I don't think I would have been able to truly say this a year ago, but this year I am thankful for my family.

I have had a rather tumultuous relationship with my family over the years, starting as early as five years old when I knew I didn't really fit the mold of what my family expected.

You might think I was a pretty intuitive five year old, but it's pretty easy for any child to read the disappointment on parents’ faces when you are choosing to play with Barbie instead of GI Joe. Being gay wasn't exactly the role I was supposed to fill as the only son in a large Middle Eastern family, and my journey to young adulthood was challenged as a result of this dissonance. I often turned to food for comfort and stress relief, which over the years developed into an ongoing challenge with my weight.

By my mid-twenties I was pretty much disconnected from my family and never really came to expect any resolution of reconciliation. However, things did change and the issue came to its climax about one year ago when I confronted my father. Since then our relationship has progressed and wounds have started to heal - I am rebuilding a stronger relationship with my family. While our connection isn’t as close as I would like it to be, I am happy with our progress so far and take comfort in the fact that our new relationship stems from honesty and respect.

I know this seems like a pretty serious subject for my Bar Method Blog but for me the holidays are all about food and family. For so many years I had issues with both, but now I am at a place where both food and family are positive additions to my life. Going through the 3|60 Challenge is allowing me to see how much I have changed not only physically but also emotionally from this same period last year.

And for this I am so very thankful.

I am thankful for many things this year. I am very grateful for my health, my body has come through for me. I had a flawless and happy pregnancy. I enjoyed learning about my body, embraced the changes, and looked forward to the arrival of my first born daughter. I began labor on Labor Day, if you can believe that, and labored at home for three days. I spent the last two hours of labor in the hospital and was able to give birth naturally. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have had that experience.

I am grateful for the health and happiness of my daughter, Kate. My husband, Kevin, and I have been together for ten years. We got engaged in October 2009 and learned I was pregnant in Jan 2010. We were very excited to be in the part of our lives where we could be excited about marriage and children and the life we are building together. And words cannot describe our gratitude and love for Kate. LOVE, love , love, love.

I am grateful for the health of my husband and our family. I am grateful that Kate has seven grandparents and that six of them are within 15 miles from us. I am grateful to have family for a babysitter. I am grateful that Kevin & I had a beautiful, meaningful, and small wedding this year and that we could share that with these six grandparents.

I am grateful that my Uncle Bob, who I haven’t seen in four years, spontaneously came to my college graduation in May. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to complete my degree.

I am grateful that my dog, Shadow, is healthy and adjusting well to having a baby in the house.

I am grateful that, when I return to work, I will work as a nurse, helping others achieve health and happiness.

I am thankful that Kate is an easy baby and that she sleeps through the night.

I am grateful for the home we rent in my childhood town of San Anselmo. I love the fact that the house is newly built with modern amenities, on over an acre of beautiful hillside, has nature views from every window, 500square feet of deck with views of Mt.Tamalpais, and a great landlord who lives next door. Believe me, this is hard to find in a rental.

In am grateful to live in the Bay Area. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Last Sunday, I spent the morning in class at The Bar Method in the San Francisco Marina and the afternoon at Limantour Beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore. I feel lucky.

I am grateful to The Bar Method Marina for providing two months of free classes and a venue to share and reflect on my experience. I feel very lucky to have the personal instruction over a long period of time to give me a great foundation to an exercise that will hopefully be life long. I am grateful for the physical benefits and the resulting happiness I feel about myself.

We often get so caught up in life’s daily tasks and frustrations that we forget to be thankful for the small things in life. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this post is dedicated to that. For the first time in a long time, my body is adjusting to a high level and consistent amount of exercise. This year, aside from great friends, family and a new city to call home- I’m grateful for how good my body has been to me. It’s amazing how much we can take for granted and being healthy is definitely something that’s overlooked way more often than it should be.

Through this 3|60 Challenge, I’ve been truly amazed at how quickly the human body is able to adapt and adjust itself accordingly to new regimes. I’m noticing how much a balanced diet of healthy, fresh food vs. processed affects one’s body. I’m noticing as the weeks roll by how much easier it is to want to go to class, even crave it. And lastly, I’m noticing how much more energy I have by working out consistently and effectively. Sure, some days are tiring, and I’m learning that sometimes you have to listen to your body by taking a rest day and letting it heal. Your body takes care of you each and every day, it’s high time I learn to take care of it by going out of my way to eat healthier, exercise more consistently, and honor my body like it deserves.

Women’s Health came out with a great article this month on the best eats that does a body good. Some of my favorites on the list include green tea, blueberries, watermelon, beans, artichokes (don’t use it as an excuse to scoop butter, though), figs, sweet potatoes, lemons and even dark chocolate.

With that being said, as we go into the holiday season, we need to be mindful of what we’re putting into our bodies, no matter how much we have to CELEBRATE!

I can’t believe four weeks have flown by. As I notice differences not only in my lifestyle choices but my body- I’m also noticing how useful Bar Method technique is to my everyday life.

Here’s a little guide to how Bar Method has improved this recent transplant’s daily life in SF:

1) It absolutely trains you for crowded places where hanging off various street fixtures is a necessity in order to gain full view of the event.

For example, I went to the Giants Parade and in the madness, the only available space that offered a decent view of the players’ float was to hang off of these metal gates. Because of the Bar Method, I was able to hang on for a full thirty minutes- it was all the Posey, Lincecum, Huff and Cain I needed to bring myself closer to being a San Franciscan!

2) It helps provide better balance on MUNI buses.

As a former New Yorker, I tend to ride subways better than buses. In fact I am not a fan of buses. Since I live in lower Pac Heights, I’m forced to take buses anywhere that I can’t walk to. I tend to tumble all over the place as I’m not used to standing on lurching vehicles above ground. However, ever since I started doing Bar Method, I found myself able to use my core muscles to stable myself much better. It sounds silly but it’s been extremely helpful. As for the lady that likes to booty shake at the front aisle of the 22,…no amount of Bar Method will remedy.

3) It strengthens my muscles, allowing me to have the confidence and capabilities to try things I never could try before.

I’ve always wanted to try rock climbing but because I have an embarrassingly low amount of upper body strength, I always put it off for fear of making a fool of myself. However, since I started doing Bar Method, I’ve realized that my arm strength has increased significantly and tonight I am going for my first session! Wish me luck! (Especially after five straight days of Bar Method!)

I think I am finally getting the form and flow of The Bar Method down this week. I can anticipate the next set in class and can focus on my form to get a deeper stretch or flex. I am shaking more because I am getting more out of the classes.

The Bar Method really helps with the everyday stress and general well being. Last week, my dog playfully chased and caught a neighbor’s elderly cat. As a sheep herding dog he is high wired to chase and well, cats run. The health of the cat and the vet bill weighed heavily on my mind. For one hour, three times a week, I could leave that stress behind because The Bar Method class is fast paced and challenging. After class, I would be stress free and hopeful for the cat’s recovery and the recovery of my bank account. The cat is now recovered and home!

I haven’t been in the habit of looking in the mirror for several months because of the pregnancy and the disappointment I feel. This week, my husband commented on my arms. He saw me in The Bar Method long sleeve T-shirt and said, “you’re getting strong!” So I looked in the mirror and he was right. I have visible deltoid muscles now and my arms are getting shapely. One area that surprised and disappointed me during my pregnancy was my back. After I had the baby, I had rolls of skin/fat that looked very out of place and ugly. I looked at my back after my husband’s comment and I look really strong with about a third of the extra skin! The remaining smaller rolls are on my upper thigh/back area and I know I can target these by working more at pretzel (shown right) and arabesque.

I am amazed at my progress and inspired as I head into the second month of the challenge.

I don’t know if it was the weather, the time change, or the fact that I ran a half-marathon this week but I have been feeling a little run down. This made getting to the Bar Method seem a lot harder than usual. I decided to take a level one class for the first time so that I would not be pushing my body too hard and as a way to mix things up.

I would not say that a level one class is easy, just different. You don’t do as many reps, but there is a lot more focus on form. You also hold some poses for a longer period of time, which can make the exercises just as hard as a mixed level class, if not even harder. Taking a level one class made me realize that focusing on technique will only help me to work harder and achieve results more quickly.

So, for my third class this week I actually did the beginners workout DVD again. What’s great about the DVD is that there is an instructional video on how to do each Bar Method pose properly. This was extremely helpful because I am a visual learner and it is hard to watch others in class to see what they are doing when I am trying to do a pose myself. Using the DVD in slow motion also helps to see how much or how little movement you should do to benefit from the exercises. Master Instructor Joey Decker leads a fun workout. He demonstrates good form, is energetic, and has just the right amount of enthusiasm to keep the workout entertaining even after multiple viewings. After taking it a little easy this week and focusing on form, I know that I will be able to “bring it “the next two weeks of the challenge.

Oh yeah – here is a fun little nutritional tidbit that I have found helpful in keeping the pounds off…if you love ice cream or frozen yogurt try getting a tub of fat free Greek yogurt instead. Greek Yogurt is thicker than normal yogurt but has less sugar and calories than frozen yogurt. To add a little flavor to your Greek Yogurt you could chop up some fresh fruit or use a low glycemic sweetener like agave!

Half way there! Four more weeks to go!

To know me is to know that I am a runner. I have been running since high school and have always loved the fact that running allows you to get up, go, and have an amazing feeling. Over the years, I have become more and more involved in running with groups and doing races. As I ran more and more races and got faster and faster I also started to get injured more and more.

After fighting off a recovery from knee surgery, IT band issues, shin splints, and a whole array of other injuries  have started to loose my passion for running over the past year. As my passion slipped away, I also got slower and slower and lost that great feeling of accomplishment I would get from a run. So I decided to take a break from running and focus on other ways to keep fit. During this time, I explored pilates, yoga, weight lifting, and cardio at the gym. All these activities gave me a decent work out, but nothing gave me the workout and feeling that I got from running.

Recently I decided to get slowly back into running, by running only one time each week. While getting back my running legs, I started the 3|60 challenge and immediately noticed the changes that The Bar Method made in my running form. I now run more upright, and have dramatically improved my speed. Hills always use to be a huge challenge for me, however my overall speed up hills has improved dramatically. I have been so exited about the progress I have made in my running form that I have registered for a half marathon and am actually looking forward to running it. My goal will to get a personal record on the course, however I am happy that I am now able to be back running pain free and happy.

As the weeks go by, I'm more able to fit The Bar Method into my daily schedule. I went to New York City the latter part of last week and through the weekend and I was surprised to find myself missing Bar Method dearly while away. I take that as a very good sign. My body is adjusting to the exercise and I’m finding it easier to adapt to the moves when I go every day as opposed to every other or skipping a few days.

I’m also noticing that it’s easier for me to do certain exercises that were impossible when I first started. For example, at the beginning, no way could I lift my legs during the flat back exercise. But earlier this week when Kiesha told us to lift our legs up, I just did- like a reflex. I was really surprised but I guess steady improvement happens unnoticeably. As for things I am working on- I’m hoping to continue to strengthen my core muscles. I still can’t lift my elbows up during mat curls and that’s something I hope to accomplish in the next few weeks. In the good news department, my friend from college is expecting and after following my Bar Method posts the last few weeks, she called her local studio and was psyched when they told her it’s perfectly safe for expectant mothers. She messaged me the next day in love with Bar Method but incredibly sore. I think I may have successfully made my first convert!

On another note, I’ve been trying to eat healthier this week. I’m trying to only eat lean meat and lots and lots of vegetables. One frustrating thing is I haven’t seen any change in my weight whatsoever but I do feel like my clothes are fitting a bit better. From what I remember, muscle weighs more than fat so I hope that’s the case and the weight loss will come eventually. Next week will be halfway point (I can’t believe it!) and I’m hoping to push myself even harder.

I felt my form improving and got the calorie burning shakes in week three. I was able to do all the pushups in tempo this week and can feel the strength in my arms when I hold my baby above my head in play. I seem to be recovering more quickly from the difficult abdominal work. I am getting more out of the abdominal work now that my lower back and ribs are flat on the mat.

In addition to class, I did the “Beginner’s Workout” Bar Method DVD. The seat work in the “Beginner’s Workout” Bar Method DVD is fantastic. Master Instructor Joey Decker really describes the poses well and you can feel the results. It can be difficult to find ways to lift your rear and The Bar Method has several ways to work the glutes. During the arm work, Joey tells you which muscles you are working and shaping so you can push harder for the areas that you specifically want to target.

The video is only thirty-seven minutes but covers all the movements that we do in a one hour class. It is fast paced workout and leads you thorough instructions of each exercise and stretch. Joey reminds you to keep a straight spine or flat back just when you begin to fold over or arch too much – good posture is key. The music is in the background so you can really hear Joey but also stay in tempo. If you are a visual learner like myself, the video is nice because each performer has excellent form. In class, I often look around to find other students with good form.

Nearly half way there!

Two weeks behind me and I’m starting to notice little differences. I’m able to wake up easier, I have more energy, and I am much more capable of turning down fatty food.  I also took much pleasure in squeezing myself into my newly washed jeans with minimal muffin top.

I was only able to get in 3 physical classes this week  (was hoping to go at least 4 or 5 times) but what started as a tame week quickly took a turn for crazy.

In class, I feel myself automatically adjusting and working harder without too much prompting.  My rule of thumb in Bar Method class is, if it isn’t burning or I’m not shaking- I’m most definitely not doing it correctly.  I’m also realizing that even though the core moves are the same (a la the new "Beginner's Workout" DVD)- every instructor’s class varies slightly- ensuring I am never bored.

Another thing I noticed was the music! SF Marina Instructor Keisha played the most AWESOME mix of music. The upbeat, pumping mix took me to new levels of hardworking. Before I knew it, I was happily twisting my legs into “happy baby” and making my peace with the work out Gods.

I’m currently en route to New York City- my old hometown and am hoping I can squeeze in a Bar Method class at their Soho studio. Lucky for me, I have my trusty Bar Method "Beginner's Workout" DVD tucked into my carry on and if these darn seats had allowed, I would have knocked out a work out already, ha.

My next week’s goals are to go four days consecutively, bring a new friend to the studio to share my morning work out, and to stop drooling over La Boulangerie’s macaroons. The first two I am almost certain I can accomplish but the last…..well, no promises just yet.