My First Pure Barre Class

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On Sunday I attended my first ever Pure Barre class and checked the first thing off this year's workout bucket list! Pure Barre is a new(ish) form of exercise that is opening studios throughout the US. This form of exercises incorporates yoga, pilates, and of course, ballet barre work. It is meant to lift, tone, and burn... In fact, that is a big part of the class and those that attend are tagged "LBTers". Get it? It took me a minute, but I got it too.

The actual class is about an hour long (but feels like 20-minutes) with free weight work, barre work, resistance band work, stretching, and the most incredible little mini ball that I now love. I was told this would really work my legs, bum, abs, and arms with emphasis on the legs and bum. This is correct. During the barre portion my legs were shaking like a leaf and my buns were in fire! I was also sweating within the first five minutes of class.

There were tons (and I mean tons) of isometric exercises, so knowing how to move was a bit difficult at times considering that everyone around me was hardly moving at all. Thankfully, the instructor was keen on giving guidance and I was keen on listening intently.

After the class, the instructor promised that understanding the movements gets easier with time. I would completely agree with her that it is all about understanding the vocabulary of a Pure Barre class. Hopefully, all the differences between lifting and tucking and twisting will become clearer with time. For now, I am just happy that it gave me a good lift and tone and burn.

This was a great workout for sure, especially for those saddlebags and inner thigh regions we all want to improve. I will for sure be taking the class again and would definitely recommend it to others. Just be sure you are following the dress code and have a spare couple of bucks to get the sticky socks needed for the class.

Weekday Inspiration

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Yesterday, the hubs and I were talking about what we expect from a workout. I told him that it is my personal goal to be as sweaty and gross as possible when my workout is complete. Actually, my personal saying is to look as bad as possible at the gym so I can look as good as possible everywhere else. He responded that my girl version of the saying, "pain is weakness leaving the body" is, "sweat is grossness leaving the body". This has become my new favorite quote and one that I have thought of during every workout since.

Hopefully, this nice little mantra via the hubs will inspire you like it has inspired me. Let's sweat a little extra this week and get some of those extra toxins, calories, fat, and other forms of grossness out of our bodies. Happy week and happy workouts everyone!

P. S. So sorry for the lack of a workout sum-up post yesterday. Last week was filled with early mornings, busy days, and falling asleep on the couch before dinner. There were very few workouts followed by three days trekking the vast expanse of Disney... Now back to life and a promise of a workout sum-up this week!

What Every Home Gymmer Should Have

The hubs and I have been home gymmers for about three years now. Most of the time I love working out at home, but home does not always have the same results/equipment as the gym does. There are a few tricks that ever home gymmer learns to avoid from the dreaded fitness plateau and keep things interesting. One of the biggest tricks is having everything you need to keep fit. Here are all my must haves for a home-gymmer who wants to get enough out of their workout!

1. Polar Heart Rate Monitor: Every home-gymmer and gym-gymmer and outdoor gymmer needs a heart rate monitor. Keeping track of your heart rate will keep you in a healthy heart range that reduces fat without eating up muscle. This is a great introductory option, here are a few others for more advanced gymmers :)

2. Push-Up Bars: These are wonderful for working multiple muscles. These are also great for anyone who gets sore wrists while doing push-ups, or even down dog!

3. Multi-purpose Shoes: Shoes are completely needed for home gymmers. These shoes are great for running, dancing, and cross-fit. One pair of shoes for multiple types of workouts= heaven!

4. Kettlebell: Kettlebells are great for home-gymmers because they take up very little space and are heaven for toning multiple muscle groups at once. These are also great for cardio workouts since you will burn massive amounts of calories from home!!!

5. Workout DVD's: All of us need instruction and if you are not going to classes, the best instruction will be from DVD's and workouts online. These are two of my personal favorites... Jillian Michaels 30-day Shred and Ballet Beautiful

6. Seconds Pro Interval Timer: Intervals are great and timers for said intervals are needed. This is the one I swear by. There are two options, the free one and this one for $4.99- it is worth the money!

7. Yoga Mat: A yoga mat is completely needed to workout on since you will be sweating quite a bit. This yoga mat is non-toxic and extra long. Yes, please!

Expedition Everest 5K

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Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, am I excited! A couple of close friends, the hubs, and I have officially signed up for the Expedition Everest 5K race in Early May at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is a race that a friend and I have been wanting to do for a year. Unfortunately, last year, it filled up before we could sign up. This year, however, was different. Now, we are signed up with three teams of two- the Speed Racers (yours truly), team #winning (the hubs and our brother-in-law), and Green Goddesses (Melody, my sister-in-law, and her best friend).

It is going to be awesome. The race includes an obstacle course, scavenger hunt, and post race party at Animal Kingdom until 2 am! Race members also get discounts on Disney hotels and free transport to and from the race location. What makes this even better is that it is the day after the race is May the 4th, which is the best time ever to go on/buy all Star Wars affiliated everything. Eepp , I cannot wait!

As the Speed Racers, Darah and I have decided to go as the Mach 5. It makes perfect sense since we will be the speed of lightning and win and be awesome while doing it. We are still deciding the details of our costumes, but I will say we have been entertaining the idea of making these amazing hats. My random purchase of knee high red and white striped socks will also be coming in handy for this event. Ohhhh, I just cannot wait!! I will be sure to keep things posted as more details get decided on!

(P.S. here is a great video all about the race!)