The Dailey Method - Burlingame

I am one of those all show, no go bodies-- I look healthy and fit, but I'm horribly out of shape and as bendy as carbon fiber that has been packed with loads of resin. I don't feel healthy and fit--in fact, I feel smooshy and gross when I look at my body in the mirror. Doing a downward dog with heels touching the ground? Forget about it. Rock hard anything other than calves when I tense up? No, but bless my 120mm CL's. On top of that, I'm way too lazy to walk to the caltrain and go to San Mateo (one stop south) to go to Equinox for their beautiful facilities. Luckily for me, I live a 3 minute walk from The Dailey Method's Burlingame studio. I signed up for the new client unlimited month special and trekked over for my first class on Tuesday. And got my ass kicked.

Laurie is incredibly sweet and has endless amounts of patience--even for someone like me who couldn't keep up with half the exercises; my hips pointing all the wrong ways and all. If you can't do something along with the class, she'll even take the time to figure out something that suits your body.With cardio, I can just keep myself going on willpower alone--with the Dailey Method, I am physically unable. My muscles shake erratically and give out within moments. The hour flies by quickly, from the challenging stretches (once again, I look fit and flexy, but I'm not) to basic, focused and controlled minuscule movements (attend a class, and you'll learn to dread the word "inch") and poses that have various requirements of posture while maintaining an open chest, with head held off said chest and face and elbows relaxed. As the first class ended, I attempted to stand up to my feet and nearly collapsed back down--I had to hold on to the ballet barre to stay standing as my thighs wobbled uncontrollably. I hobbled back home in pain and spent all of Wednesday in even deeper pain. Every part of my body that was flabby or jiggly burned. Today, I just returned from my second class and I'm sore--but not as much. The interesting thing about the DM is that it doesn't leave you exhausted and drained after class. You're sore, but relaxed and you feel light on your feet after; energized, even. You feel good, and clean.

The Dailey Method isn't easy. It's hard on your wallet and even harder on your body.  I'm someone who sees results very quickly--from losing weight and gaining muscle mass or losing muscle mass and gaining weight, so I'll be reporting back soon.

Oh, and one tip--if you don't have a pair already, get a pair of those grippy, rubber flecked bottom socks at The Dailey Method. Every little advantage helps when you're in class.