Why Barre Workouts + More Workout Wear!

I feel like it took me my whole life to find a workout I truly like. I grew up dancing (ballet, jazz, tap, etc) so exercise has always been a part of my routine. But the thought of actually working out (lifting weights, running, etc) used to haunt me!

TOP: FWRD Fitness Shirt (Only available for purchase at the studio) | SPORTS BRA: Lululemon Free To Be Serene Sports Bra | LEGGINGS: Alo Airbrush High Waist Leggings

When I grew into my teens, I started noticing that dancing alone was not enough to keep my body fit. It needed dancing + additional workouts (and obviously healthy eating). This became even more apparent in college (due to my poor choice to drink). It didn't matter that I danced roughly 15-hours a week, my body could not keep up with what I was consuming!

When I became an NFL cheerleader, the challenge only grew. My body was out there for everyone to judge! And my metabolism started to slow down even more! I started trying what I could to stay in shape - weight lifting, running, crossfit, circuit training, rowing, and much more. I started getting exhausted and I would dread showing up for these additional workouts! I just did not enjoy them! But I knew I had to do what I could to stay in shape.

In 2012, I was introduced to my first barre workout. It felt a little funky at first because it's different from your typical weight lifting type of workout.

But little did I know how much I would fall in love with it! It's what got me into the studio (i.e. gym) at least four days a week!

So what is barre? It's a workout method that utilizes dance fundamentals. It focuses more on proper alignment, lower weights, and higher repetition. Weight sizes vary from one to four pounds. Seems easy? Not when you're doing a tricep workout for 30-seconds to 1-minute! Try it!

The two biggest reasons why I'm a barre lover? Glad you asked... I love that the workouts can target a specific muscle group. Sometimes, when I'm doing a workout that works out my glutes, hamstrings, and abs altogether, I feel like I lose focus of what muscles are supposed to be fatiguing. I also can't tell if I'm standing correctly, or even doing the workout right - unless I'm in a personal training session. Barre zones in on one section of the body (typically), while challenging the rest of the body to align properly. If you don't feel it in that specific muscle group, let your instructor know so that they can help you get the right workout.

I also love barre because it is focused on proper alignment. Did you even know that it's important to keep your shoulders out of your ears when you're lifting your arms? By using lower weights, you can really focus on properly curling or lifting without compromising alignment. Ladies, you would be surprised what a two-pound weight can do for your arms!

Want to give it a try? Check out FWRD Barre + Fitness Studio in Rancho Bernardo and mention me and/or this post! Right now, they've got a promo for new clients: $49 for two-weeks, unlimited classes!

For those of you barre vets looking to up your game, definitely come check out FWRD. In addition to their barre classes they have cardio sculpt and interval (HIIT) classes. FYI, I've never seen classes in San Diego book out and this studio books classes out. Yes, their clients love it here!

Questions? Want to know more? Comment below. Hope you guys found this useful!

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