Hilliard Studio Method

Hilliard Studio Method takes barre up a few notches and utilizes an array of tools to push you to your edge. In an energy charged 60 minutes of low impact exercises, Hilliard Studio Method will have your legs shaking, your buns burning and your arms feeling like Jello before you leave. While this workout burns through those muscles, it is the core strength that is the focus of each and every movement. A strong spine and a strong core being the keys for a strong body are at the root of what the Hilliard Studio Method teaches. Each class is based around a safe, efficient, results-driven workout. My first barre class was over 8 years ago. Back then it had me shaking, swearing and personally annoyed at how difficult such seemingly simple, tiny movements could be. While they are basic and small motions, the repetitions and muscle burnout get you to your edge. Taking this class at Hilliard Studio Method was like starting over. While it was not my first barre class, with a unique Hilliard spin, this was a Barre class like none other that I have experienced.

The Hilliard Studio Method is the second floor of a two-story brick building in the Manor Shops on Providence . Parking is BEHIND the studio - so drive past the spot your GPS tells you that “you have arrived” and turn into lot posted “additional parking for Manor Shops.” Follow the walkway through the trees and up the black staircase into the studio. The studio is well lit and friendly. You sign in at the front desk and if you’re new the staff will show you the studio. Boasting bottled water and tap, workout videos, equipment, apparel, bling and more the Studio has you prepared for anything you might need. Two bathrooms are down the hall opposite the studio. The lobby has a wall of cubbies and seating for your shoes, coats, etc that you’ll want to store while working out. The walls opposite the bathrooms are lined with dumbbells, medicine balls, mats, gliders, towels and resistance bands. The studio is pristine, well lit with natural and artificial light and a let’s get down to business vibe.

The Workout

The 60-minute workout is comprised of core, upper body, core, lower body, core and did I mention core workout? Utilizing heavy weights (5-8lbs), light weights (2-4lbs), gliders, and a mat we got our workout started. Just a note for heavy lifters and men - you will be doing a TON of reps. Do not pick a weight that is too heavy. On top of a physical challenge, it is equally a mental challenge. Exhausting your muscles to fatigue you are constantly fighting with yourself to not quit before the sequence is finished. Hilliard Studio Method puts your strength and endurance into great perspective when pulsing (tiny one inch movements) a 5 pound weight becomes unbearable. While it can be frustrating to a heavy lifter the HIlliard Studio Method trainers make sure you feel empowered, encouraged and strong even when you feel like your body is about to give up. The pumping music, the breeze from the ceiling fans and the strength you feel in a room of people dedicated to improving themselves, is inspiring. What I discovered helps me best push through the burn was to close my eyes and focus inward. Open your eyes and you’re right back to it, present in class, holding, pulsing, and getting just a little bit deeper until you reach that uncontrollable muscle shake.

(Watch the video below to see a sample of the 60 minute Essentials class)

Barre for me is a love hate relationship - definitely a class that forces you to lose sight of everything besides your breath, your practice, and your motions. There is no room for distraction and it takes every bit of focus to finish class. Form is fundamental in these classes and our instructor Amy made sure we were utilizing the correct muscles, adjusting, modifying and encouraging us as we powered our way through class.

The Essentials class is the basics of the Hilliard Studio Method. GREAT for beginners or for seasoned veterans looking to get back to basics it offers a little something for everyone. The slowed down version of the traditional method, the Essentials class includes breaks and breathers to shake out your limbs and reset your mind before the next set of work. The movements are explained and demonstrated in depth as you flow from one muscle group to the next. The mirrors surrounding the room are key for checking in with your posture and form while allowing you to become familiar with what correct alignment and positioning looks and feels like.

While most barre classes are categorized or stereotyped as as a women’s only workout, this is simply unfair. Hilliard Studio Method is a challenging workout regardless of your age, gender, or fitness level. The beauty of the method is that it will work your unique body type to the core, and push you to your edge. The typical male targeted classes involve fast movements, low rep and heavy weight. While this is all good for making your muscles look bigger, the added level of developing your slow twitch muscle fibers in a barre class decrease the chance of injury and increase your total endurance. Barre methods like Hilliard Studio Method are becoming increasingly popular for professional athletes to maintain core development in the offseason.

The Community / Instructors

The founders and owners of Hilliard Studio Method, Clary and Liz, could not be more friendly, real, and inspiring. This is a major diversion from my experience from elite barre studios in Chicago. Liz and Clary appreciate their clients and love the community that has come from their hard work and their trainers exude that same light. Supportive, encouraging, engaging and helpful these instructors bend over backwards to help you achieve your goals. If you show up, they will certainly hold you accountable and make sure you put in the work. Offering great music and a fantastic array of stretchy pants, Hilliard Studio Method welcomes newbies with open arms and while you might feel intimidated jumping into the hardest class in town, you won’t regret it on your way out the door and you will be itching for more.

This website will never be about pitching studios, clothes, products, weight loss, or just about anything to you. It is about education and information. With that said, I did not expect what I discovered in Liz Hilliard’s book “Be Powerful”. This is not a book about fitness. It is a book about life's challenges and overcoming everything from the mental and physical challenges thrown at you. I found me placing myself in Liz’s story and wishing I could articulate these same words as eloquently and honestly as she does in this book. I will not ask you to buy the book - Show up early or stay a little longer and read the first page on your next visit. You will see what I mean and may end up with a copy like me.

Conclusion

Simply put - I like doing what I am good at. I am (relatively) good at swimming and lifting heavy weights in low repetitions. Slow movements and high repetitions has never been something I could do with mental or physical ease. It was however extremely important for me to find this weakness that I never knew existed. Exercises like what the Hilliard Studio Method offer will allow me to become stronger from the inside out. So whether you are male or female, professional athlete or retiree, Hilliard Studio Method is for you. You’ll find yourself stronger, challenged and more confident after each class. Hilliard Studio Method offers a workout experience to love wholeheartedly and embrace the way to your most powerful you!

Check them out Here

www.hilliardstudiomethod.com

Classes Offered

The Method, The Essential Method, The Express Method and Private Group Essentials

Skill Level

Beginner to advanced; All Levels

Class Size

Up to 36 people per class

Duration

60 or 35 Minutes

Equipment Needed / Attire