WORKOUT -
Xtend barre class -
55 mins/128 bpm
Ran on TM -
7.5 miles/60 mins
1.0% incline
156 bpm
I took the 6am barre class from Bri and she worked us over. Just like Monday’s class, I can already tell I’m going to be sore.
Bri’s a great teacher and her classes are some of the toughest I’ve taken. And I’m not just saying that because she’s a friend. Even if I didn’t like her, I’d still say that. Even if I wanted to give her 500 paper cuts and push into a tub of salt water, I’d still want to take her classes.
{Bri’s picture: Katie//Bri//Me//Sarah}
And then I ran for an hour on the treadmill. I had to really hustle at the end to finish with 7.5 miles, but that’s my favorite (and only) type of treadmill run: start slow, finish fast. It’s really complicated.
NEW CLOTHES
Brandon from Claim Your Journey sent me a shirt after doing an interview with him, how cute is this? You know I love heathered shirts and I dig the kinda old school look.
You can check out all the shirts here.
Also, if you wanna be matchy matchy, all purple BIC Bands are on sale this month with a portion of proceeds going to PCRF. And then go read this post. God is good.
{Purple Animal Instincts//The one I wore this morning but I can’t find a link to it}
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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
great workout this a.m. mi amiga!!
I miss your pretty face!!
I love that shirt! It looks so vintage and retro. Sounds like you had a great workout today!
I’m the same way with my treadmill work outs…start slow, finish fast!
LOL at “500 paper cuts.” So funny!
Love the top. The story he did over at his site was really nice!!
That is my favorite way to treadmill too:) Your paper cut and salt water thing tub made me cringe a little. Next time we are down can I come to class with you?
Fo sho!
Yes! Would love to have you in class!
Love the t shirt.
I feel like thats the best thing about treadmill workouts. I start realllllly lazy and then wake up a couple of miles into it!
That shirt looks super comfy! I am seriously wanting to try a barre class soon!
During the last miles of this weekend’s marathon, I was plotting different ways to kill my friend running with me because she was pushing me so hard. Papercuts and salt water will now be added to that list for future reference.
I have two instructors that I feel that SAME way about. They always end up the best ones
I have to find a barre class around here to try, it is on my bucket list for the year and it is already March!
I need to find a barre class ASAP. I did a DVD barre workout a few years ago and loved it. Cute shirt!
I just got the purple chevron!! Been wanting one for awhile. Super excited purple is on sale!!
500 paper cuts and salt water?! Ouch!!! Glad you like me.
Even when I make you hold chair for like 3 minutes or do leg lifts with the stretch band. Ouch! I guess I’m the mean friend?
YAY for the run local shirt! I’m a Claim Your Journey ambassador and it’s such an awesome movement. Glad you like the shirt!
I’m getting the purple chevron one! Two of my favorite things!
I have been reading your blog for over a year now and I cannot believe our run local shirts made it all the way to Cali! LOVE IT!!! This post seriously made my day….run Louisiana fo life =)
Thanks for reading!
I’ve been taking barre lately and LOVING IT. such a good running compliment.
ALSO YAY FOR HEATHER+GABBY!
I was thinking about this when you talked about buying those grippy socks so your gross feet aren’t seen. Where I take barre classes they require that you wear socks and give you a pair of grippys when you take your first class, they also require that your legs and midriff are covered. Which I dig bx then people aren’t all intimidated by the person next to them with rockin abs and they have a spare tire. It’s modest and I think that enhances your self drive instead of always comparing to other people’s bodies
Great point!
Love the shirt! I think I might have to buy one!
Do you happen to know what the difference is between Xtend barre and The Bar Method classes? I am “this” close to trying a class at The Bar Method but don’t want to commit to the cost after the first free class unless I know for sure this is for me. Which I think it will be because it’s not bouncy and jumpy and jarring but kinda scared if I die doing it.
I’ll ask bri, the instructor, tonight if she knows the differences.
Hi Denise,
The majority of barre classes are similar but they each offer their own twist to the workout. I’ve tried 8 different barre classes/studios in Orange County and with every class I got a good workout with focused muscle toning for the whole body. The barre workout WILL transform your body regardless of the method.
In my opinion, the main difference between barre classes is the amount of cardio. Xtend Barre, Booty Barre, and Cardio Barre offer the most cardio and will have you dripping in sweat. They also focus on lengthening the muscles with big movements, not small movement pulsing. I’ve never taken a Bar Method class before but I heard it’s similar to Pure Barre, which has less cardio but lots of muscle toning. I would combine these barre classes with alternating cardio days.
Another thing I like about Xtend Barre is that all instructors are required to be Pilates mat certified. We keep a strong focus on proper spinal alignment and core control throughout the class.
If you have access to both barre classes, try them both and pick the one that fits you better. Xtend Barre is more ballet focused and has more choreography so some people don’t like the dancy part of it. On the other hand, I get really bored in other barre classes that pulse for 55 minutes. I like to move! Everyone has their own style and I encourage you to try a class for at least 30-days before you invest or not invest in a memebership. Most studios offer new clients a 30-day special price as well.
For more info on Xtend Barre, check out my blog post: http://shapedforfitness.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/my-favorite-barre-class-xtend-barre/
Good luck!
Bri
Thanks for the information. I’ll check around and see what I find. I saw a Booty Barre but seems I like in a strange area where Zumba and Yoga trump everything. ha!
I love doing my treadmill workouts like that. I’ll gradually increase speed every mile. Then in the last mile I just keep upping the speed till I’m at a sprint!
Brandon’s a semi-local (Baton Rouge) and his “Claim your journey” stuff – along with Sunday Runday – has really taken off. I saw him killing it at the RnR Mardi Gras half marathon a few weeks ago.
I love the claim your journey shirts..so cute! How do the sizes run? What size is your shirt? I’m ordering one! Thank you SR
mine is a medium. i wear a small or medium mostly so true to size i guess.
^heart^ the purple BIC band
I still love that you put bpm rate on your barre workout! and cute shirt! I am off to check out their site!
I am here do we obsessed with it
Cancer free! Wow!!! God is SO good. Thanks for posting that
Also, try vinyasa yoga or power yoga. Vinyasa yoga is flow, so you don’t break in between poses and there are a ton of really hard moves that for sure make you sweat and make you sore! Power yoga typically uses weights so it’s also a lot harder. Just try it 3 times and if you hate it then thats that
One last thing… you are responsible for my BIC band addiction… it’s getting bad. But they work so well and are so cute!