05 Sep Raise the Barre
My exercise routine—which consists of a one-hour barre class four to five times per week—has remained consistent for almost 10 years. I’ve moved cities and studios, but the shaking and burning that comes from working different muscle groups to the point of exhaustion makes me feel strong. I like it.
I usually position myself in the front corner of the studio, near the defibrillator that hangs on the wall. I choose this spot mostly because it offers some distraction as I allow my mind to wander in an effort to not focus on the pain of the movements. I often wonder if I would be the first to grab the defibrillator if someone went down in class. “I’m a doctor!” I would say, adding, “Well, wait, I should clarify, not the real kind…but I seriously study this thing all the time when I’m here, and I know it really well…”
“HELP ME…” the person would be moaning as I continued to consent them, advising them of the potential risks and benefits of me being the one in charge of the lifesaving equipment.
The instructors in the class share some similar phrases, including motivational ones like “Embrace the shake. It means your body is changing!” My most favorite part of the class is the end, when we are stretching. I smile with the happiness of completion, knowing that this signifies the rest of my day as workout-free. During this stretching time, everyone faces the front mirror, and we sit with our legs stretched forward. I’ve noticed that, regardless of who is teaching the class, the final instructions remain the same. We are told to “lift our hands toward the sky and dive forward, leading with our heart.”
I like that the class finishes this way. Leading with the heart seems like a good way to go back in to the world. No matter where you are or what you’re doing—parenting, managing, helping people change—leading with love is a pretty safe bet.