My Back To You 30-Day Challenge Results – The Dailey Method Ottawa

Well, I completed my Back To You 30-Day Challenge at The Dailey Method Ottawa (TDM) a few weeks ago and I can honestly say that it was the most fun I’ve had working out ever. EVER! The sense of community, the peppy instructors, the beautiful studio…the fact that you can shop while you’re there (I’m such an addict), all made for a fun and uplifting experience.

As I sit here typing in my favourite pair of sweats, I’m very aware of the fact that my pants are a bit looser. Something else I noticed? My back no longer aches! I chalk that up to all the abdominal/core work that I’ve undertaken during my sessions at TDM Ottawa. Another thing I’m thrilled about? My new found flexibility. As I mentioned before, I can now touch my toes! I can polish my toenails without feeling like my back is going to break and get this – I can almost do the splits!! I haven’t even come close to being able to do this in eons!!!

This whole experience has taught me that you don’t have to kill yourself getting fit by going to traditional gyms and undertaking exercises that are frankly, not too inspiring. Anyone can be successful in reaching their fitness goals as long as they take it easy, go at their own pace and set their minds up for success – all things that are taught on a daily basis at TDM Ottawa. And hey – achieving fitness success is that much easier when you actually enjoy the exercises your doing while being inspired by knowledgeable and fun instructors – the hallmark of TDM.

While I unfortunately did not reach my goal of 12 classes in 30 days, the seven classes that I completed did wonders for my overall fitness and mental health. I cannot tell you how great it felt to start a workout at TDM Ottawa and feel the stresses of the work day instantly melt away. It was so great to have constant positive reinforcement during my workouts from both the awesome instructors and fellow classmates.

Case in point, one Saturday as we were using rubber bands for a flexibility exercise, the girl next to me stopped what she was doing and helped me achieve the pose. I thought that was so nice.

For the first two weeks of my 30-day challenge, I was at TDM Ottawa three days a week as suggested. Unfortunately, I had to go less frequently after taking on a new project at work that required a ton of overtime and I got sidelined by a nasty cold. In those seven classes though, I really tightened up. My abs became more defined, my endurance sky-rocketed while I did planks and squats, my shoulders started looking gorgeous…  I won’t lie. I loved what I saw in the mirror. I also loved the absolutely fantastic sleeps I had after a TDM workout too!!

Another thing worth mentioning is that even though some of the poses were new to me (I’m no yogi), the instructors always took the time to explain how to achieve each pose and would even help you maintain your form. No class member was ever left languishing or wondering what the hell “Baby Pose” or “savasana” is (trust me though – you’ll immediately know baby pose once you see it).

A highlight was the Dailey Interval class I took. I had missed my beloved Dailey Barre class, a wonderful low impact workout, due to work (sigh), so decided to go ahead and try out the Dailey Interval. How hard could it be, right? Cute little Sarah was teaching it to. It would be a breeze! I’m a pro with all my weightlifting and 10K running! Well, pardon my language, but that class absolutely kicked my ass. I couldn’t get over what a workout that was! The squats! My God…the squats! I sweat buckets and I was sore for days – that good sore though where you know you did your body a real favour. I remember the next time I saw Sarah, she giggled at my penguin walk as my quads were still on fire. I lost two pounds during my month at TDM Ottawa, and I’m pretty sure I lost them after that one workout.

So, in conclusion, I never felt intimidated or out of place at TDM Ottawa. The instructors all came across as people you would want to hang out with. A huge thank you to Mariah Stassen and Stephanie Thompson for being total girl boss instructors. Thank you to Kelsey for helping me touch my feet, and a huge thank you to owners Sarah and Jamie for inviting me into their amazing studio to get my exercise on. They have truly perfected the “welcoming community”.

I highly encourage you to sign up with TDM Ottawa and indulge in the $79 New Client Special for a month of unlimited classes. You deserve to better your mind, body and soul in such a friendly and positive environment! And I assure you, you will see some fantastic results!

The Dailey Method Ottawa is located at 99 Fifth Avenue. You can also find The Dailey Method Ottawa on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

A huge thank you to TDM Ottawa for offering me a month of classes in exchange for my honest opinion. I thank you for my defined abs! A big thank you to Laura Kelly Photography for the pictures.