One of the items on my 50 Things To Do Before Turning 50 is to take a Yoga class. I decided to do one better and sign up for the 30 Day Dailey Method Challenge at The Dailey Method in Ottawa. I committed to taking 20 class (Yoga, Meditation and Barre) in 30 days with a group of local bloggers.
I must admit, I had no idea what “barre” was before I accepted the challenge. All I knew is that you did some exercises using a ballet barre. I had no idea what “sticky socks” were. I had no idea how life changing this challenge would be!
What is The Dailey Method?
- In 2000, TDM creator Jill Dailey opened a studio in San Francisco. Read more about the Dailey Method story here.
- TDM is a group fitness class that is at the cutting edge of fitness research and acclaimed by tens of thousands of devoted TDMers across North American and Europe.
- TDM safely, efficiently and effectively improves muscle length, strength tone and balance, improves cardio strength, posture and motivation, sharpens your mind, reduces the risk of injury and chronic pain, and helps you stay healthy, active, and youthful for a lifetime.
- Specifically designed unique and ever involving low-impact classes (45-60 minutes, 2-3 times a week), that incorporates the best benefits from multiple disciplines (Yoga, Pilates and orthopedic exercises), with hands-on training and education, and an intrinsic focus on alignment and strength all done in a safe, fun and energetic group environment.
About Dailey Method Ottawa:
Sarah Thompson and her husband Jamie Rigby (pictured above), opened this fantastic studio in the Glebe in 2015. In 2017, they added Cycle classes. One of the reasons Sarah wanted to open the business was “to create a community, a happy place for our students to come, feel comfortable and accepted, while receiving a high quality, safe workout.”
TDM Ottawa offers 8 styles of classes; 5 all level Barre classes, a gentle class including a self care connective tissue treatment called MELT Method, Yoga, Meditation and Cycle. There is a class for everyone, whether you are an athlete or someone like me who is new to working out.
The Dailey Method Ottawa studio is a gorgeous space. It is filled with light and has a very airy feel. Whenever I go to the studio, I feel like I am visiting a spa. Sarah and Jamie have thought of everything. to make their patrons feel comfortable. Need a shower after a workout? No problem, there is a private shower with shampoo, conditioner and bath robes! Forget your sticky socks at home? No worries, the front desk usually has a pair you can borrow. Want to work out but don’t have child care? Not an issue! There is child care provided at the studio. Forget your hair elastic or other items? Don’t worry! The change room has an assortment of items like hair elastics, baby powder, lotion and a hair dryer. Need a place to store your personal items during class? The studio has lockers where you can safely store your items during your class.
Another things I love about TDM classes is that you only need to bring your socks and a water bottle to class! The mats, balls, weights and straps/bands are all provided. It is nice not to have to lug any special equipment to and from class.
The sense of community that Sarah and Jamie foster at TDM Ottawa is unique. I am not going to lie. I was very nervous about attending my first class. You know those voices in your head? The ones that tell you… “you are not good enough, you are too old, you are too out of shape, why do you think you can commit and reach your goals?” If you don’t hear those voices, you are lucky. I hear them and sometimes they stop me from doing fun things or things out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, I pushed those voices aside and went to TDM Ottawa for my first class.
I felt relaxed from the start of the class. The teacher was so friendly she came over and introduced herself and asked if I had any questions. Whenever the teacher demonstrated a move, she would mention variations for those who had to modify the move for whatever reason. There were times during that first class where I could not do the full sequence but I was able to modify and not feel like people were staring at my lack of ability. I vividly remember the sense of pride when I completed my first class. I mentally patted myself on the back and then was overcome with an incredible rush of energy. It is safe to say that I was addicted from that moment on. I may also now be addicted to buying cute yoga clothes…something I never thought I would feel comfortable doing.
My observations after the month:
- Anyone can be successful in the classes. You can go at your own pace and take as many breaks as you need.
- The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable. Since alignment is the focus of the exercises, the teachers walk around and make alignment corrections through out the class. Each teacher goes through extensive training before teaching the Dailey Method.
- The Dailey Method’s tag line is “Aligning soul and spine, head and heart.” Along with a 60 minute workout that targets all your muscles, there is also time at the end of class to relax and tune into your mind. Each class ends with the lights dimmed and a final minute to reflect on your practice. The teacher then walks around and gives everyone a final release ( a short massage that feels amazing).
During the month of June, I pushed myself and completed the challenge! I did 20 classes in 30 days. Fellow bloggers Cathy and Julie were doing the challenge with me and provided incredible support and motivation. You can read Cathy’s post here and Julie’s post here.
Like I mentioned earlier in my post, my experience at TDM Ottawa has been life changing. I can not wait to share part 2 of this journey with you next week!
Ann
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Kerrie Mendoza says
What a beautiful studio and amazing space – love that you are trying something new and wonderful. Wish I lived closer so I could come too!
Aeryn Lynne says
That is so awesome Ann! I wish I lived in Ottawa just so I could take these classes with you. I miss doing yoga, and I would be all over that barre class, wow! Sounds like so much fun! I wonder if I can find that kind of class around here… #Wants
So proud of your accomplishments Ann!! You’ve done incredible work, keep at it hun! ❤
paula schuck says
I had no idea that other bloggers were doing this too!! Ann your pictures are gorgeous! I thought it was just you going to a private gym or something – this is very cool. Not that it wasn’t cool in my head before too, but this is almost more public because you know these other bloggers. I am so glad that you found this and tried it and are happy here too!! I recognize a couple of other bloggers so hurray!! What a lovely studio and if the owners are reading this I want them to know that Ann has mentioned this class in our private group of friends a million times and she seems to find it challenging in a good way. That is a real gift!! I am happy for you Ann!
paula schuck recently posted…Better Sleep with Our Douglas Bed Canadian Mattress
Margarita says
Wow. Just wow. I wish they had that here in London. I have to give you credit for sticking to it. And Cathy. And Julie.
But you my friend, are truly inspirational. I’m stoked you feel better, sleep better and have more energy.
Way.to. go!
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens says
Love seeing this. You know you are fabulous every single day of your life and getting out there and rocking the day, just PERFECT!!! Love you!!!!
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens recently posted…5 Steps to Choosing The Perfect Cat
robin rue says
I am so happy to hear that you decided to go and ended up loving it. Can’t wait to hear about part 2.
Diane Roark says
You inspire me to try something new and exercise. What a great place to meet new friends and start a new life.
Blessings Always,
Diane
Stacie says
This sounds like an amazing class. I like that they don’t only think about your body but your mind as well.
Stacie recently posted…Orange Creamsicle Salad
Sherry says
I wished I lived just a little bit closer to Ottawa. This sounds like a challenge I would like to try.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I would love to try something like that! I think it would be a great way to mix things up.
Sarah says
What a cool place to go for classes! All of the places around here that I’ve checked out have been very dingy and not really inviting. This place looks fantastic!
Sarah recently posted…10 Simple Ways to Keep Your Summer Electricity Bill Low
Kelly Hutchinson says
I have a friend who did the Dailey Method. She really liked it.
Liz Mays says
I like that they’re so accommodating. I think going to these class with a friend would be a lot of fun. Congratulations on going to 20 classes in 30 days!
Jeanette says
This would be something I would love to do! I am always trying to find an interesting way to exercise! I am going to see if they have something like this around me!
Jeanette recently posted…Back-to-School Learning with Goldfish & FREE Printables
Sarah says
I wish I lived by you, I would totally be in that class with you. Exercise is fun when you find something you love.
Dawn Lopez says
That studio looks like an amazing place to do yoga! I love that they even have elastics available for people like me who always forget them. It sounds like they focus on the whole body and mind which is awesome.
Dawn Lopez recently posted…Create a Bright Future for Kids
Brianne says
This class looks amazing! I think I would love something like this!
Shelley R Zurek says
Wow, I am so proud of you. I have trouble committing to 20 hours in my own basement for 30 days let alone going out for 20 hours. That’s impressive and the studio looks like such a Zen place.
Hali says
What a great thing to do for yourself, I have been thinking of taking classes like this! Congrats on your progress so far.
Cathy Canton says
You rocked it Ann. Yoga is your thing and it was a pleasure to experience this adventure along side of you.