Let’s Get Physical!
Who doesn’t want a bangin’ body? Who doesn’t want a clear mind and happy life?
This day in age we are bombarded with so many images and visuals of the perfect body. Take a scroll through Instagram or Facebook and I think you will understand what I am saying. But this post is NOT about how to achieve that. It is NOT about how to achieve the perfect physical look. It is NOT about how to loose weight.
What this post is about is the importance of starting with the idea that you are enough and your physical appearance is only one part of you.
Just before the New Year I was asked by the studio owner of my local Barre3 studio if I would participate in their upcoming January challenge. I had been taking classes at her studio off and on for a little over a year. Essentially, before she could finish her request, I had bought all new workout clothes and was ready to take the challenge head on.
I was beyond flattered for the opportunity to be included but I was so nervous. I had to participate in multiple Barre3 classes a week, commit to daily meditation and then reflect. I just wanted to get a firm butt!! Ha.
What I learned in the four week challenge about myself and about my strength was shocking and a little bit overwhelming. Yes, I participated in multiple classes a week and yes I (tried) to do daily meditation. But the real power and strength came from the reflection. And the belief that I was enough. That what I brought into the studio each day was enough. It was not about more more more… more weight loss, more endurance, more perfection… it was about being enough and focusing on the core aspects of what makes me strong from within.
As a mother, as a mother who has a son with sensory needs and as a wife of a consultant I need a place where I can go and take care of myself. I found this at Barre3. Finding a place where I loved the workout, loved the community and felt rejuvenated and uplifted when I left was amazing. But Barre3 is not just about the workout. Now, do not get my wrong… it is hard. Your heart beat rises, your muscles burn and there is a lot of sweat. But in conjunction with Headspace I was able to focus on my mind as well.
The Barre3 Piece
I LOVE IT. Like honestly, truly, seriously. Even after the official challenge has ended I find myself craving to be at the studio and take a class (which I continue to do). Like I mentioned I wanted to just get a tight butt!! And while there is still progress to be made I am seeing a physical change in my body. The structure of the class is such that leaves you wanting more but feeling completely satisfied and sweaty. They have a formula of large range movements, small movement burnout and postural holds that I have not found in any other workout.
All About The Workout
Within each workout I get my hear rate up and blood pumping. My legs/arms/abs quiver. And my isometric strength is tested. I LOVE IT. All of it. With a consistent and committed routine REAL changes happen. My arms are more toned, my legs are stronger and my back has never felt better. For many of you who have been following me for a while you know I have had some serious back problems. Barre3 has been one of the best things that happened to my back. Pain is gone. Mobility is back.
All About The Breath
Not only does this fitness class offer a physical component but each class ends with dedicated breath work. It is a time to focus and be present for yourself. It has been in this time where I have felt the true community and connection of the Barre3 practice. I am in love with my home studio and the amazing instructors who share their passion. This dedicated breath work is when these women impact my life the most. With their words of encouragement, guidance and inspiration. It truly is an uplifting community and special place to be.
The Meditation Piece
Over the course of the month I began to see a direct correlation between my meditation and my workouts. Whether it be through the use of my breath or the work of quieting my mind it became a TOTAL body workout. So often we, as humans, forget that a total body workout should include our minds. As I have mentioned in the past I started mediating about six months ago and it has changed my life. Really focusing on deepening and bringing that practice into my physical workout began to take shape during this challenge.
In full transparency Headspace is not my favorite meditation app. It took me a while to get used to the narrators voice in Headspace. BUT I did really connect with several of the daily meditation guides including one about quieting mental noise and another one on accepting challenging times. Both resonated with me as they were very applicable to aspects in my daily life.
As a mother the ability to quiet mental noise is a hard feat; what with all the lists, errands, lunches, laundry, school, homework, activities, date nights, birthday parties and such to plan and execute. But the more I attended Barre3 class and focused on my meditation I was able to find moments in my day where I could quiet the noise and be present. During those times I could see my life a little more clearly… and I am able to make changes for the better.
So, What’s The Catch?
In this case there isn’t one. My fitness journey has been documented on my Instagram and here on the blog and I promise this has been an incredible experience. I continue to attend class at my home studio– any Denver ladies wanna meet me there?? And I continue to grow, get stronger and be more intentional and HAPPY in my life. Like any workout routine it takes commitment and perseverance but knowing that I am enough no matter where I am when I enter the studio makes it all worth it.
With Love,
