Written for Daily Hive Vancouver by YMCA Member Patryk Grzelak
Completing my ninth half ironman triathlon this summer was a dream come true. After all the training and hard work I put in for that I thought: “How hard could a Barre or Step Class be?“
I trained for the triathlon at YMCA because it’s one of the few places where I can swim in the pool, ride the bike, and run on a treadmill all in one facility. I also enjoy the sense of community I get from all the great people there.
So when fitness instructor Liia Vuur challenged me to try out Barre and a Pure Step class, I thought why not? I know my flexibility could use some work, but how hard could it be?
Challenge #1: Barre. Wow! I definitely need to work on my flexibility. I wasn’t aware of what a plié was before today. But I sure know now. Barre definitely uses some muscles I don’t normally use. Why did I agree to this again?
Challenge #2: Pure Step. Much harder than I thought. I felt like a fish out of water by trying to move my arms and legs at the same time. I had no idea this class required so much coordination.
The verdict
It was good! I would give those classes a try again. My recommendation if you’re thinking of trying out a new class or exercise you’ve never done before? Go for it. Don’t be afraid to look a bit silly if you are uncoordinated like me.
Try out the YMCA this month – sign up and pay no joiner fee