The Dailey Method: Can You Afford to Do it Daily?

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So far we've introduced you to the Bar Method, CrossFit, the Tracy Anderson Method, and Wii Fit, all with the goal of helping you find a fun fitness routine you can stick to. Workouts should be effective and enjoyable, because, believe it or not, feeling tortured is not the best way to build long-term success.

Energizing workouts like the Dailey Method challenge your body while also focusing on alignment and overall health. Unlike high-impact exercises like running, the Dailey Method gives you a thorough workout without a high risk of injury. The Dailey Method has attracted a slew of devoted followers since its inception in 2000, and it might just be the routine that makes a difference for you.

What Is the Dailey Method?

The Dailey Method was developed in 2000 by Jill Dailey, a personal trainer and certified Pilates instructor. Dailey wanted to create an effective workout that anyone could do, so she used her fitness expertise to develop the 1-hour, Dailey Method workout.

"I created this class because these exercises are what I've found, in my experience, are all the ones that really work," Dailey told the San Francisco Chronicle. "I wanted to create the most effective, time-efficient workout for busy people."

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According to the official Dailey Method Web site, the workout draws from the following types of exercise:

• Ballet barre work: Great for glute exercises like leg lifts and plies
• Core Conditioning: Think mat, crunches, and a burning sensation in your abs
• Stretching: Keeps muscles flexible throughout the workout
• Orthopedic exercises: Safe, focused moves that emphasize proper alignment

Though the Dailey Method isn't a highly aerobic workout, it burns calories by engaging every muscle group in your body. As the Web site says, "This class works you out from the end of your nose to the tips of your toes."

Is the Dailey Method the Fun Fitness Routine for You?

Like any workout program, the Dailey Method isn't right for everyone. Ask yourself what type of workouts you enjoy the most, and explore the following pros and cons to see if the Dailey Method is worth a try:

Pros

• Safe: Because the Dailey Method is low impact and relies on the resistance of your own body and light weights, it is considered safe for all ages. Clients range from ages 14 to 75, and, with some minor adjustments, it is also considered safe for pregnant women and women who have recently given birth.
• Effective: When done regularly, the Dailey Method can result in a leaner body, increased strength, and greater flexibility. Some clients also report decreased joint pain and more energy. Check out the Web site's testimonials page for inspiring, first-hand accounts.

Cons

• Price: One of the biggest drawbacks to the Dailey Method is its price tag—at $20 per class, it's expensive to attend the recommended 3 classes per week. Special discounts for first-time clients allow you to test the method for a reduced price, but there are no long-term price cuts.
• Availability: Currently, studios offering The Dailey Method only exist in California, Arizona, Illinois, Vancouver, and Paris, so most Americans don't have access to classes. Also, there is no Dailey Method DVD (yet), so you can't bring the workout home.

If you're interested in trying the Dailey Method, search the Web site for a location near you and read over these tips for an effective class. For those of you without access to a Dailey Method studio, consider trying the Bar Method, which is similar in style and has several DVDs available. The important thing is to keep searching until you find the fitness routine that works for you!