What is the Structure of The Montana Method?

When I first developed The Montana Method, I was alone in my garage, sweating and playing my favorite music, while my baby and toddler were napping! After teaching Pilates and barre for several years, I had taken a break to be home with my children. But I missed my community, and wanted to create a full-body workout that was challenging, fun, and delivered results. So I invited some clients and friends to join me in the garage and practice The Montana Method—and we quickly outgrew it! 

The ‘garage days’ are a fond memory now. I founded my fitness classes in a Delray Beach, Florida, studio about two years ago, and livestream about 20 classes a week. Also, The Montana Method is now taught not just by me, Montana, but also by several talented instructors that I have hand-selected and trained to build this ‘movement’ with me.

There are no beginners teaching at The Montana Method—each of our instructors had an impressive background before they even joined our staff! Between us we’ve got training in Pilates, barre, yoga, trampoline, weight training, cheer, ballet, hip hop, and acro-yoga…and you’ll see all of these skills reflected in The Montana Method, which I’m always evolving and perfecting. 

While the workout remains ‘in motion’, the 50-minute sequence that is experienced during each of our fitness classes in Delray Beach, remains the same. I’ve tested all sorts of routine structures, but I find that this particular sequence keeps this full-body, dynamic workout effective, high-energy, challenging for all levels, and most of all—fun! 

THE SETUP

Before we even begin to work out, we set up our spaces with a sturdy workout mat, arm weights (2-5 lb), ankle weights and (optional; 1.5 lb). If you are joining us via livestream, leave a few feet of space around your mat, as this 360-degree workout will get you moving! We recommend workout shoes for stability, and fitted clothing for free movement—and make sure to grab some water and a towel as well. The Mashup class uses a chair for level changes; we use a standard folding chair, so have that handy.

THE WARMUP

We begin with a warm up sequence that flows with our carefully designed playlist. Whether it’s an upbeat jam or a more down-tempo song, the point is always to connect to our bodies and breath, with every move coming from our core. You will learn how to engage your powerhouse properly to set yourself up for the rest of class. Get ready to get those arms, legs, core, shoulders, back, and glutes engaged and moving.

With every warmup, it allows you to assess how your body is feeling that day, while clearing your mind of the daily grind so you can truly drop into 50 minutes of steady movement for your body.

THE DANCE

Then… we dance! The dance sequence that we incorporate into our fitness classes in Delray Beach uses familiar moves like jumping jacks and grapevines, which we repeat, so you will learn as you go. Honestly, you just have to turn off your mind, let loose and allow yourself to go with it. This isn’t Black Swan; it’s all fun and it gets your heart rate up. (If you want a more dedicated dance workout, try our Dance Cardio class!)

THE ARM SERIES

Next, we start on the arm workout. This involves two arm songs so we can strengthen and tone the entire muscular structure of our arms, chest, and back. We use light weights and high repetitions to strengthen, lengthen and sculpt those beautiful arms. You’ll feel like you’re dancing with weights, which is my favorite part. When it starts to burn, you’ll end up whoo-ing along with me! 

THE LOWER-BODY SERIES

Then we do our mat sequence, which is a lower-body-focused workout that is the longest stretch of the class. You’re going to move and challenge every muscle while simultaneously improving your form, stability, and balance. This sequence also works your memory as we follow a series of choreographed moves on one side of the body, then the other.

I sometimes forget a move myself, but someone always reminds me, because we’ve all tapped into the flow. Often I’ll break up this lower-body sequence with a standing series to flush out the muscles, bring the energy up, and get a cardio boost!

ABDOMINALS

Although the entire workout challenges the core, at the end of The Montana Method we do some targeted abdominal work. I’m trained in classical Pilates, so these core exercises are an important last step.

THE COOLDOWN

For the last part of our workout, we cool down. I’ll turn on the fans and dim the lights while we stretch, breathe deeply, and thank our bodies and each other for the opportunity to share this sacred time together. 

Experience a Full Body Workout Like You Never Have Before With The Montana Method

At our fitness classes in Delray Beach, you will see positive results in your fitness, balance, strength and most importantly, your overall well-being. While The Montana Method follows this dedicated sequence, every class offered here is a full-body workout that is designed to tone every muscle and elevate your mood. 

Which new class will you try this week? Give us a call today to sign up for a class or to learn more about our incredible fitness classes!