As most of you know, I could easily be put into the
categories of gym rat, fitness junkie and aerobically obsessed. If a new
fitness craze emerges, my first thought is: When and where can I try it. Over
the past few years I have flipped tires at CrossFit, swung kettle bells, lost a
few pounds of sweat in hot yoga and discovered new cardio formats like my
beloved Calorie Crusher. However, nothing could prepare me for the obsession
that would bless my second trimester.
We woman know that there are certain target areas we
struggle with, particularly this time of year. I’m referring to your core, legs
and glutes. Last year my good friend and co-worker Emily Worstell invited me
to one-year anniversary class at PurreBarre’s Hyde Park location in Cincinnati. After one class I vowed to try a one-month
challenge and see what all the frenzy was about. After I completed the Heart
Mini, I dove in head first… and there was no turning back!
Pure Barre was started in 2001 by fitness guru Carrie
Rezabek Dorr, and now you can find them in most cities, including three
locations here in Cincinnati. The concept is simple: Take choreography found in
ballet and serve it up in small isometric movements that lift, tone and burn
away your biggest problem areas.
Confession: I was skeptical at first. After teaching weight
lifting for 3.5 years, while teaching dance and boot camp classes… I didn’t
think there was a workout I couldn’t overcome. Well, I have been taking a Pure
Barre class for going on two months, and there are still moments in class that
make me feel like I'm about to die. Some of my fittest friends have had the
same experience, after months of going to the class, they get the best workout
and have yet to plateau.
The results speak for themselves. After going to class for a
few weeks, you’ll start to notice results in yourself and classmates. One of my
good friends, Ashley Walters, started going, and in 30 days, she was able to do
the splits! Muscle tone, flexibility and
stronger muscles will get you hooked… but the music, stimulating instructors
and friendships will keep you coming back for more. The Hyde Park studio has a variety of
instructors with different styles, all with the same goal… pushing you to make
sure you get what you came there for: results!
For the soon-to-be and expecting moms reading this, I
strongly recommend trying a class. I have been lucky to have fellow mommies to
be along side of me and we can all agree on the benefits:
- Little to no impact
- Strengthening the core muscles needed for carrying and delivering a baby
- Great options for pregnancy
- Keeps muscle tone and flexibility throughout your pregnancy
- Great calorie burn, without spiking the heart rate dangerously high
- Staying in shape to make delivery and bouncing back easier
In fact, they even offer new mommies a baby bounce back to
help strengthen your core and fit back in your pre-pregnancy clothes. I am
proud to say, thanks to PB I am 29 weeks pregnant and still have one pair of non-maternity jeans I can still wear…
zipped up!
If you have a new fitness craze you think I should try, feel
free to share.
Wishing you all safe and healthy workouts!
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