Bulking Up at Bar Method? This Too Shall Pass.

The Bar Method is all about creating that coveted long, lean and strong dancer’s physique.  So imagine my confusion and frustration when, after about two months of regular Bar Method practice (and dieting), parts of my body appeared to balloon. 

First, I took a hard look at my diet.  I was being very diligent about the amount of salt I was taking in and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables while drinking the generally recommended ounces of water.  My diet didn’t seem to be the issue.  I was perplexed. 

Reading Burr Leonard’s wonderful blog I came across a possible explanation in this post.  Burr also touches on the bulking up issue in the question section of the Bar Method website. 

This HAD to be the answer.  Since Bar Method is the first strength training program I have done consistently, I fit Burr’s criteria for the kind of person who would most likely go through this awkward bar-balloon phase.  Still, it was difficult to find testimonials from fellow Bar Babes to show me that there would be a light at the end of the tunnel.  Most of the Bar Method reviews out there are based on someone’s first class or first month of classes.  I had doubts.  I thought I might never come out of this alleged phase. 

Luckily, the less superficial benefits of Bar Method kept me going to class and thoroughly enjoying my time there.  Fewer headaches, better mood, improved flexibility, etc. were the motivating aspects I used to keep going.  I continued attending classes 4x/week and eating a balanced (90% vegan) diet. 

And guess what?  Burr is right! 

At about the four month mark, my thighs slipped easily into my tightest pants, I could see the muscle tone that had been developing and my measurements went down.  It was like someone had stuck a pin in me and let all the excess air out.  Hallelujah! 

So this is my testimonial, in case anyone out there is going through this.  Bar Method IS an amazing tool in developing a slimmer physique.  You will slip into those skinny jeans eventually and your patience will be greatly rewarded.