A sociologist walks into a Barre… wait. I did that wrong. A sociologist moves to Minnesota. Yes, that’s how it begins.

Six Degrees student Josh Page moved to Minnesota in 2007 for a position at the University of Minnesota (he is now a tenured professor of sociology and law at the U and a writer for HeavyTable.com). He’d been a top-level soccer goalkeeper in high school, dabbled in running and weight-lifting throughout college and graduate school, and now hopes to incorporate a more regular fitness routine into his daily life, balancing the rigors of his new job with a lifestyle that might support it. First, he found his way to the practice of Aikido and the summer-and-fall fun of co-ed softball and cycling, and then he gravitated toward another way to strengthen his core, stave off the perennial back problems created by the life of the mind, and appeal to the balance of movement and stillness he centered his life around: Pilates. Along the way, he’s become a bit of an ambassador for barre, too, even convincing his wife (me) to give it a shot.

What brought you to the studio? Have you achieved those initial goals?

My back problems periodically limit my physical activity, so I starting coming to Six Degrees (which was then in my neighborhood) about 15 months ago. I began taking Pilates Reformer classes because I wanted to strengthen my core to help with my back, and I definitely think I’ve achieved that goal. Just a few weeks after my first Reformer class, I tried out a barre class, and I’ve been going to those regularly ever since. My newest goal is to make it through barre without taking breaks—I’ve only achieved that goal once in the year-plus I’ve been taking barre classes!

When we take barre classes together, I often hear the teachers say, “Way to go, ladies! And Josh!” Is it strange being one of the few men “on their toes” around the studio?

I am usually the only guy in barre class, though there have been more dudes attending lately. The number of men isn’t an issue, though; I don’t care either way. I recommend barre to both my guy and gal friends because it’s a fun, great, challenging workout. The guys who’ve tried it with me really dig it, they just haven’t become regulars because of scheduling or cost.

So it sounds like Barre has become your favorite class—what do you like about it? What else are you looking to try?

I come to 1-3 Barre classes a week, and the most surprising thing is that I get excited every time, even though it’s generally so damn hard. The feeling after class is wonderful, and it’s rewarding to push through soreness, exhaustion, and laziness. It’s a great way to get out of my head, alleviate stress, and let go of the day. I also like the high-tempo pace, full-body workout, and groovy tunes (Barre classes keep me current with pop music!). I’d like to try out some TRX sessions and incorporate more regular Reformer and mat Pilates classes into my schedule, but Barre remains my focus.

How else do you try to incorporate an idea of “wellness” into your life?

I nap nearly every day for about 30 minutes, generally after lunch and before afternoon coffee and writing. I try to eat relatively healthily (particularly because I’m also a food writer), exercise 4-5 times a week (a combination of 2-3 sessions of back-to-back Aikido classes, 1-3 Barre classes, and cycling and softball in the warmer months), and get at least 9 hours of sleep a night. Basically, I strive for a full and balanced routine.

You travel a lot for work and pleasure—you’re off to Africa for three weeks, and last year saw you in England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Hawaii, and all over the lower-48. How do you work fitness into travel?

I just do what I can—long walks, time in the gym (when it’s possible), biking, and practicing Aikido and Barre exercises wherever I might be. I just try to stay active, but I don’t sweat it if I can’t work out on a short trip. If I “need” to get some exercise, I find a way.

*Full, though likely unnecessary disclosure: I’m married to the guy. He’s fantastic. I shan’t slander him—though I wouldn’t do that to anyone else, either.