We visited Tonic Studio in Maumee this week to try out BeyondBarre Basics with certified Barre instructor Erika Wojkiewicz. We wanted to see if the barre exercise craze was all it was cracked up to be. Tonic is the only fitness establishment in Toledo to offer the BeyondBarre classes that utilize a glide board that pumps up the cardio and is gentler on the ol’ knees than running.
Emily: I was a dancer for 18 years and even when I wasn’t dancing anymore, I still considered myself a fitness enthusiast. However, between a desk job, happy hour and no discipline with office snacks, I have gained more weight over the last year or so than I am willing to admit here. I’m on a mission to de-fat-ify right now so our field trip to Tonic is perfect timing!
While the class was very intense and challenging, I didn’t feel overwhelmed or like I couldn’t keep up. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace and given suggestions for making it easier or harder. The small class size gives instructors time for personal attention with those who need it as well.
Amanda: I was the prima ballerina in my kindergarten ballet class. Since then, the only dancing I've done is the drunken kind at the Ottawa Tavern. I was pretty apprehensive about the BeyondBarre class, I heard it was very intense … and it was! I was sweating within five minutes. However, I never felt like I was falling behind, all of the exercises were difficult, but doable. The class was small, so Erika was able to keep an eye on me to make sure I was positioned correctly, and offered helpful tips and modified poses.
When I woke up this morning, that spot between my thighs and my butt (ladies, you know) was sore. I know that if I committed to a couple of classes per week, I would start to see results fairly quickly.
Emily (in blue) and Erika demonstrate BeyondBarre moves
BeyondBarre targets “girlie” areas women are usually concerned about including arms, derriere, and inner and outer thighs. Using small, precise movements with your own body weight for resistance isn’t going to create a bulky physique either, Wojkiewicz said. She just had a baby boy on Feb. 4, 2013 and she credits her Barre workouts with helping her sprint closer to her pre-baby body. (Check out the photos—we think she looks amazing!)
“It’s always challenging and always different. Your body will never get used to it,” Wojkiewicz said. “It’s a quick way to see results.”
New students are encouraged to start with BeyondBarre Basics, but are welcomed to start with one of the other classes, like BeyondBarre Burn and won’t feel completely lost, Wojkiewcz said.
For a full schedule of Tonic classes, visit www.tonicmaumee.com.
