In May, my dear friend Candice and I did our first Barreworks class together (see "#barreworks selfie below). We were both pretty nervous wondering if we would be able to make it through a whole class but it was so much fun and yes, a killer workout! Admittedly, I was sore for a couple of days after, but fast forward to today and I'm totally addicted and it's as enjoyable as my first class 5 months ago.
In case you've never heard of Barreworks, it's a unique exercise system inspired by the barre classes in NY and LA. Together with a team of dance professionals, yoga instructors and fitness experts Barreworks was born.
You may have heard me talk about how yoga transformed my body in a very positive way, well Barreworks is taking me to a whole new level strength-wise.
The key thing I want you to remember no matter what type of workout you do, the important thing is that you need to move your booty every single day.
Benefits of ExerciseExercise has so many benefits. I could share with you every study that proves the need for exercise but that would be... well.. boring...and very long. So instead I will share my personal experience with exercise:
In the winter (which is just around the corner) due to lack of sunshine vitamin D it's easy to get into a funk. Exercise can help elevate levels of serotonin and make you feel joyous.
After a long day of writing, speaking at an event and trying to get through my endless emails it's easy to fall into a trap of working 12 hours a day. I'm sure you can relate! Every single time I have one of those days, the more I sweat, the less I stress.
Makes for a joyous body and strong mind.
As a teen and throughout my early 20's I was always very self-conscious of my body. However, the more dedicated to movement I was the better I felt about my body self image. Barreworks and yoga is incredible for your self-esteem and body self-image. I got me some pipes! (little ones).
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your blood sugar in balance and cravings at bay. As long as your nourish properly (hint, hint -- check out the recipes in Joyous Health) and move your sexy booty, you won't have cravings. As a side benefit, many girls and women emotionally eat -- as per my previous point about body self-image, you are far less likely to emotionally eat when you exercise.
I believe that you should do something fun every single day. The more fun exercise is, the more likely you are to commit to it.
Improved my cardiovascular function. I like to think that before Barreworks I was pretty fit from a cardiovascular perspective because I run and I ride my bike as often as possible. However, I've noticed I can get up the stairs to my office on the 4th floor WAY faster!
When I shared my enthusiasm with the lovely folks at Barreworks they agreed to allow me to share an AWESOME giveaway with you! WOOHOO!
This lovely photo above is one of my favourite instructors Micaiah. She's is super sweet and has such a positive energy about her. Don't let that sweetness trick you though... she's a machine! You'll have a killer workout. That being said, every instructor I've had has been fantastic.
Have you tried a Barre class? What's your favourite way to get your sweat on?
Please enter me in to the contest. Barre is absolutely my favourite form of exercise right now. Thanks!
ReplyThis looks fantastic! I love exercise that tone the body, such as pilates and yoga. Thanks!
ReplyI'm into circuit-style strength training at the moment, but this sounds amazing too!
ReplyRunning will forever be my favourite exercise! Always looking for an activity to tone me up though!! Thanks!
ReplyI love spinning, and dancing around in my living room to 80's music , or any dance class for that matter, that allows me to move and open up my entire body!
ReplyAbsolutely been enjoying strength training recently!
Replywalking to school instead of taking the bus is pretty decent
ReplyI would LOVE to try Barreworks classes. I have heard so many great things about it! Currently (and for the last 4 years) my favourite form of exercise is lifting weights. It makes me feel strong and I just can't get enough!
ReplyMy favourite workout right now is running - I'm on week 7 of couch to 5K. I would love to try Barre - I miss the ballet classes of my youth!
ReplyPilates and running are my favs right now! As a past dancer I'd love to try Barre!
ReplyI love Barreworks Spin classes. They are the best in the city by far!
Replymy favourite workout to date is running and weight lifting
ReplyI'm a yoga addict but need to add some cardio to my routine. This could be the perfect answer!
ReplyI love walking! Get to enjoy the gorgeous fall air and colours!
ReplyI don't know if this is my favourite type of exercise right now but what I do alot of is run around with my kids or push the younger one in the stroller. If I had more time, playing volleyball is my all time favourite way to exercise.
ReplyMy favourite is yoga and HIIT but have been wanting to try Barre as well!
ReplyRight now my favourite exercise are beginner ballet classes! Would love to try barre fitness.
ReplyRight now I'm loving Body Pump, available at GoodLife Fitness. It makes me feel SO empowered, if incredibly sore the next day. I'd love to try Barre classes!
ReplyThis is so exciting! I have been wanting to get into a new form of yoga/strength training program :) My favorite form of exercise right now is currently cardio/strength training.
ReplyI also do Barreworks classes – they're amazing! I'll often run to the class for an extra cardio boost.
ReplyLOVE BARREWORKS! Would love to be entered into the contest.
ReplyYoga and dancing in my living room! :)
ReplyFave workout right now is the AAA class at barreworks! nothing feels better than the satisfaction of getting abs!!
ReplyPlease enter me in the contest! I just started barre works and looking to get back into shape! I absolutely love the classes so I'd say this is my favorite workout right now! :)
ReplyI am addicted to the fast paced circuit training right now but I would love to try and mix it up to see how my body and mind reacts!!
ReplyLOVE Barreworks! spin is currently my fave exercise, I always feel so awesome afterwards!
ReplyI've been addicted to HIIT circuit training (a.k.a Bootcamp) for over 7 years now. I started yoga a few months ago but I'm always looking for ways to challenge my body. Anything that makes my "booty" hurt for a few days afterwards is definitely worth trying.
My fav is pilates.
ReplyI like a variety of workouts.. Ballet Beautiful is one I've enjoyed quite thoroughly. I love working on my posture and working on my core. It's important to keep the muscles lean and stream-lined. I've also tried Pure-Bar, which is very close to Barre Works (I think).. I work really close to their facility, and I've always wanted to try it!
ReplyMy favorite type of exercise right now would be power walking. When I don't bike, I'll make sure to walk at least one way to where I'm going.
ReplyI haven't been exercising since I moved to TO in July. In Vancouver, I belonged to Barre Fitness and then switched to Bar Method in West Vancouver. I LOVED Bar - flat-back, pretzel. LOVED Bar. So excited to hear about Barre Works in TO as I didn't think there was any. Would love to win a few passes to ensure that I can incorporate the distance into my day.
ReplyMy favourite exercise is spinning! Low impact, high cardio. And if the instructor is playing great 80s workout tunes, even better.
ReplyThis is so exciting! My favourite form of exercise is walking and weight training!
ReplyI attended my first Barreworks class in July and instantly fell in love. Their classes are by far the most enjoyable workouts I have ever experienced. My favourites are Spin+abs and DripBarre.
ReplyThis workout sounds great. I am looking to try something different from my gym routine. I'd love to try barreworks.
ReplyI recently started doing P90x with a friend mainly for strength and muscle. I don't enjoy exercising (honestly speaking) but, I know it has to be done. I think I'm leaning more towards continuing with Yoga once I'm done the P90 challenge. The Yoga aspect of workout has been my fav (and the hardest) so far! Would love to try Barreworks next!
ReplyLoving spinning!! Great workout and time always seems to fly!
ReplyPilates is my favourite! I took a few Barreworks classes this past winter and would love to get back there.
ReplyI love a challenge! Lately I've been running and doing a weekend bootcamp class with friends, so adding BarreWorks classes to the rotation would be a great way to tone. I try to "move my booty" in a different way every day like you say. BarreWorks looks like the perfect mix of challenging, fun, and empowering!
ReplyI'm a long-time runner who recently got hooked on circus acrobatics. I'd love to try Barre classes!
ReplyLove barre! Please enter me in the contest. Thanks for your amazing blog full of info and great contests : )
ReplyWalking and yoga are my favourites right now and have been for a while, but I'd love to try something new!
ReplyCyclefit and bootcamps are my favourite ways to keep fit. Would love to try Barre, looks intense
ReplyI am a huge fan of barre3. Their website allows you to also take classes online for $15 they unlimited classes. As a new mom on a budget I love it! It has also transformed my body. Definitely worth checking out.
ReplyI have been working out with Adam vacon he makes me a fitness plan for this week October 6- 12 and I enjoy it and today I went for a run and a jog today before it began to rain
ReplyI am totally looking forward to join the Barreworks class after reading this article. Thanks for publishing this post as I am sure it has inspired a lot other couch potatoes like me.
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