If there was a contest and people were asked to find one word that described the Red Brunette gals, and there was a $1000 prize for the most accurate and unique word, the person that said "Zen" would surely lose miserably and possibly get hit by lightning. We are not ZEN. Fortunately, for the sake of today's blog, we have a super cool friend who teaches barre classes at Zenbar in Oakville, and she invited us down to catch her breathtaking flow. So, when Holly Short of Zenbar invites you, you know it's going to be invaluable.
Despite the harmonious look fastened to our faces, this was no small feat, peeps. The tiny little isolated movements that have to be held for (what feels like hours, but is only seconds) until your muscles are leaking lava, was made all better by Holly's quick-witted comments and gentle screams telling us to "hold just a bit longer, you got this", etc.
This class was super hands-on. Clara and I had our hands on our butts, thighs, and arms after every set, but Holly was also hands-on in the instruction. She squatted with us, arm circled, and made sure we were getting the benefit of every isolated movement.
From the minute we entered the class, we were welcomed by Holly with a hug that said "I'm actually truly glad to see you." Clara and I were wondering if we would actually feel the pain from this workout because, as I have said in almost EVERY previous blog, we are always looking for a workout that will beat our bottoms. Let me tell you, we did! Barre class is not the kind of workout that has you breathless and turning green, and because of that, we welcomed the refreshing change of pace.
The movements are small, but tough. A 90 degree squat that you have to hold for 1 minute, followed by pulsating leg lifts and then some 1000 calf raises just to ensure the fire is evenly distributed throughout your entire leg, can certainly massacre your muscles. In a splendidly heavenly way, of course.
The vibe of the class is calm and quaint, so screaming my usual expletives wouldn't have been very appropriate. Instead, Clara and I just mouthed curses at each other.
The vibe of the studio is, for lack of a better term, Zen. The mood, the music, the decor. It's the kind of place you want to hang out in and get renewed and repaired. It is, among other fabulous things, a healing studio. If you haven't had a chance to visit and enjoy one of their fabulous services, gurl, go get you some.
When you're there, be sure to pop into one of Holly's classes. She'll make you feel fabulous when you come in, and have you feeling incredible as you crawl out.
Proclamation goes out to @peony_photography who allows us to "be" and captures every second of the craziness with grace.
Check out Zenbar for yourselves:
http://zenbarhealing.com/treatment-menu/