If you’ve ever taken a Barre3 class you know exactly what I’m talking about when I say, “EMBRACE THE SHAKES”. The first time this happened to me, I stopped because I thought it must be a sign I was abusing my bodY, but in fact it’s just the opposite! So…embrace the shakes and get stronger!

“The Shakes”:

When you have a ball (the “thigh master”) squeezed between your legs, you’re on your toes, your arms are wrapped around a barre or you’re in prayer position AND squatting AND pulsing “up an inch, down an inch, up an inch, down an inch” you tell me you’re not shakin’ it like a polaroid picture! Passersby probably think we’re either all high on methamphetamines or that we’re exaggerating the effects of our morning Starbuck’s. It’s humorous to observe, but if you can learn to embrace the shakes you’ll start seeing results and muscle definition very quickly. I used to feel self-conscious, but now I see the shakes as a sign I’m giving 100% effort to improving my overall health and strength. I LOVE to SHAKE!

Barre3 classes combine yoga, pilates, and barre fitness. Now, I’ve done other “barre” classes and they don’t even COMPARE to a Barre3 class. In fact, they’re not even on the same level, in my opinion.

Here are the main differences I see:

• Upbeat music
• Full body warm up
• Series shifts often (aka, when you feel like you’re about to die from the muscle burn, the instructor changes to a new series of movements)
• Periodic, well timed stretching series are incorporated throughout
• The studio is not dark and sad, but cheery, well-lit, and energized
• Warm, friendly staff that knows you by name (and your kids)
• Instructors have been known to wear Ryan Gosling’s face on their leggings
• CHILDCARE

Here are the physical changes I’ve noticed since going regularly:

Strength:

At my first Barre3 class ever, I grabbed 5lb weights because that’s the largest that was available. Typically I lift 8-10lbs when I do strength training and sometimes I even lift 12lbs so I was disappointed to see 5lbs was as heavy as they got. Little did I know… I mean, I can do bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, hammer curls, shoulder presses, etc. with 12 lb  weights and have no issues, but in a Barre3 class? No way! I learned the hard way that  beginners should start with 1 or 2 lbs MAX. Don’t overdo it and overestimate the strength of muscles you haven’t even begun to work yet!

Once I started going to Barre regularly I used 2lbs for the arm series and still had to take frequent break or switch back to the 1lbs. My initial goal was to make it through all of the reps and all movements with the 2lb weights, but after about a week or so I was strong enough to move up to 3lbs. That sounds super light, right? Just wait and try a class and you’ll think, “Damn, that girl is strong!” Using the 3lbs makes me feel like He-man! I still have to switch back and forth between the 2lbs and the 3lbs, but I continue to improve my strength and endurance every day.

Abs/Core:

I’ve always had strong abs and a strong core, but barre3 classes take your core strength to the next level. Today in class I thought, “Who wants a six pack when you could have a twelve pack?” In barre3, a twelve pack is definitely attainable. The cardio benefits of the class help you shed extra layers of fat without the extra strain on your joints from traditional cardio and the core work done in class sculpts and strengthens the muscles. The instructors use words like “corset” when they talk about your abs and I didn’t know exactly what they meant until I started to notice my waist shrinking as if I was wearing a corset. I have muscles all the way around that PULL everything in tighter for a leaner, cleaner, stronger appearance.

Flexibility/Energy:

Since going to barre3 I’ve noticed that I’m regaining flexibility. I was on drill team in High School and worked really hard over the past 15 years to maintain my flexibility, but life got in the way and I forgot to take time to stretch. Barre3 reminds me how great it feels to stretch your muscles and open up your body to get blood flowing. My energy has naturally increased as a result of the stretching and muscle engagement.

Austin Moms Blog Members can take advantage of $125 a month UNLIMITED classes at all three Barre3 studios when they present their card.

Wanna try it first before you commit? Join me, Allison, and other Austin Moms at the Grand Opening in Circle C for a trial class on Oct. 4 from 11am-1pm and get swag bags, giveaways (think Barre3 memberships!), mimosas, and treats. Childcare is included. Get your $5 ticket HERE.

Are you a barre3 fanatic, too?