Exercise has always been an important part of my life. I started playing soccer when I was 5 years old, and continued to play sports through high school (Volleyball, Soccer and Track). I've had a gym membership since I was 18, and have been obsessed with aerobics ever since I watched my mom take a step class as a kid.
After my twins were born, I barely had time to sleep let alone exercise. All of my energy was focused on my family, which also included a rowdy 3 year old who demanded my attention 24/7. I went back to work full-time 3 months after Walt and Whitney were born, and transitioned into a new job when they were 10 months old. Two months later my dad passed away, and suddenly I was ready. Ready to clear my mind, ready to feel strong, and ready to push myself.
Photos by McKenzie Coronado Photography
I reached out to Rebecca at PureBarre, as I knew she had opened up a new studio in Round Rock and asked if she would be interested in collaborating. Thankfully she was, and a few weeks later I started my new fitness routine. Prior to kids I would have worked out at least 3-4 times per week, but this time around I set a realistic goal of twice a week. I took the latest class available on a weeknight, so I could help out at home as much as possible before bedtime. Alex works out during his lunch, and most days I don't take a lunch break so nighttime is really the only time I can exercise. Well, I guess could wake up at 5am, but my kids still wake up in the night, so that's not happening.
My first class was ROUGH, but I kept going back and it has been amazing to see the results. Here are 5 reasons I'm now an obsessed fan of PureBarre.
When I gain weight the first place it goes is to my bottom and thighs. If I had to choose one area of my body I'm the least happy about, it's my hips/butt. PureBarre works your glutes like no other work out by focusing on the smallest movements, and the results have been insane. My butt finally has a bit of perk to it, and now I don't feel like I have to buy a giant swim suit bottom to cover it it up.
2.) FLEXIBILITY
Did you ever take the Presidential Physical Fitness test? Well, I did numerous times, and I was ALL about it. You better believe I was taking home that blue patch to hang on my wall. My least favorite exercise was the split stretch which was all about flexibility. Even when I was a cheerleader I could barely do the splits. It's just not in me. Tight muscles over the years have led to back issues, and overall stress in my body. On the first day of PureBarre when they said to touch your toes I laughed, yeah no way. By the end of 3 months I'm easily touching my toes. I especially love with the instructor gently pushes me into a deeper stretch. Stretching during PureBarre makes me feel sooo much better after sitting at a desk all day and staring at a computer. My body needs it.
3.) CORE
Since I was in high school I've had lower back issues. Throughout the years I've bent over or picked up a baby wrong and completely pulled my back to the point I could barely walk. I know a strong core is extremely important, especially for a mom who is lifting babies 24/7. Barre has transformed my core, and I rarely have back pain or back issues.
Each class I've taken I've loved my instructor and getting to know my classmates. After the tough thigh and glute exercises, I'm usually grunting or mumbling under my breath. I hear other women doing the same and know I'm not alone in my pain. We are all pushing ourselves, and kicking our own butts to become stronger. I've also loved taking my friends and neighbors when I get a chance. I think exercising with a friend is the best! We can share in our misery and triumph together : ) I also enjoy the upbeat music which makes the class fly by.
5.) STRESS RELIEF
My days are non-stop, and my life is pretty chaotic right now. I'm constantly chasing my twins around hoping they don't wander in the street, working my butt off at my day job, trying to keep my home in order, be a semi-good wife, and blog on the side. Most days I want to crash on to the couch and sleep for 8 hours straight. Even though there are a million things I could be doing at home, I enjoy taking an hour to myself to relax, listen to my body, and focus on myself. No distractions, no social media, no screaming and crying.
Outfits c/o Athleta
If you've never tried a PureBarre class I HIGHLY recommend it. The main working tracks of a class include a warm-up, arms, thighs, glutes, abs and a cool down. It's low impact and great for anyone. I want to take Alex sooo bad, because it may look easy to him but he's in for a treat ; ).
Rebecca is the sweetest owner and mother of 2 small kiddos. She has a Cedar Park and Round Rock location, and right now she is offering the first week free! Find them on Facebook and Instagram for more info. Let me know if you sign up, I would love to join you for a class. Thank you to McKenzie Coronado Photography for the photos. Fitness modeling is harder than it looks y'all! I tried not to make the Resting Barre Face ; ).
Have you ever tried PureBarre?
4 comments:
Oooh, I love that you're into barre too! I've been taking barre classes for a little over a year now, and I'm an addict too :) I feel stronger now than even before I was pregnant. My classes aren't at a PureBarre studio, but the exercises and format are the same as you describe. I go twice a week as well, because heyyy, twins :)
I used to love going to PureBarre classes regularly when I lived in Southern California. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a reasonably priced studio here in Australia. It's a shame because I totally ageee with all your points.
I've wanted to try Pure Barre for a while, and you make it look sooo amazing. Unfortunately, we don't have anywhere around us that offers it. The second that changes, I'll be trying it!
I LOVE Pure Barre!! It is THE BEST!
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