I’m on a tidbit tear lately, aren’t I?

I have the honor of guest posting for the fabulous Lindsay today, and I wanted to make sure you hopped over there to check it out. I’m waxing poetic on all things barre (n9ne) and the benefits of the barre…here is an excerpt:

Barre workouts never get old and they never get easier. Ever.

Unlike other workouts I have done (and I’ve done it all – from Body Pump, to heavy weight lifting, to periodization type weight training, to kickboxing, etc. etc), the workouts never get old and they never get easier.  Who would have thought slow, controlled, intentional movements with 2-3 lb. weights would enact such change?

Barre workouts strengthen your legs as a runner, 360 degrees.

I love to run. But I have always have extremely tight hip flexors and somewhat weak glutes. I have noticed a huge change in the way I run, from my posture, to my body alignment, to my strength. I run stronger, better, and with more endurance than ever before. Barre workouts really strengthen every area of your leg and glutes, from quads, to hips, to glutes, to calves.

You’ll work your muscles to failure.

Contrary to what some may believe, you don’t have to just lift heavy to get your muscles to failure. This is the first workout that I have ever done where my muscles go to failure every single time, and that gives me the tone and leanness that I was always looking for in my arms and legs. Tiny movements, a zillion reps, and intentional squeezes and pulses, stimulating fast and slow twitch muscles (giving you both tone and endurance and leaning out your body).

It’s actually fun. Truly.

It’s funny…every time I write about the barre, barre n9ne, or anything related to this wonderful community of women, the words just flow and I have to physically stop myself from rambling (too much). I guess that’s why it’s called passion, right?

Other barre n9ne tidbits? 

Our photo shoot pictures are coming out AMAZINGLY GOOD!! My mom is so talented, I love seeing the ones she’s been slowly sharing. I’ll share some here once they are all finished. It’s weird to see a picture of myself and actually like it. That was my first reaction. My second? Fit and happy. And belonging to a group of women that cares so much, that works so hard, that is helping hundreds of women get into the shape they’ve always dreamed of. Incredible.

I taught my first-ever barre n9ne intensive on Sunday and it was incredible! (my sister posted some thoughts here too). These are somewhat more advanced classes, jam packed, less breaks, more sweat, and an hour and 15 minutes long. I wanted to make sure to not only bring my game face and A-game, but put together a class that would give that challenge, impart some knowledge on why we do what we do – why so many reps, why fast and slow, how to connect with you core, etc., and fitting that all in is a tall order, in a sense. But it just flowed so well, I loved every sweatastic minute and personally, drank it all in. Almost a year in to being a certified instructor and it just keeps getting better. <3

Our instagram #b9poseadaychallenge and #b9actsofkindness challenge was a huge hit! I was, and still am blown away by everyone’s creative, kind, and generous acts. It definitely made me go out of my way to share some Healthy Bites goodness as one of my acts of kindness and just be more aware of my surroundings and giving an extra compliment, hug, or smile. Every little bit helps. Truly.

Now that I’ve waxed poetic long enough for today, I hope you check out my post on Lindsay’s blog! Cheers!