Barre3

Photo Credit @barre3powell

Being that I was an athlete all of my life, I know my way around a weight room.  I started playing volleyball in 7th grade and then continued all the way through college.  I also was a golfer and played in college as well.  Yes, I was a two sport college athlete, my students and children are only mildy impressed when this topic comes up, not sure why!  I think it's quite an accomplishment.  Following school, my husband (a college basketball player - he will argue that his career was much more successful than both of mine combined) joined a gym.  That's what you do as a newly married couple who played sports in college, you join a gym.  I hated it.  I would have to give myself a pep talk prior to ever going, I would wander aimlessly between the work out equipment doing who knows how many reps and probably not the right amount of weight.  It was boring to me, I had already done this for years, with a strict system, I was over it.

It is imperative that if you want to find success with something you have to obtain a circle of support.  My best friend and I would meet at the gym and try to motivate one another.  She was the only reason why I still went, but then we had babies, and life got hard.  Time was no longer a luxury and schedules never seemed to link up.  So, I quit the gym.

My friend and neighbor introduced me to Barre3 almost four years ago.  She thought it would be something I might like since I was starting to dabble with yoga.  I will be forever indebted to her for taking me to a class. I am hooked and here's why...

It's different: Barre3 is a combination of palettes, yoga and ballet.  I've never been a dancer, but during class I feel graceful and strong.  It is a total body workout each class.  It adds to my day!

It's more: Like I said before when I was at the gym I was walking around aimlessly, my head was not focused.  Barre3 has taught me to be in-tune with my body, to think about how to work different parts of my body, by purely focusing and adding my own resistance.  It is really a great way to find your inner strength.

It's a community: The instructors are there to help you be better. They know you and your story.  Life can get in the way and I have my phases where I am really dedicated and then those when time for me is just not available or a priority and they understand.  They are never pushy or make you feel guilty, it's a warm, welcoming environment.  They also have child care, which is a huge plus!

It's for everyone: There are so many ways to modify the workout, this is really for any level.  I was 38 weeks pregnant with Corbin, still going twice a week and then only six weeks postpartum when I got back into the swing of things.  There are woman at all different strength levels, stage of life and they are successful!

It works: I am amazed at the changes in my body, the way I was able to ease through pregnancy with Corbin and then the twins, while also bouncing back with ease.  I have also seen such amazing transformations from my peers who I see in various classes.  It really does work!

If you are feeling stuck in your routine or have been out of the game for awhile, Barre3 would be a wonderful place to start.  Check out their website: https://barre3.com OR if you are local meet me at the Barre3 in Powell and follow this awesome group of ladies on Instagram @barre3powell