There is a series of exercises in the Bar Method where we are asked to stand parallel to the bar (think ballerina), stand on our tippie-toes, place a rubber ball between our thighs, and squeeze - all the while maintaining a straight back, with our navel tucked in, our knees soft, and core strong. So in this tip-toe position we squeeze, and hold, and squeeze, and hold...and then we tuck and hold, and tuck and hold. Finally, we squeeze and tuck, squeeze and tuck...and then we h--o--l--d (while squeezing and tucking).
On the first day, this exercise series was tough. On the second day, this exercise series was hell! That's right, I'm not ashamed to admit that I almost passed out from the pain. I tried to use that mind-over-matter thing, but no image of my hard, strong, bikini body could mask the excrutiating pain ripping through my hamstrings. Passing out would have been a release but all twelve students stood their ground - stood in their tip-toes, with every muscle tucked, squeezed, and held.
Carolyn and I waddled to our cars after class, cracking up at the amount of breathing we did, comparing the inhales and exhales to our experiences with Lamaze. We struggled to walk straight and sort of leaned against each other while walking as a form of mutual support in body and spirit.
We are welcoming the rest day we have tomorrow, and then it's back to the gym for more tucking, squeezing and holding. We invite you to join...just remember to be clear on why you're coming...because you're gonna need the distraction!
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