Back to Basics

Yesterday I finally tried a Barre Pilates class. The most popular brand of this workout routine seems to be PureBarre, but there is not a PureBarre studio in my area. I scoured the internet looking for something similar close to home and came up empty. Thankfully, my friend Virginia (who graciously tried Bikram Yoga with me) knew of a studio about 3 miles from my house.

I signed up for "Barre Formation Plus" at Transformation Pilates Studio which is the basic barre class with a little cardio thrown in. My first class was free and the teacher, Alison, was fabulous! She was so welcoming and really had time to work with all of us individually because the class was so small. She even did a lot of the exercises with us (and she is 5 months pregnant with twins, so she is obviously committed)!!

I knew I would enjoy this class because it reminded me of my days as a ballerina, warming up on the bar (well, this was more intense, but the same technique was there). My legs were shaking when I left, partly due to my lack of exercise recently, and feel nice and sore this morning. Sore legs are a sign of a good workout!

I signed up for a month unlimited of barre classes--hopefully to get my butt in gear and my body ready for bikini season! I'm glad this week's exercise experiment turned out better than the last.

Hot Yoga is....Hot....

I am always open to trying new fitness classes. I have done Step, Body Pump, Zumba, Spinning, and TRX. The only one I stuck with was Step (in college) and TRX (did it for a few months last year).

I have a few Facebook friends always talking about Bikram Yoga at this studio--the practice of yoga in a room heated to 105 degrees. Sounds crazy, right? IT IS.

I really wanted to try it. Yoga has never really been my thing--I am not all Woooosaa and Namaste. I don't shop at lululemon and I don't like granola. Okay...those are stereotypes, but ya know what I'm saying? Anyway, I always like to try something new.

Let's just say, I don't think it is for me. I did all the right things. 1. Hydrate like crazy 24 hours before. 2. Don't drink caffeine before class. 3. Come on a empty stomach. 4. Wear almost no clothing. I almost passed out twice, got super dizzy, and overall, just wasn't having a good time. It obviously takes some getting used to, but I don't think I'll be back for more. The teacher was very nice, accommodating, and helpful, but it's just not for me!

Up next, my friend Virginia (who sweetly went to Bikram with me) and I are going to try Barre Pilates. She has been before and assures me it is a good workout! Can't wait!