No I didn't spell barre wrong- and no I'm not talking about the bar where you get to enjoy drinks and watch the bartender dance around mixing up the latest cocktail. I'm talking about the barre as in ballet dancing! I want to say about three months ago, I started working out pretty regularly at a Barre3 studio. Wow is what I say every single time I leave, and trust me it's not because I'm still at my starting point but because the classes are intense! It's a mix between Pilates, ballet, and a touch of yoga. Even though you don't really ever break out in dance moves, it uses the same concepts ballerinas use. I love it as a runner because it can get sooo boring doing the same thing day in and day out. That's when my lovely sister told me to try the Barre, although I didn't listen to her advice until a year later.
Boy am I glad I tried it out finally! The workouts are usually different; each instructor has a little wiggle room to do their own thing. The classes are tough because you are working every muscle/body part the entire hour you are there on the cork floor. The movements aren't large, just little one inch ups and downs, but those small movements really get you shaking. Which is when you know your body is making some changes (for the better!). If you haven't tried it, it's totally worth it. They have beginner deals and you can usually find a coupon on Groupon. The link to the website is listed below.
Now lets talk fashion! Not fashion that you would wear out on a date (although you could- who's judging you anyways!). I'm talking fitness fashion. At a little studio like Barre3, it isn't always all about coming to get your shakes on, sometimes it's about showing off the latest LuluLemon and Athleta styles. I have to say I have been a little disappointed with LuluLemon lately (see through issues), but I found that I can only buy certain things right now. Here are some of my favorite athletic clothing right now:
(Photos from LuluLemon and Athleta)
For Barre3, I found I really love wearing crops, especially fun ones. They make going in to work out brighter. I actually have the crazy stipe/floral ones from Athleta and always receive compliments when I wear them. My favorite sports bra right now is the LuluLemon "Free to Be Wild" bra. It's really comfortable, has the amount of support I need, and looks really cute on. The LuluLemon tank top above is so cute on, especially with the bright pink colored crops. (Links below for every item). I found that with the cheaper materials LuluLemon is using, I only like the roll down crops because the material is not see through.
Off happy hour at the Barre (4:30 class). Look for my post tomorrow about denim shirts, anchors and floral accents. Hint for Wednesday's post: date night! As always, feel free to leave comments at the bottom :) I love hearing from you guys!
XOXO-Mandie
Links:
Barre3: http://www.barre3.com
Tank: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/tanks-no-support/Sculpt-Tank?cc=17845&skuId=3592816&catId=tanks-no-support
Bra: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/bras-light-support/Free-To-Be-Bra-Wild?cc=17565&skuId=3598607&catId=bras-light-support
Bright Crops: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/crops-yoga/Wunder-Under-Crop-II-Roll-Down?cc=17483&skuId=3600824&catId=crops-yoga
Floral Crops: http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=46804&vid=1&pid=438849002
Similar Floral Crops: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/crops-yoga/Wunder-Under-Crop-II-Full-On-Luon?cc=16670&skuId=3582425&catId=crops-yoga
Striped Crops: http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=46804&vid=1&pid=243095002