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Before you read any further you have to promise me something. You have to promise that even though this post is once again about Bar Method, that you’ll continue to read. I promise to not dedicate any more posts to Bar Method than I’ve dedicated to running. 
Now that we’ve straightened that out, I’ll tell you the real title of this post.
What I’m learning in Bar Method Class, but Secretly Already Know
That I’m a wimp. That my pain threshold is low. I mean low. Running in the snow, sleet and rain does not mean that “one” has a high pain tolerance. It means that “they” have a sense of adventure.
Bar Method class is harder for me than any run I’ve ran (well other than that one time when it was 40 degrees and raining and my hands and feet went numb) in almost forever. The reason for this is that the class pushes you to complete fatigue. My legs shake until I feel like I might fall over. I’ll sadly admit that I’ve not worked at that intensity level while running in quite sometime.
Tuesday night I was doing an easy run with a few friends. With 1.5 miles to go we made a water stop. When we started running again, I turned to the guy in our group and said “Seriously, I’m running easy this time.” He replied “That’s no fun” and took off. I took off with him. I huffed, puffed, and gave it my all.
When I reached the 1/2 mile mark and I felt like I couldn’t run that fast for any longer I thought of the pain I feel in Bar Method class. I realized that my current level of pain was no where close to that level. I pushed on. I finished the run and I lived.
I still didn’t feel as much pain as I do in a Bar Method class. However, these classes are changing my approach to my runs.
I’m like you. My threshold for pain isn’t very high. Nick always tells me it’s all in my head, and I make it worse just by thinking that “I can’t do it” or “it hurts”. He’s 100% correct. If I don’t think about it or don’t complain, then I never feel the hurt, pain, or discomfort. Once I get deeper into my job I want to start looking for some good workout classes like this, so I can really be challenged.
I will get back to you about the roller. I need more details, and they are all at home.
Have a great weekend!
This is true for me, too. Well, not that I’m going to The Bar Method, but that I have a lower pain tolerance than I thought. I run alone and I always think I’ve worked pretty hard after a run. Last weekend, I ran with friends. At the end, I felt like I usually do – pretty tired – but nothing crazy. One girl decided to the sprint out the end and I did, too. I didn’t realize how much I had left in me! It made me think maybe I should push a little harder sometimes…test my limits.
I always feel that I push myself harder in fitness classes when someone else is leading, then when I workout on my own. After reading this I really want to try the bar method!
It just goes to show you, cross-training is important. Some things come easier to us than others, and that’s where we can really push ourselves!
You are much stronger than you give yourself credit for. It’s when you’re ready to quit that you make the most gains because you are taking your body to a whole new level. Watching the Tour de France hill climb makes my jaw drop.
I always thought strength training and other types of classes were harder than running. I have a love/hate relationship with the feeling of wobbly legs and arms.
I’m almost sold. Might have to check it out. I am a glutton for punishment, and, yeah! I do think I have a high pain tolerance! This sounds like a challenge.
I’m a wimp when it comes to strength training and much rather run any day of the week. But it’s the strengthening that makes running better and easier! Keep up the good work with Bar Method. I might have to check it out!
I wish we had a bar method studio near me. It reminds me so much of ballet, which I miss terribly.
bar method sound sooooo hard. this is how i feel when i take my saturday morning bootcamp! have a great weekend
I’ve actually never heard of the Bar Method. I’ll have to read through some of your older posts about it and learn what it is!
i didnt think that bar method could kick your ass that much! impressive. great that its changing your outlook– thats what it’s all about right!
My threshold for pain is like non-existant! Which is actually the biggest challenge I have with pushing myself (especially with running) because I talk myself out of it because of fear.
That does sound like a challenge! Definitely uses different muscles than running, for sure. I bet it makes you obnoxiously sore too, huh? I definitely think I need to push myself more during runs, too often I just stick with an easy pace
I am a wimp as well. The bar method is being offered at a fitness conference I may go to in Miami (I believe I saw it in there)…maybe I’ll attempt it, I always feel intimidated, being a trainer, and feeling like I should excel at these things…however, trying it is all part of the fun and you won’t get good at it until you try it! But you’re not alone…
Laury, I totally hear you! If it’s at the conference def check it out. It’s always great to be challenged by a new type of exercise. While I’m far from excelling at this class I love how different it is from everything else I’ve ever done.
I love the sound of that class…. challenging oneself is what it is all about!
Sounds INTENSE!! When it comes to working out, I give into myself a lot. Too much! Not today, though! I was huffing and puffing through my 3 miles in the 116 F heat and then I continued to walk! Woo! Keep at it, you’re so inspiring!
Sounds like you had a great run, I love coming away knowing I’ve gone as hard as I can!
Wow, nice job challenging yourself!
Barre workouts are sooooooooo hard! I always shake uncontrollably, too. And I also often use my barre workouts as motivation during other workouts not to give up.