teaching them the importance of taking care of yourself.
And best of all…
For the first time in my life I am have been excited to workout, and so much of that has to do with the amazing community and the bonds that have been created there. The owner, Ashton, has done such a wonderful job continuing the mission the original owners (Erin and Nicole) established when they first opened. You can tell the Lord is using this business to impact the lives of hundreds of women in the DFW area, and it’s so fun to be apart of!
My five year anniversary also coincided with (finally) reaching 500 classes at Bar Method. Between three pregnancies and postpartum recoveries, job changes, chronic fatigue and so much more, hitting this milestone is so big for me.
The past year has been so hard. I struggled more physically and mentally than ever before. I lost myself between kids, job and fatigue. And it had been over a year since I remembered really feeling like myself. Recently the studio did a Holiday Squeeze Challenge that I joined on a whim. I never thought I’d actually complete it, but after I realized that I truly could do it, I was motivated to finish.
Halfway through the challenge I noticed a change in me. For the first time since getting pregnant last year I saw a glimpse of the “me” that I used to be. I realized that when I finally started taking care of myself and being more intentional about my health, I began to heal mentally. It was so empowering!
As I sat in my 500th class, I began to tear up as I thought back to everything I’ve been through in 5 years.
I saw myself leaving my first class so sore, but already signed up to be a member of Club Bar.
I remembered the stay-at-home orders and how we all continued to “get together” via live Zoom workouts.
My heart hurt with joy when I thought about that first class back in the studio and our community was finally back together again. We all clapped and smiled at each other with tears in our eyes when class ended.
I looked back at all the ups and downs I’ve had with physical and mental health. And how I finally feel like I’m on the road to being me again.
I teared up when I saw my kids in my mind, heard their excited voices asking “are you working out today mom??”, and when I realized how much of a better mom I am when I’m also taking care of myself.
And I smiled when I thought of the kindness of the previous and current owners, and the honor it is to take photos for the studio.
It’s been such a crazy journey, full of memories, sweat and laughter. I am so thankful for that fateful day when I walked through those doors and a lady with big curly black hair greeted me. The Lord sure knew how much I needed and would need Bar Method Southlake.
Here’s to another 5 years at the bar!
SHARE THIS POST