How are you guys doing today? Whenever I travel, I feel like my week becomes a blur and I have to keep reminding myself that it is Thursday. Getting back into a routine yesterday helped a little and this morning I kept the momentum going with a 6 a.m. Pure Barre class at my local studio. It felt good to feel the burn and stretch!
A few of you have asked me to share my “results” after doing Pure Barre workouts regularly for a month and I must say that the main difference I have noticed so far is an improvement in my core strength.
Pure Barre workouts include lots of core work and incorporate planks, pulsing and reverse crunches and isometric holds that basically light my abdominal muscles on fire. Core work is the area I was most likely to skip out on at the gym before, so it’s been a bit of a rude awakening to focus so much on core strength. I know having a strong core is important for a myriad of reasons (protecting your lower back, good posture, injury prevention, etc.) and I’m happy to feel like my core strength is improving a little bit at a time.
As far as my aesthetic results, I didn’t snap any before/after photos since I didn’t really think about it. I will say that I don’t feel like I’ve lost any weight, but I also didn’t weigh myself before or after I started (I don’t usually weigh myself and our scale is back in Ocala anyway). I also didn’t measure inches, so I cannot comment on that either. But I will say that I think my stomach is a bit flatter and my waist seems slightly more tapered (if that makes any sense).
I’ll be honest when I say that I was hoping to see a more drastic improvement in my flexibility. I haven’t noticed too much improvement in that area. I am naturally incredibly inflexible (in a personal fitness class in college, I was the least flexible person in my entire class with the exception of one guy!), so I know it will likely take a while for me to see noticeable improvement. I’ll keep plugging away!
Breakfast
After Pure Barre, I headed home to make myself a smoothie for breakfast.
I combined the following in the blender:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup blueberry Greek yogurt
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach
- 1 spoonful almond butter
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
I also had a few small handfuls of trail mix on the side for a little crunch.
It was a good one!
Questions of the Morning
- Have you ever completed a certain workout regularly that you feel like produced noticeable results? Which one(s)?
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I’ve been doing BODYPUMP pretty consistently for a month now and have noticed a major difference in my arm definition. I have lifted when working out in the past, but for some reason this class seems to have made a real difference!
Totally agree about BodyPump! It definitely improved the definition in my arms. Loooove it!
While I’m not totally sold on the Beachbody Koolaid, I’ve been doing their new program–PiYo—and LOVE it. I’m naturally flexible, but it would definitely make you more bendy!
Have you read Katy Widrick’s blog? She is in love with PiYo, too! http://katywidrick.com
Doing Insanity for 60 days definitely made a noticeable difference for me. I have to change things up often or I get super bored with working out, so after 60 days I was ready for something new. 🙂
I’m almost done with 60 days of Insanity too and I completely agree. I’m ready to move on, but definitely have noticed a difference in my strength.
I used to take a boxing class when I lived in Grand Rapids. Not to be confused with a kickboxing class. This was a class that basically felt like you were in training for a fight … without the actual fighting. This class kicked my butt for about 6 years. It had me in the best shape of my life, and I noticed definition in my arms, core, legs and my cardio endurance! Incredible workout. PLUS … I felt like a B.A. 🙂 haha! Ever since I moved I’ve tried local kickboxing classes, but I struggle with balance ….and kickboxing just doesn’t give me the same results as hitting an actual heavy bag or jumping weighted ropes. Miss it!
I agree with the bodypump comment! I’ve been doing it 2-3 times per week for the last three months and WOW. My BF is out of the country for the next four months, I can’t wait to be in the best shape ever when he returns! It’s the most effective class I’ve done, definitely.
I just signed up for the New Client Special at the new Pure Barre studio near my office. 1 month unlimited! I’m planning to take a couple classes a week at lunchtime, starting today! For me, running is really the workout that’s made the most noticeable difference. Despite all the ab work I used to do, my abs never looked as good as they do when I’m at the height of half marathon training!
I remember the days when I thought Tae Bo was the hardest thing I could do. HA! Turbo Fire kicked that in the rump. When we still want a good workout but not want to invest an hour, T 25 Focus is a good one as it has a modifier if you can’t jump around like a nut.
I was a dancer for 16 years and was always really flexible. Now at 29 I just tried yoga for the first time and was shocked at how inflexible I have become. I’m hoping to see improvements over the coming weeks.
I wish we had a Barre class where I live. I may have to take an impromptu class next time I’m in Orlando.
I understand the inflexibility! I’m starting a PiYo challenge next week in hopes of improving my flexibility some to help my running.
Today will be my third Pure Barre class (I signed up for the month with the new client special deal). I love it as well and it totally works my core! It really challenges my muscles in a great way. I am curious to see if I notice any changes in my body and strength after completing this month.
21 Day Fix from Beachbody
When I started a routine involving Les Mills classes regularly I saw results. Now that I’ve been teaching them for a few years, I have to do different workouts outside the group fitness room to get new results. New challenges = new muscles and definition! Have you ever tried Les Mills CXWORX? It’s a 30-minute core program that I also teach and that really changes the midsection.
No but I would love to! I love Les Mills classes!
I LOVE CxWorx! And (don’t hate me but) I found BodyPump not really to be my thing so I’m glad to have found a different Les Mills class I like. I want to get certified in it!
Amen to this comment about CXWORX! Teaching it has changed my core & midsection drastically! And helped tons after pregnancy. 🙂 I still have yet to try a barre class though!
I did a strength training & trail running class for 7 weeks and I was in the best shape of my life!
I am currently doing the new PiYo program as well and do love it! However, it is not as much yoga as my body craves. I need that extra stretch. I LOVE Vinyasa Flow or Power yoga. That will keep you moving and after a month you definitely will see improvement in flexibility. It can be frustrating at first, but keep with it. You’ll get there! Kathryn Budig is my favorite yoga teacher!!
I loved Pure Barre, but like you don’t weigh myself to know what I may have lost. But I did notice a lot if definition and I felt tighter and more toned all over.
Julie,
I started Pure Barre one month ago and have attended eighteen classes in that time–I love it! I am 60 years old, and was getting, shall we say, a little flabby in the tummy! Pure Barre, even in this short time, has knocked that flab out and my arms and abs are showing good tone. As for flexibility, I am seeing some improvement—which is interesting since I also do yoga twice a week and Pure Barre has done more than yoga for me in that regard. I am hooked! Love your blog!
I took ballet in college that really toned my legs. I also did P90x “my way” (not following the set schedule), and that got me to the tonest I’ve ever been. I really want to get back to that point, but those workouts are just a little too hard right now.
I still haven’t tried PureBarre, it sounds awesome!
When I did pilates regularly I really loved the way it toned my abs, but didn’t bulk them up.
I did Tone it Up’s love your body challenge this year and definitely noticed a change in my body! Granted, I was going from doing practically zero exercise to working out almost every day- but it was still cool to see myself get more toned over the course of 8 weeks!
This is interesting to hear, I didn’t think you would be in plank doing isometric holds; I always thought pure Barre would be sort of like ballet-Pilates standing up holding a bar!
There’s a lot of work on the bar but a lot of core work on the floor, too!
I just finished a 3 month boot camp program and I can tell the difference! I didn’t lose any weight (boo) but my body fat dropped a few percentages and I am feeling more toned and buff in my arms – which is SO exciting!! Also, I can tell physically that I can do things I couldn’t do before – like complete sit-ups. 🙂
That’s awesome!!
I just found out there is a Pure Barre studio right down the road from me! I am so excited to sign up for a class. I’m kind of nervous because I have no experience with it, but it will be fun to try something new!
I am loving the Pure Barre classes right now. As sore as I’ve been after my first week, I hope I’ll have some sort of visible results. I’m certain I’m the least flexible girl that attends! I’ve done insanity in the past and definitely saw changes, but keeping up that type of high intensity cardio everyday is exhausting and the opposite of a fun workout. Are you going to continue with Pure Barre?
I’ve been doing Pure Barre since January and I think it takes awhile to notice changes. Like the first set of abs when you sit in a C curve, I noticed this morning how long and straight my leg was, compared to when I started and I could hardly lift it more than 6 inches off the floor (and keep it straight) and now it’s almost vertical.
I’ve adopted a pilates/yoga routine in the last four months. Like you, I’ve always been seriously inflexible, but this routine has really helped me! It’s been a slow process, but I know I’ve really come a long way – especially in my hips!
Give it time. Every day you spend nurturing your body is time well-spent! 🙂
The FIRM workout dvd’s have made a big noticeable change for me! I especially love these ones: Total Body Time Crunch, Cardio Overdrive, Get Chisel’d, cardio party, and hi-def sculpt
I’ve been going to Pure Barre for 2 years and I LOVE it! It took me about 3 months to see a physical difference although I wasn’t the one to notice it. My friend told me that all of a sudden I had “Carrie Underwood legs”- I was pumped! Hang in there with your flexibility, I am just now getting to a split. I think it’s helpful to go in to the class each day with a goal so you can work on seeing a difference (I’m going to stretch a little bit further, higher heels during thigh work, etc.) Sometimes my goal is just to make it through class without too much shaking! : )
This gives me hope!!
Like you, I’ve recently been bitten by the barre bug and I love it. I’ve seen, well, really felt, the most results in my quads and glutes. Holy sore and burn! In such a good way though. 🙂
Congrats on one month! I was debating doing a Pure Barre class (my girlfriend from college teaches Barre in CA and recommended) and once I read your blog too, I was like – “Doing this!!” – I’m about two weeks in and unfortunately, obsessed! I tend to get that way with new workouts! (Bodypump, local bootcamp, boxing). After two weeks I haven’t noticed much (the bf swears he does… but I think they are supposed to say that! 😉 ) – I do feel like my posture is better though and core stronger. I am definitely the LEAST flexible in my class – so I’ve decided to do some extra stretching after my typical morning workout. I do have a concern though – that maybe you or some readers have experienced – I don’t feel “super sore” after classes like everyone says you should…. while the instructor said this was normal depending on how conditioned you are (I do strength training & cardio/abs in the AM and Barre @ night), I still think maaaayyyybe I’m not “getting it”… 🙂
I don’t either!! I’ve been sore only a few times. My instructor echoed the same sentiments that yours did & said that it is probably because I was conditioned and used to training.
I’ve never taken a fitness class, but I did have a personal trainer for several months and saw a huge difference. In those five months, I lost maybe 5 net pounds but definitely gained a lot of muscle.
Why do you wake up at the crack of dawn to exercise when you don’t have a strict daily schedule? Especially since the gym is probably so much more crowded.
Omaha is getting not one but two Pure Barres this summer! I really want to try one out!
when i changed from doing volleyball and gymnastics to becoming a runner, my body changed pretty noticeably. i went from being stockier and muscley to leaner (but still muscley, at least in the legs!)
That’s great that you notice some difference! I love when I try something new and I’m sore the next day, especially if I’m not to sure about it in the first place. And I use to run every single day, but once I changed it to 3 times a week and the other 3 days a week I lifted weights, I noticed that I looked smaller. Everything tightened up, and I had so much more energy and strength!
I can imagine how Barre would produce noticeable results. It gets at those muscles people don’t often use otherwise. I have been training for triathlons (five-six days a week) since March and can honestly say my body has never been this strong or fit. I have seen noticeable changes, especially from the swim and bike (arms and calves). It makes me never want to stop! 🙂
I am TERRIBLE at giving attention to my core. I know it’s super important for tons of reasons, but it’s one of the things I seem to skip out on far too often as well. Thankfully since I’ve been doing more BODYPUMP lately, I at least get a few minutes in with the core track.
And a workout that’s produced the best results for me –> BODYPUMP! I bet you knew I was going to say that one. 😉 Seriously though. I’ve never seen more results in my body since regularly practicing/teaching BP 2-4x/week. I’m a firm believer! And I just love it!
I have become addicted to Pure Barre. I started in January after having my second baby and haven’t looked back. Like you, my core is the one area I always seemed to neglect at the gym so my biggest results have been in that area. Overall it has helped to tone up and lean out and I can honestly say that at the age of 31 and two kids later Pure Barre has given me the best body i have had in years!
I usually try to switch up my routine since I get bored easily: I’ll want to workout with a friend, solo, or sign up with a bootcamp class…you name it. Since Jan of this year, I’ve started to workout in the mornings just making up my own routines but increasing my weight a little bit. I was training for a marathon last year so my focus was on running/cardio. This year, I vowed to bring back more strength training and I’m so glad I did! I notice more definition in my arms and a little bit in my abs. Now that it’s been a couple months, I’m going back to bootcamp classes. I think the important thing is to always change up your routine no matter what. I’ve always been interested in pure barre and now that people say there’s a lot of core work involved, I’d like to take part in that and see if I see any improvement. My core is what of the areas I’d like to work on so I’m definitely going to try to fit that in!
Thanks for sharing how Pure Barre has been for you! The core strengthening sounds like a benefit I could really use (I’m getting physical therapy for my ankle right now, and she pointed out that my apparently weak core could be impacting my hip, knee, and ankle stability…oops!). Such a bummer that they don’t have ANY barre studios in my area! 🙁
Pull ups and overhead press are two exercises that make a big difference for me. When I am consistently including them in my workouts, I notice I’m not only much stronger, but also there’s a lot more definition in my back and shoulders.
I’ve been doing yoga at my local studio for about 3 weeks consistently now, and my husband and multiple people at work have ALL commented that I look stronger and more toned! Already!! Crazy!
Planks, crunches, etc. will strengthen your core and give you definition in your abdominal area when weight loss goals are met. If you noticed that your stomach was flatter and your waist was tapered a bit more, it’s because you burned fat overall during your workouts. Unfortunately, you cannot “spot train” for flatter more defined abs. Your body burns fat where it wants to.
The flexibility will come! I am definitely more flexible than when I started Pure Barre classes a year and a half ago. I also noticed more strength in my core right away, and over time, more definition in my arms and an overall “toned” feeling. Love PB!
I’ve been doing barre (at Bar Method) for almost 2 years – 5 mornings a week – and it took a good 5-6 months before I really noticed a difference – but I will say – it’s the best form of exercise I’ve ever done! I finally have definition in my arms and abs – and I finally have a waist!! – and I SO inflexible that I had to go to the “kiddie” bar for the first 4 months when we did stretch at the bar – and my flexibility has dramatically improved. stick with it!! best class ever!
I’ve started doing crunches + plank before bed every night to ensure I was getting in some core work because otherwise I’m likely to skip it or think “I’ll do it later” but then I don’t…lol Since starting CrossFit I’ve definitely started to notice improvements in my strength but I’m still not doing much core workout (outside of our WODs) and so it’s still feeling like an area of my body that needs some love…
My gym just started offering barre classes, and after reading all your posts about them, I am super excited to give it a try!
Hope you love them!
As a PB instructor, we always recommend PB stretches on days you don’t take. It will come with time 🙂
I, too, notice my core strength and flatter stomach at first, around the two month mark I noticed my arms, mainly the tops and corners of my shoulders and my legs around the 2.5 mark.
As for workouts, I’ve always cross trained, so I’ve never really noticed a major difference from any one, only minor difference.
I am naturally inflexible, too. It takes so long to see results from things like yoga and pilates. I’m coming back from an injury and am more inflexible than ever so I’m trying to kick start that. I read the quickest way to improve flexibility is doing 20-30 minutes of yoga DAILY. I’m only a few days in, so we’ll see how that goes! Hey, maybe a post on flexibility is in order? I’d love to learn a little more about that. 😉
I’m so glad you’ve been sharing your Pure Barre experiences (and I’ve loved reading the comments from others on PB!) A studio is opening near my house next month, and I’ve signed up for the unlimited classes, 1 month new member special, and I’m pumped! I haven’t worked out regularly in the two years since my daughter was born, and I’m ready to finally drop the last pounds of baby weight and get some definition back in my body. Time to reclaim “me”! 🙂
Running totally changed my body! BUT, I find eating healthy foods (most of the time) was key to my success as well. I’m in the middle of T25 and seeing some great results there as well 🙂
Running totally changed my body (weight loss, a lot leaner, but with less overall muscle- if that makes sense) and then, post-marathon, I began to do much more strength training and I’ve noticed another change- weight gain (not in a bad way!), clothes fitting differently, more noticeable muscle (and I like it!), and overall strength.