Bar Method Super Sculpting - reviewed and recommended
This morning I did 20 press-ups. Fast. As I started to flag at around 14, I was spurred on by Burr Leonard’s motivating instruction and even more so by the fact that Burr herself was doing press-ups, talking at the same time and she’s more than 10 years older than me. Somehow that got me feeling competitive and I finished the set with aplomb. I was working out along with the new Bar Method DVD, Super Sculpting ($20 in the TIA shop) and in the past few weeks this has fast become my favorite workout.
Fast is a word that keeps coming to mind in this review. Bar Method founder Burr Leonard has put together fast-acting body-reshaping moves that really do build on the Bar Method’s signature exercises. If you are thinking been there, done that or that barre work is for sissies, think again and give Super Sculpting a try. It’s a pretty challenging work out.
But then you can’t have the body of a fit 40 year old at the age of 63 (as has Burr in my opinion) without getting intense. Nonetheless, this work out is within the reach of most people – easier variations are given for all the exercises and I have found that you build up strength quickly. For a barre exercise novice, I would recommend, however, starting with The Bar Method Change Your Body DVD ($20 in the TIA shop).
Although Super Sculpting starts with arm exercises and sneaks in sets off those press-ups that I mentioned, this program really comes into its own with thigh and glute work. Butt (or in Burr parlance, “seat”) raising and shaping is one of the key goals and in only a couple of weeks, I can report that this works. My least favorite part of my body is getting to be my new best friend and my thighs are looking leaner, thanks to four sets of thigh work and the signature 'pretzel with the ball'.
On the subject of the ball, it is a fairly essential accessory as it is to zero in on problem areas such as the inner thighs and bottom. I’ve tried improvising with a rolled up exercise mat and that doesn’t quite work. Hence, you can also buy the Bar Method ball in the TIA shop for a mere $12.
I am really delighted to include The Bar Method in the TIA shop – the nice people there made an exception for us, otherwise they are only available directly from the company or the studios around the country. Burr Leonard’s exercises have completely changed my body shape in the past year and I hope that they can do the same for you, whatever your age.
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Oh ** I'll be ordering the ball !! I tried substituting with a basketball (too big) and a couch pillow (too small). I'll be needing a change of viewing soon so it's nice to know you have tDVD's. I'm rotating The Bar Method with Jackie Warner and the treadmill. Thanks so much Marta for motivating me! I'm happy with the rotation!
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Okay TIA I have heard enough. I have ordered the 2 DVD's and the ball. I have been working out at the gym the same old way and see no results. I have always had trouble with the bottom half of my body no matter what i have tried. I have been battling weight gain for the past few months since my mom died and it is time to get back to business. Time to focus on me now. Any dietary pointers are appreciated. Exercise can get so boring and this sounds like an exciting change. Wish me luck!
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 9:33 am
Good luck Gloria! Let us know how you get on. In the meantime, here are some of my diet tips. http://truthinaging.com/beauty-360/my-diet-is-a-lifestyle-change
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 11:09 am
Where do you get the bar to do this workout?
Posted on December 28, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Hi Sharon. You don't need a bar - I use the back of a chair to hold on to. Its really easy to improvise with a piece of furniture. However, the ball (only $8) is necessary - pillows or rolled up exercise mats (I've tried them all) don't cut it.
Posted on December 29, 2011 at 7:59 am
I love The Bar Method exercise DVDs. They are awesome. Rock hard muscles in no time.
Posted on January 1, 2012 at 2:41 pm