How I Stay Fit – The Dailey Method x Style Domination

*UPDATE: So, tonight I took my first interval class at The Dailey Method Ottawa. It absolutely kicked my butt. I am now soaking in a tub of hot water and epsom salts to soothe my tired muscles! Sarah taught this high-energy class tonight which is perfect for those who want to break a major sweat and looking for something high impact. So there is truly something for everyone at The Dailey Method. Sarah’s teaching style is super sweet though. No barking at you while you’re doing a billion lunges! LOL!

By some miracle, I have become a “runner” – you know, one of those people who willingly leaves the comfort of whatever room houses the tv and Netflix, and runs around her neighbourhood with no particular destination in mind. I blame my Husband the Marathoner for this. After years of nagging and guilt trips (“Is that your 38th Timbit? Yes? Oh ok…” and “You know…Atomic Fireballs are NOT a food group!”), he finally managed to get me to strap on some running shoes and join him.

In addition to running, I got hooked on weights – possibly my fave exercise. I build muscle quickly, so I have to watch my reps closely or I end up looking like Mr. T’s twin sister.

A few years ago, I discovered group exercise and it’s really for me. To be able to workout with a group of likeminded people really appeals to me. It makes me sort of feel like I’m part of a team, and I definitely feel guilty when I skip a class, like I’m letting my teammates down.

When The Dailey Method Ottawa (TDM Ottawa) reached out to me for a collaboration, I cheered! I had been meaning to sign up ever since my buddy Katie took their Back To You 30-Day Challenge at the beginning of the summer and cut some serious inches off her already svelte frame. Everybody I know has taken classes there, and raves about it. This fitness fanatic was super excited to get her ballet-yogilates on!

Sarah Thompson, an adorably friendly and fit little dynamo and her charismatic husband Jamie opened TDM Ottawa back in January 2015 and it’s an Ottawa favourite. TDM Ottawa, a barre fitness studio located on Fifth Avenue, offers six different types of classes, basically offering classes of various fitness levels for everyone, including a connective tissue treatment class called MELT Method, which pretty much speaks directly to my chronically aching lower back.

Focusing on safely, efficiently and effectively increasing muscle length, strength tone and balance through yoga, Pilates and orthopaedic exercises, classes improve cardio, posture and motivation along with sharpening the mind, reducing injury and chronic pain. All classes are low impact, but you definitely feel the burn throughout thanks to their full body workouts.  Classes are also fun and welcoming – no barking drill sergeants here or touchy feely, meat-heady personal trainers that insist on you eeking out a hundred more painful deadlifts.

Sarah opened the studio to provide a happy, casual workout space and to create a warm and welcoming community, and she more than exceeded. The first time I walked into TDM Ottawa, I knew I had found my people.

First of all, not only is the space light, airy, spacious and gorgeous, the welcome area also serves as a little boutique selling everything from their adorably grippy socks that come in every colour of the rainbow, TDM Ottawa-logo Swell bottles, and workout wear that makes Lululemon’s stuff look like my Dad’s 30-year-old tired sweats (yes – I indulged and bought myself a bunch of goodies). On top of the great space, the clientèle is really cool too. TDM Ottawa attracts a lot of young urbanites who look effortlessly chic while savasana-ing, but also attracts all ages. One thing I noticed, everyone, no matter their age or gender, looked great and happy, no matter their size and shape.

As part of the 30 Day Challenge, I’ve committed to taking three classes a week for a month. Last week was a bad one for my challenge, as I only got to the studio once due to a host of events I had committed to and my family visiting from down south. I’m right back into it though, and thrilled with the changes I’ve seen in my body so far.

Speaking of changes, as I don’t really practice yoga, and TDM Ottawa’s exercises have a strong yoga component, I feel that the classes are particularly zen while still feeling like you got a serious workout. My back has stopped hurting and my flexibility has most certainly increased since I started the classes a little over two weeks ago. I can actually touch my toes!!!! Can you believe that? My hamstrings are no longer blocks of wood that refuse to stretch, instead I can now bend over and tie my shoes without feeling like I’m sustaining a major muscle tear. Progress right there!

So, stay tuned for my follow up post at the end of my Back To You 30 Day Challenge. In the meantime, feel free to check out the studio located at 99 Fifth Avenue. You can also find The Dailey Method Ottawa on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I highly recommend TDM Ottawa so far! It’s the most fun I’ve had working out in a really long time! A huge thanks to the TDM Team for whipping me into shape in record time, and special thanks to Mariah and Stephanie for always making sure my form is on point!