See You At The Barre!
A new year often means new year's resolutions. As we say hello to 2018, many of us are taking time to reflect and reevaluate our life choices. The new year is a perfect time to make changes happen. Often we hear our friends resolve to eat healthier, workout more and/or drink less. (At least two out of three isn't bad ;)
When I thought about what I wanted to tackle in 2018, I reflected on what goals I set in 2017.
In January 2017, I decided that I was going to complete 750 barre classes by the end of the year. (Let's be clear, that's NOT 750 classes all taken during 2017, that's 750 classes taken since I started Pure Barre over nine years ago.) Granted, I wrote that down on a slip of paper in January and almost forgot about it until November. When I emailed the studio inquiring about my class total, I was in total shock. I only needed fifteen more classes to reach my 750 goal. Attempting to hold myself accountable, I got out my calendar and scheduled my next fifteen classes. Determination- it's key.
On New Year's Eve, I took my 750th Pure Barre class and there was more sweating and shaking in that class than in the other 749. I loved every minute of it.
I'm sure some of you are asking, "What's Pure Barre?" Don't worry, after 750 classes I've got you covered!
What is Pure Barre?
Pure Barre is a " total body workout that uses the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements which burns fat, sculpts muscles and creates long lean physiques."
Who can take Pure Barre?
Anyone can take a Pure Barre class and no previous dance experience is necessary. Honestly, you don't have to have that much coordination, but an ounce or two of determination is always helpful.
What do you wear?
It's recommended that participants wear yoga pants, leggings or capris and a top that covers the midriff. Shorts and crop tops are not acceptable. From experience, I would recommend wearing something that you feel confident in as well as something that will move with your body.
Some barre classes will allow you to work out with bare feet however, Pure Barre requires that each participant wear socks. Feel free to bring your own pair from home but they sell grippy socks at each studio, which I cannot recommend enough. Trust me, you will want all the help you can get when you are in water ski position or chair.
What the difference between Pure Barre and Pure Empower?
To be honest, both workouts are killer in their own way. Let's start with Pure Barre. Pure Barre is a 50 minute class that focuses on hips, thighs and most importantly your seat. The class will start out with a warm-up where barre baes can choose from two, three and five pound weights. (Tip- start with two pound weights. Form is of the utmost importance.)
Next, you will jump right into the three different thigh exercises that focus on toning your entire thigh muscle. If you're not shaking midway through your first exercise, that means that you can go a little lower. Shaking equals change.
After a quick stretch, you will focus on creating a lifted seat and working on that "pure barre ledge." Shifting the focus back to your upper body, the instructor will lead the class through a series of ab exercises guaranteed to get your abs shaking. Worried about the 50 minutes? Don't be, it goes by like that!
Now let's talk Pure Empower. Pure Empower is a 45 minute high-intensity barre inspired work out. Using ankle weights and a plyometric platform, the instructor will lead you through a series of quick cardio sprints that focus on your thighs and seats. Don't worry, there is plenty of ab work woven throughout the class.
If you want to be a total badass (or crazy, depending on how you look at it), I dare you to take back to back classes. Not only do you maximize your calorie burn, but it really allows you to get deeper into your muscles. And let's talk about that shake! Of course, I wouldn't recommend that to a newbie, but if you've got a goal in mind (summer bod or an upcoming trip) this double sweat sesh is for you!
I'm sold! Where can I sign up?
To find a Pure Barre studio near you, click here. Signing up for a class is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
What are your 2018 resolutions? In 2018, I have resolved to take 1000 barre classes and to do a better job hydrating throughout the day (which I haven't always been the best at). My friends at TEN Spring Water helped me kick start my year with a case of their water. TEN Spring Water is sourced from some of the purest springs in America. Not only does it have a pH of 10 but its chocked full of alkaline minerals and electrolytes. What more do you need?
I have been drinking this nonstop for the past couple of weeks and have really enjoyed it. Not only has it forced me to stay hydrated, but I can already tell a difference in my skin.
If you are interested in learning more about TEN Spring Water click here!
Regardless of how big or how small your resolutions are, I commend you. Making a commitment to change in an important first step.
Until Next Time!