Do you ever flash back to your elementary or middle school self? I had some brief flashes yesterday. When I was in elementary school I was pretty shy. I was always the child that hung around my mom at parties until I got comfortable and "warmed" up enough to the situation or place I was in. I was the kid that my mom would say, "give her a couple of minutes, she'll warm up".
One of my friends from college says the first time she met me she thought I was a (enter not so nice word that begins with a b) because I didn't say much. I just was quiet and reserved and she thought I was judging her (maybe I was?? haha). In reality I'm just shy, I just like to sit back and observe until I get comfortable enough to say anything.
Well, when you are 25 and you are meeting new people, there is no time to be "quiet and reserved" because people will think you are a "not so nice word". So yesterday when I was going to meet some bloggers at The Bar Method in Soho, I knew I had to just be myself, as quick as possible, without being shy first.
When I was with my sister and cousin beforehand I was telling them I was nervous and they kept reassuring me I'd be fine. If there are any 2 people that know me inside and out, it's Chris and Jess and since they were telling me I'd be okay, I knew I would be. They know that I just need to say it a million times and then I'd be okay. I love them.
So I went home, changed into the workout clothes and headed into the city. I got off the subway and wasn't sure which way to go, so what do I do? What would most people do? Ask someone? Look at their phone? I usually call my husband, my human gps...but I actually spotted Ashley. Blogging is a very funny thing. You "meet" all these people in this blogging community and you kind of get to know them...their blogs, avatars, husband/boyfriends/spouses all without meeting them face to face. So I kind of felt like a creep for recognizing her and then sort of following her to The Bar Method.
The owners were SUPER friendly and the space is very clean, neat and friendly. I was immediately greeted by the 3 people who worked there/owned the place and then I met Jes, Erica, Missy, Ashley and Jackie. We got to know each other a little bit before we went into class. I was walked around by Tim to get to know the place. They have 2 studios, a men's and women's locker room, and a very welcoming lobby area with more lockers and a refreshment area.
I was very impressed with the size of the place. I didn't feel cramped. The lobby and locker room were both very spacious and very well kept. They provide lockers for free, you just keep your key with you.
The class was led by Amy. I didn't really know what to expect because I hadn't ever taken a barre class before. I went into it with an open mind, like I usually do with new workouts and I really loved this. The class uses light weights (2 and 3 pounds) a light ball, the bar, and a mat. The exercises are basically all meant to keep you going till muscle failure. I was burning away on every exercise. Amy was super motivating, friendly and challenging. She amazed me because she knew every persons name in the class, and it really helped you feel a part of the class when she called your name.
Ashley did a really thorough review of The Bar Method, so you can check it out if you want more information. Jes also wrote about an exercise we did last night that was killer!
Overall I really enjoyed the class.
The Bar Method Soho is:
- very clean, nicely set up, spacious
- the owners were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, welcoming, motivating
- the class was challenging but not intimidating
- worth the money!
Thanks to Jes for setting up this special class for her readers AND bringing yummy treats. I look forward to taking another class here over the summer. I am so glad I signed up to come to this class. I made some new friends and workout buddies.
As far as being shy, I flash back to my elementary school self, but I quickly get over it when I am put into the situation. With most things, its the before that's the worst part because you think about it too much. Everyone was SO nice and I'm so glad I went. It was so wonderful meeting everyone and I look forward to more meet ups!
I also went to a Brendan Brazier seminar at Lululemon Soho, which was amazingly interesting. That has to be a separate post, because this is always way too long.
Do you ever let your kid self get the best of you?
14 comments:
So glad you went and looks like you had a great time!
Nice meeting you yesterday! I am really shy at first too but am always fine with bloggers after I realize they know so much about me already. Hope to meet you again soon!
I'm so glad you came!!! Trust, me I know how you feel and I was hosting. =)
It is kind of awkward at first when I recognize people from twitter or a blog but have never met, but as soon as I start talking to someone I quickly get over it. Hopefully, next time we'll have more time to chat!
I remember my first blogger event and I felt super awkward and shy. But luckily this community is totally welcoming and put me at ease!
I would have never pegged you as being shy but then again writing on a blog is altogether different than meeting people for the first time. That's great you felt comfortable very quickly!
I am envious of the blog meetups! I can't wait for my boyfriend and I move to NYC in roughly 2 years so I can join in! :-)I may even be there next summer if all goes as planned- fingers crossed!
How was the vega event? Im going to the one tomorrow- did thye have samples and product avaible to purchase? thanks
Hahaha! I can remember being so shy and self conscious when I was little. Look at me now, blogger, online marketer, eek! Totally opposite :)
I think it is great to let your inner kid shine! Especially the "fun" things!!
How was this class? Did it work your buns off?
xxoo
OMG my best friend from college said the LEGIT same thing about me!!! how does shy = bitch!?!? haha.
you are soooo tan! glad you enjoyed the girls and the class
Glad you all had a good time! I am quiet, too - and unfortunately am sure I have some people thinking I'm a [insert not nice word here], too. I think working in the photolab has made me more outgoing, though! Seems like a lot of bloggers mention being shy! Sort of ironic, almost ;)
I just came across your blog
Sounds like a fun blogger meet up!
I would love to meet you and Jess, the other ladies I dont "know". But thanks for what you said about being shy and getting over it asap! As an outgoing person in social situations, when I encounter shy ppl, I admit, I do tend to think they are a bit bitchy OR not confident. B/c in my mind I think, well, if they are confident, then they will open their mouth and speak b/c that's what adults do. Which I realize makes me sound like a total bitch b/c not every one is wired like me. Moral of my random comment is thank you for breakin outta your comfy zone and jumping right in!
Last post, congrats on the food proc!
I can totally relate to your first 2 paragraphs 100%!!! I was totally shy in elementary and middle school...and I have had more than just 1 person say they thought I was a b___ because I was so quiet...I still get like that in new situations. That's gotta be weird seeing people you know a lot about that you never actually met--sure I am due for that to happen soon!! Glad you had a great time!
Looks like fun!! I let the kid side get the best of me at least once a day. A few days ago some friends and I went to a park and see-sawed! Do you remember how fun those things were?! I havent laughed so hard in a long time!
To tell you the truth I prefer shy and reserved people. I hate the PR outgoing type. Reserved people speak only when they have something to say and generally they are more honest in their relations with the others. Because lets face it it's not so normal to behave to every new person you meet like he/she is your best friend.
Post a Comment