The Dailey Method

Full disclosure: I started here as a client in 2011, and now work with them part time. Obviously I’m a proponent because the method works. It’s a very safe workout that all ages can do, and you can modify to make it as challenging or gentle as you needed. I knew I was doing something right, when after attending classes religiously my first month a man in line at the bank told me I was «lissome» haha, I had to look that one up, but lithe, elegant (with a lifted seat) is the dancer’s body this type of program can help you achieve. Plus, it’s nice people. A good community. The new Kitsilano location is gorgeous with bamboo floors and lots of natural light, and they offer spin classes and high intensity interval (my favorite) as well.

I first heard about the Dailey Method from sister owners, Karen and Jey Wyder, as I styled hair and makeup, (
), for them for their feature on the front cover of Dunbar Life Magazine. I was intrigued by the idea of a yoga, pilates, ballet combination fitness class.
Karen was kind enough to invite me to The Dailey Method as a guest. I signed up for an evening class and arrived 15 minutes early to fill out some paper work. I was given a tour around the studio and wow, I was impressed!
As I walked into the ladies changing room, I could smell the beautiful scent of flowers. A giant bouquet of fresh lilies were set beside the wash basin in the bathroom, creating a relaxing atmosphere in the room.
Everywhere is decorated in green and white with colour coordinated towels and mini hair dryers. It is clear this is an environmentally friendly place as power saving is promoted and implemented frequently. This setting got me really excited for the class I was about to take part in.
My teacher was very calm, informative and friendly. The class was hard! Very hard. Wow, I had no idea how out of shape I am. Well… I did… but I never really thought it was that bad because «I am still young» ;-P
Through the stretching and toning, my body shook for the entire class and I certainly feel the ache today. It is great to know the class worked! Feeling the after effects makes me want to return. I can only dream of how my abs and ass will look after a few weeks of this!

Workout
I initially started working out with them a while back when they were teaching out of random basements and Lululemon stores. The Dailey Method is a different type of workout, pretty much zero cardio, very light weights, «ballet barre» exercises, core work (similar to pilates) and some yoga moves. The workout is a lot of stretching and holding poses.
Location
It’s a very small location. Beautiful, clean, new, but small. The workout room is carpeted with mirrors all around and I often feel that they overcrowd the classes. I like space when I workout, you just don’t get as good of a workout if you’re constantly worried about hitting the person next to you. Parking is a bit of a pain, it’s on Dunbar and West 41^st, there are a lot of other busy businesses around and their own private parking lot is very small and awkward to park in.
Pricing
Classes are pretty expensive. For a one hour workout that includes a cooldown and stretching, it’s about $ 20 per class, or if you get a package of 30 it goes down to $ 16/​class.
I bought a 20 class pass (about $ 200) as it was on sale and really wanted to give it a shot as it was a new way of working out. However, I’d personally prefer to pick up a straight pilates/​yoga class at my local community centre. There’s nothing particularly special about this workout and I probably wouldn’t go back. It’s expensive, crowded and the exercises just aren’t for me. You don’t quite work up a sweat, not to say that some of the exercises don’t make your muscles quiver, but I just don’t feel like I’ve really worked out after.
FYI they do offer childminding for their morning classes so i that’s an issue for you, they can definitely help you out there.

I’m carving the seat of summer!
It is true, once you try The Dailey Method you’ll be addicted. You’ll quit your day job and join the masses in SF and train to be an instructor. You’ll tell all your friends about it and insist they check it out themselves. You’ll feel muscles in places you didn’t know existed. You’ll see definition after one intensive class. You’ll have abs and buns of steel and hot damn! you’ll actually enjoy the work it takes to chisel those moves. You’ll become the annoying over endorphined girl who is so high off the workout that you’re literally buzzing with happiness.
After months of anticipation and trial classes in halls, stores and homes, the new Dailey Method studio in Dunbar Village is finally open. And it’s a stunner!
A simply beautiful studio with great aesthetics, welcoming staff and the latest tunes to get you pulsing and tucking.
The Dailey Method is a unique combination of ballet barre work, core conditioning, stretching, and orthopedic exercises. In other words, it’s a multi-​tasking workout combining elements of ballet, pilates and yoga. Lots of micro-​movements simultaneously.
Yes there’s burn but it’s the good kind. I swear! The euphoric high after class lasts and lasts (until the pain the next day kicks in). But I won’t lie to you, after I take a class, I can generally feel the effects for 5days (which helps to rationalize my $ 20/​class fee PLUS my one workout a week schedule).
I’m addicted and I love it. Thanks Jey and Lien for helping me carve the seat. But mostly thanks to the Chi-​town girls for introducing me to the crack of the exercise world.
See you @ the barre!