Downsize Fitness is a Dallas gym that caters to those 50 pounds or more overweight until they ‘graduate’ to a goal weight of 220 lbs. It is a revolutionary concept that is capturing local and national attention… Each Downsize Fitness member has a coach that helps them each step of the way, with exercises and nutrition programs geared towards their members.

I don’t mean to sound out of the fitness loop–okay, I’m out of the fitness loop–but, I didn’t know this existed. I know there are gyms exclusively for ladies, but overweight-only fitness studios are news to me. I like the concept. The Dallas location of Downsize Fitness on Inwood Road is one of three, and it emphasizes three components: fitness, nutrition, and support. I wish more gyms offered a comprehensive program. (Having a juice bar doesn’t count.)

A fit and savvy coworker recently invited me to join her for a class at the new Bodybar studio in Uptown’s Travis Walk. Business developer Laurie Gatlin and Pilates master Kristin Moses have collaborated to bring Bodybar’s “Beautiful. Athletic. Real.” concept to life. The studio offers workouts that mix traditional Pilates, barre, yoga, and their signature “Burst” cardio segments between sets. A boutique entrance instantly drew me in with an earthy collection of jewelry, cozy active wear by Saint Grace, and a raw juice bar, but around the corner stood twelve of the most intimidating exercise machines I had ever seen. I spent the next fifty minutes jamming to pop music and following along while our instructor walked us through the “Reformer Jump!” class.

First Five Minutes of Class: Leaping up and down off of the “Jump” board was really disorienting at first, so naturally I laughed at how ridiculous everyone looked rather than focusing on the first few sets. Imagine jumping as high as you can then being pulled back down by weighted springs, all while lying flat on your back. Weird.

Middle of Class: I finally started to get the hang of things and stopped laughing because I couldn’t breathe after our first two minute “Burst” of cardio (burpees, jumping jacks, high knees, etc.). I also quickly realized that the Allegro 2 reformer machines are no joke. Every spring, bar, and pulley is designed to target muscle groups you don’t know you have until they’re quivering in pain.

Class is Over: Sweet relief! We wiped down our mats and machines then headed straight to the juice bar. I chose the “Bright Eyes” blend that includes carrots, celery, parsley, pineapple, and ginger. As we shakily walked back to the car, we re-lived the experience and agreed on two things: One, we were so exhausted we might not make it down the stairs, and two, we couldn’t wait to come back.

Next Day: The following day I was sore from head to toe in the best way possible. I purchased the “10 Classes and 10 Juices” package, and then scheduled my next class.

What You Love Most: Classes are limited to 12 and are rarely full so you receive a lot of personal attention. The staff makes an effort to remember and use everyone’s name. Each workout and instructor is different so falling into a rut or getting bored is nearly impossible. The juices and shakes are tasty and the pricing ($5 to $8.50) is at the same level as other local juice bars. The iPhone app and live calendar are simple to use when booking classes.

What You Love Least: Anyone strolling down Travis can watch you working out. This didn’t really bother me until I ended up on the mat closest to the window in the “Happy Baby” pose.

Cost: The pricing is set a bit higher than several nearby pilates and yoga studios. They offer several intro packages that you can purchase once (the “10 Classes & 10 Juices” goes for $150), but after using that, you’re left having to commit to one of the pricier sets. The “3-Month Unlimited” deal isn’t really much of a deal at all. Let’s assume you make it to three classes per week (probably the maximum an average person could participate) – the $310 “unlimited” monthly payment would break down to $25.83 per class. The $450 pack of 25 classes breaks down to $18 per class and would have you working out three times per week for two months. SEE UPDATE.

The Takeaway: The boutique atmosphere, killer workout, and delicious juice outweighs the lofty pricing for me. Your checking account may not thank you, but your body definitely will. –by Chelsey Plumlee

Update: Pricing has changed. Bodybar now offers new membership package pricing, including a three-month unlimited auto renewal program for $220.

photography courtesy of The Juice Extractor Report

No, no, you lush. I mean with real, organic fruit and veggie juice, hand squeezed, blended, and poured from behind the new Juice Bar at The Bar Method in Inwood Village. Why we don’t have more juiceries in Dallas is beyond me, but thank goodness for Bar Method’s husband and wife team, Tom and Lisa Hennings, who realized we need a hot spot that doles out (get it? “dole?” like the banana?) pressed juices, smoothies, kombucha tea, and specialty concoctions like oat shakes, coconut water, and green lemonade. Tom’s own Dallas-made Groovin’ On Granola will also be in stock, along with other healthful, refueling, on-the-go snacks in the newly expanded space. Getting a sculpted rear end at The Bar Method was already delicious, but I can’t wait for The Juice Bar, which opens on April 2.

Morning sessions begin at 5:50 and end at 7 a.m. and are offered Monday through Friday. Evening sessions are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday only. They begin at 6:20 and end at 7:30 p.m.

All you have to do is send an RSVP email with the camp date of your choice to billy@bootycampcentral.com. This could be the motivation you need to get yourself ready for bikini season. (We don’t like thinking about it approaching, either.)

Ohm for the Holidays – PILATES+SPA - $760
Pilates private sessions, 6 pack
Spa massages or facials, 2 sessions

THE SPA – Peace of Mind
Present Tense – Choice of any 50-min massage – $99
Face the Present – Choice of 50-min facial – $99
Exercise Your Options – Choice of (1) 50-min massage and (1) 50-min facial – $180
Past, Present, Future – Year of (12) massages or facials – $1100

FITNESS PACKAGES – The More the Merrier
Presents of Mind – PT+PILATES+SPA - $3501
Personal Training 24 pack at Tier 3
Pilates private sessions, 6 pack
Spa massages or facials, 6 pack
Present Perfect – PT+PILATES+SPA - $2069
Personal Training 12 pack at Tier 3
Pilates private sessions, 6 pack
Spa massages or facials, 3 pack

THE SHOP
Stock up on stylish gifts at The Shop.
Spend $100 receive 10% off, spend $200 receive 20% off, spend $300 receive 30% off.

The facility  includes a sports apparel retail boutique with lines such as Sergio Tacchini, Tail, andFila, to name a few; a proprietary LifeStyle Performance Center providing extensive scientific and fitness testing; fitness and nutrition counseling; a selection of supplements from Vemma, Verve, and Advocare; private one-on-one personal training in four different studio settings; and sports massage.

Champion4Fitness offers clients an innovative scientific approach which integrates fitness and nutrition with science and technology at a personalized level like no other wellness resource in the market.  Each client receives a framework of support from industry leaders utilizing a fully integrated testing, training, and nutrition system.

Among the Champion4Fitness leaders are chief medical director Jeffrey C. Caruth, M.D., chief of staff in the Ob-Gyn department at the Medical Center of Plano and founder of Plano Aesthetics. You might also recall the article about the Dr. Ted diet in D Beauty. That was Dr. Caruth, too.