Weekend Highlight: Athleta and Barre3

Liz and Allison and Jodie

Hi guys,

This is a slightly different post from the norm. This past weekend I was able to combine two of my favorite things ( other than Pilates:)) and that is going to one of may favorite fitness apparel stores, Athleta and taking a Barre3 class.  Athleta is an awesome fitness apparel store that has three locations here in Houston and they offer different free fitness classes in their stores.

As many of you know I like to change my exercise routine often, cross training is definitely something I promote, go ahead mix up your training routine.

A little background /insight on the workout, from the Barre3 website:

“We draw from multiple influences to create innovative classes that focus on length, grace, and a healthy body.

Sadie Lincoln, barre3 founder, works closely with a team of experts including yogis, professional dancers, doctors, and athletes to craft highly efficient workouts. Focusing on a unique combination of dynamic movement and isometric holds, the sequences work strategically to transform the body and develop long term postural benefits. A continuously evolving variety of movements keep the classes challenging, fun, and fresh. Whether you work out in the studio or at home, barre3 fits your life while enhancing it with greater functional strength, higher energy, and a sense of ease.

Barre3

 

Athleta and Barre3 partnered up to allow fellow Houstonians to experience a live Barre3 class.    Liz Fitzgerald, the Franchise Development Manager and Master Trainer Allison Beam came down and hosted/taught the classes this weekend, these two ladies were just so very nice and you could see their passion and love for the workout.  Their excitement for upcoming session was contagious!!

 

Franchise Development Manager and Master Trainer

Full disclosure, I have taken quite a few in studio Barre3 classes and the workout is phenomenal.   This weekends class did not disappoint, yes I felt the burn and the shaking muscles. The workout is based on isometric holds, which work your muscles to their deepest point, the one inch moves increases your body temperature ( hello sweat!!) and the dynamic moves raises the heart rate.  

Forward fold stretch

 

Twist

 

If you are not able to experience a live class, (they have a few studios here in Texas), you can order the DVDs from their site or sign up for the online subscription classes.  If you would still like to learn more, connect with them on Facebook .

What was your highlight from the weekend?

Weekly Challenge

A Pilates routine is not complete without the Pilates Hundred.  I like to include the ball in the sessions to keep the lower body still.

 

Pilates Hundred with a ball

 

Source

Lie on your back with legs in table top position keep your shins parallel and curl up keeping your shoulders away from your ears. Pump your arms inhale for 5 breaths and exhale for 5.

Keep your abs engaged and keep your eyes on your thighs.

Have a great week.

 

Pilates Teacher, Forever a Student

When one teaches, two learn.

Just like in  nutrition no two diets are the same.  A particular way of eating may work for one and not the other. The same is true for each person that  comes to a Pilates session. Everyones body brings something different  to the “table”.   Because we are not all made the same we can’t do all the exercises the same way.

This is one of the many reasons  why I love what I do, I am always  learning from each clients body. The Pilates method of exercise allows me, the instructor  to meet the individual  body where it is at the moment.    This is  teaching with compassion and kindness.

 

Pilates, movement for life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Challenge

This weeks exercise is the Single Leg Hip Raise

 

 

Targets the glutes, core, low back ,hamstrings and lumbo pelvic stabilization.

Source 

 

Lie on the  with your right knee bent raise your left leg up inline with the right knee arms open in T position.  Engage your ab muscles, press into your  right heel raise your hips up. At the top there should be straight line from your shoulder to your hip and thigh. Hold at the top for 2-3 seconds then lower back to the floor. Repeat.  3 Sets of 15-20 reps.