Since having a baby, I’ve really been trying to get back into a good exercise routine following months of sitting on the couch and waddling around the house. Climbing has been fun, but since it requires a belay partner, it’s hard to schedule. I’ve been doing a boot camp in Golden Gate Park too, but I’ve always wanted to try a class of some kind. Remember that line from Legally Blonde (bear with me here): “Exercise gives endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t shoot their husbands.” HA! But seriously, I do find that adding exercise into my daily routine makes me so much happier and more equipped at dealing with stress. And especially with the change and challenges of a new baby, I need that boost more than ever.

I danced ballet when I was younger. I wasn’t particularly good – my older sister was the real star – but I loved the movements, expression and music. There was just something so incredibly fulfilling about it. When I was a sophomore in high school, I had to make the tough choice between continuing with ballet and playing lacrosse. I went with lacrosse and ended up playing through high school and into college. I even coached a high school team in college and after grad school. I don’t regret moving on, but I do miss ballet and that artistic expression sometimes.

Recently, I heard about these new barre classes, and I’ve been curious to try them out. I thought they’d be a great combination of my experience with ballet and athletics, and a fun way to mix new experiences into my post-delivery exercise routine.

I had no idea really what to expect, but headed in with my DIY workout bag…

Photography by Sara Albers. Also, big thanks to Pure Barre in San Francisco for letting me take a class and giving me a little private session beforehand to learn some of the moves.

this story is brought to you by vapor-distilled smartwater, who found unique inspiration for their water by looking up to the sky. we hope the change in perspective this piece offers will help inspire you.

I met the instructor, Candice, a bit before class to get comfortable with some of the moves.  A few things felt immediately familiar: the barre, the first position (above), second position, up on the toes and the lengthening of the neck and back. I’ve been doing boot camp the last 3 months. I’m in ok shape, right? I got this!

Spoken too soon. We moved to the floor, and into this serious thigh-burning torture position. Once I got it right, I immediately had to rest from the burn! Then Candice hit me with, “We’ll be holding this for 90 seconds in the class”. Wow. Okay. Joke’s on me. This is going to be incredibly hard…

Back at the barre, another seemingly comfortable “ballet” position was made that much more intense by balancing a ball on my leg!
Not pictured… the ball rolling off after five seconds, and the painful reminder that my leg does not do that high thing anymore.

Soon after, the other women filed in and class finally started. Here we go! My thighs were still burning, so I had to take things easy a bit.

Turns out it was hard – incredibly hard – but I took plenty of breaks and got through it! This was probably one of the best workouts I’ve had in a really long time. If you can get through the class in one piece, I can see how transformative it could be for your body! I loved it, will definitely be back.

What group exercise classes have you taken that you like? Have you ever taken a barre class?

Pants and sweatshirt from Albion Fit. T-shirt from Old Navy.