Profiles in Fitness: The Dailey Method

Profiles in Fitness is a series of fitness oriented stories focusing on the people and businesses of Novato.  The stories include interviews with real-life Novatoans and profiles of local fitness related businesses.

Today’s profile is of the Dailey Method (TDM), a studio based fitness center located off 101 in Pacheco Plaza.  

TDM opened in August of 2011 after a total renovation of the space.  For this article I interviewed Maggie Calegari, the studio manager for TDM Novato.

1. What is The Dailey Method?
   Its studio based classes that use a combination of ballet barre work, core conditioning, stretching and orthopedic exercises.  We have classes from 6:30am – 6:30pm, with a different schedule throughout the week.  We have childcare available for some of our classes.
   
   
2. Why Novato?
   Anne-Marie McMahan , the owner of TDM Novato, is a local Marin resident.  There was already a TDM open in Corte Madera so she chose Novato as the ideal spot for a new location.
   
   
3. What’s unique about The Dailey Method’s approach to fitness?
   We get to know our students well and we’re very hands on in the class.  The teachers are constantly adjusting students and helping them find the correct form.  Our focus is on alignment first, movement second.   Our goal is to get you in proper position first, and then have you move.  We have a lot of people who come in with injuries or surgeries or having just had a baby, and we’re able to make the class work for them because of our focus on alignment before  movement. 
   
   
4. What are the classes like?
   There are typically 15-20 people per class and the classes are one hour.  We include a warm-up and cool-down in each class.
   
   
5. Do you have to be skinny, fit, strong, have good balance or be flexible, etc to take The Dailey Method classes?
   Our approach encourages students to stay in their body, focus on your practice and only do what you’re ready for at the present time.  Sometimes students see what the person next to them is doing and want to do that, but we encourage staying focused on your own body.  If your goal is to lose weight, take our classes 3-5 times per week and you’ll see results.  Fitness, weight loss, exercise – it’s a mental thing and we also want to help people stay focused on their goals, to keep coming so they can get the results they want.
   
   
6. What kind of results can someone expect to get from The Dailey Method? 
   Muscles lean out and tone up.  You’ll begin to feel a difference in the way clothes are fitting as the inches change.  A lot of people are focused on how much they weigh, jumping on the scale to measure their progress.  But that can be deceptive because muscle weighs more than fat.  With TDM you’ll first see a change in the way your jeans are fitting.  Also, your posture will improve - you’ll be standing taller, sitting up straighter – which impacts your appearance as well.   You can look leaner just because of the way you hold yourself.
   
   
7. If you had to describe The Dailey Method in 5 words, what would they be?
   Alignment , Community, Strength, Body-Awareness and Motivation.
   
   
8. What kind of people attend The Dailey Method?
   We have a wide range of clientele - new moms, working professionals, older clients.  We have one  man that’s 72 that has had herniated discs and multiple physical issues.  He loves the classes!  We have a wide spectrum…students of all ages, different body types,  different goals and motivations.
   
   
9. How much does The Dailey Method cost and any new client specials?
   We’re always offering two specials for new clients:  either a 3 class pack for $45 or one month unlimited for $100.  Clients can also buy classes by the package and the more classes you buy, the better the value.  A single class is $20, all the way up to auto-pay unlimited membership for $199 a month.  The membership level includes free entry into workshops and challenges as well as discount on retail items.  If you’re coming more than 3 times a week the unlimited membership is your best option.

Thank you Maggie for the interview!

I’ve taken 5-10 TDM classes myself and find them to be a good challenge.  I particularly like that for the hour I’m there, I’m focused on my body and maintaining good health.  Between the music and the teacher’s guidance I’m able to let go of outside stressors and pressure to focus on my body and breathing.  The teachers help me to hold the positions correctly and make adjustments to my form when necessary.  They are tuned in to the students and offer modifications to the positions when needed.  My favorite part of the class is building strength, the community with other women (although there is an occasional man there too!) and the stretching/cool down as we finish.

If you'd like to contact The Dailey Method they can be reached at 415-493-8184. or novato@thedaileymethod.com, www.thedaileymethod.com/novato.html

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Michelle Funez Arteaga, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist with a small private practice in Novato.  She specializes in assisting people to reach their diet and fitness goals through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy.  She can be reached at 415-893-8184.