Five and Fabulous at The Bar Method Chicago

Confession: I should have been more vigilant when it came to following the holiday fitness tips from Lis Settimi and Catherine James, co-owners of The Bar Method Chicago. But as predicted, once the family arrived in town, the workouts just didn't happen (probably because I only penciled them into my daily plan, and spent the mornings sleeping and not sweating).

If I could get a Christmas week redo on the fitness front, I would. But since that's not happening, I'll just have to make it count in January. One place where I can do that--well, almost--is the newest outpost for The Bar Method, opening on January 26 in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. Located at 1 East Delaware, the new location makes The Bar Method promises lean thighs, flat abs and sculpted arms--the most accessible workout of its kind in Chicago and the largest Bar Method franchise in the country. The barre-based workout focuses on the largest muscles groups which changes the body faster, offers intervals which are proven to burn more calories, and penetrates deep into the muscles through small movements. Aren't Chicagoans lucky? I think so.

Here's where it really gets good. To celebrate these milestones and maybe even encourage more body-shaping exercise, The Bar Method created The Bar Method Anniversary Challenge: "We're Turning Five...You're Turning Fabulous!" The challenge invites new and current Bar Method clients to a five-week body transformation: 5 classes per week, 5 weeks, 5 studios to choose from. Challengers are eligible to win one of five Grand Prizes as well as motivational rewards along the way to transforming their bodies. 

And it couldn't have come at a better time--we're a little late to the posting party, but the promotion started Monday and runs until February 10. Maybe it's me but I'm digging the new client deal: The new client package that usually offers 30 days of unlimited classes for $100 has been extended to five weeks for $100, at least until Feb. 10. Hello, new year's fit resolutions. 

What a way to celebrate its fifth anniversary, don't you think? And I'm counting the days until I can try it. Gold Coast, here I come. 

Bar Method devotees...who's taking this fitness challenge? What can I expect from the barre-based workout when I try it later this month?

Photo courtesy of The Bar Method.