We're the Dancers!

It's been two weeks since I started my Fall Fitness Bucket List. I created it because I found that my motivation has been lacking, of late, and I know that there is more to fitness than simply moving through the motions. Last week, I found myself sitting in my blue Hyundai Tuscan, parked outside my latest "challenge" trying to muster up the nerve to go inside. The sun shining through the window, warming up my arms and the black leather seat beneath me. I had met Nicole and Lara the previous week, and despite their reassurance that their barre classes are for everyone, of every level of fitness, I was nervous. "Screw it" I said to myself, "you signed up, stick to your guns." With that, I grabbed my brown gym bag and hopped out of the car.

I come across as an extrovert, but I am a very shy person in new and unknown situations. Because of this, I had invited two of my friends along to help me get over that. "New" is always safer with friends. One of my friends has years of dance behind her, where as the other is a bodybuilder and avid yoginni, so I looked at it as a social experiment -yes, my friends were my guinea pigs. Their own fitness levels, and my own, were going to be my gauge for how applicable this form of fitness is for all women. I didn't want to get up with my megaphone and start shouting about a great workout if it only applied to the seasoned dancer, or only challenged the beginners. I needed data! So, after greeting each other in the parking lot, we ventured inside.

The studio is coloured in several shades of greys and creams, setting a calm and serene tone. The large windows let in the morning light, shining on the plush love seat and chairs that welcome guests. My nose immediately detected the scent of chai tea brewing. As we took off our shoes, we were greated by a sweet voice introducing herself as Karrone. She invited us to indulge in a fresh pot of tea while we settled in. YES! I knew I smelled tea! We tucked our shoes into the cubbies, and started to explore the studio. "Today, you'll want to grab some light weights, a few tension bands, and a ball. Feel free to set up anywhere along the bar." Say what?!

I like weights. I like the simplicity of it: all you need is the right weight -the kind that makes you say "that's f@$&ing heavy" - and, maybe, a bench. When you ask me to grab a lot of accessories for my workout, alarm bells immediately start going off. "I brought a yoga mat! What more do you want from me?" But, I calmed down and reminded myself of the promise I made. Just suck it up and keep an open mind. So, we headed towards the barre studio.

This separate room off the entrance was similar to the first: calm greys and large windows. One wall is mirrored from floor to ceiling, separated by a bar. I felt myself instantly gravitate towards it, put my hands on the bar, and rise up on my toes. I may not have had much experience with ballet past the age of 4, but at this very moment my nerves disipated and I started to feel excited. I just wanted to be a ballerina! Pink tutu and all! Other women were starting to trickle in, so I swallowed my desire to pirouette and began gathering the bands, weights, and ball for the class.

2G Fitness is an women's only studio. They run a gammit of classes from Body Sculting to Power Hour, to 45 Minute Barre. The women that come are regulars, and after meeting some for the first few minutes, I can tell you that any fears you may have of personal and physical judgement does not exist. These women recognize each other. They encourage each other. And they are supported by the culture created by Nicole and Lara, and the enthusiasm from the instructors to move beyond their mental barriers and enjoy their classes while getting in shape. This isn't something I learned over the week I spent with them: it is apparent within the first few moments of stepping into the studio. This encouragement is what I felt the moment Karrone turned on the music and had us start warming up.

We started with small movements. Up on the toes, down on the heels. Swing your arms one way; now swing them the other way. Watch for your neighbour. Once we were warmed up, she had us line up at the bar. We proceeded to do small movements of torturous squats and plies in first, and third position that involved quick repetitions over the span of 30 seconds. The bands were slid over our legs to engage our quads during a curtsy squat -at which point my one friend looked at me and informed me we were "friends off." Our toes were pointed while we extended our legs behind us and engaged our glutes. In between working our lower halves, we performed push ups at the bar, interchanged with lunges. By the time we made it to our mat work for cool down, I knew there was no need for me to visit the gym that afternoon.

It was a 45 minute class. It was a kick in the ass, and I loved every minute of it. I could tell everyone else enjoyed it, too, from the smiles on their faces. We put our LIGHT weights away, and exited the studio. Once again, our senses were treated to the scent of a new pot of tea. Another group of women were lounging on the couch awaiting the next class. They all looked like friends, discussing their work and personal/mom lives. I thanked Karrone for a great class, and told her I would see her again this week: I was planning my week around their class schedule, already.

I thanked my friends for joining me. They both agreed that the class was challenging, but fun. The small movements and light weights were unexpectedly enough to train the full body. As I drove home, I thought about my meeting with Nicole and Lara: both have a background in personal training; but, found common ground in their desire to provide an experience, rather than just seeking a "sale." Meeting the two of them reminded me of the time I spent in Halifax when I attended Dalhousie University. I worked for lululemon at the time, and was very engaged with the local yoga studios. There, the feeling of community among the studios was strong; each teacher I met placed the emphasis on supporting their students, rather than competition. This is the feeling I get when I step into the 2G Fitness studio. The level of importance that is placed on the experience and support for the student is fore front and center. It is a small community of women, working together to create a welcoming and healthy experience for each of its members. Nicole and Lara make a point of knowing all their students, despite the studio having five instructors. Members are often seen wearing colourful 2G tanks with sayings like "Running late is my cardio." They are building their own movement in Edmonton that has the ability to empower women through fitness with the barre.

Maybe, I am a romantic. Maybe, I am so in love with fitness that I could enjoy any amount of physical torture and call it a "wonderful experience." But, I went back to 2G. I tried several of the classes they offer, and I found each one had its own merits. My personal favourite is still Barre 45. Runner up is Body Sculpt. Not only would I return to 2G just for the classes, but for the atmosphere. For that cup of tea on a comfy couch before class. For the engaging conversations with other students and the instructors. For the laughter that occurs as we all agree on which part of the workout really kicked our butts. These are women I don't just want to meet, but women that I would love to get to know. And that is what will keep students coming back; what will keep students consistent with their workouts. It is a community of support like this that will produce results. Because, there is so much more to fitness than just moving through the motions. Thank you, Nicole, Lara, and all the instructors at 2G. Thank you, for giving me a reason to come back.

*Before you panic: that board of moves is from the Body Sculpt*