

After more than 365 of being closed due to Covid-19, we are now set to reopen indoors on Saturday March 20th! We are SO excited to see everyone, while keeping everyones safety in mind. Please look over these new guidelines on how classes and studio procedures will be handled for the time being:
*Per the guidelines, there will be NO Childcare provided at this time.
Summer is a great time to get away. The kids are out of school and the usual routine is
often scrapped for the luxury of sleeping in, slipping — sometimes altogether ditching —
schedules, and vacating to sandy crystal blue beaches. Unfortunately, all of that
well-deserved and much-needed decompression can come with a few unintended side
effects, like falling out of the shape you’ve worked so hard to get into.
Even if you’re staycationing this summer — you’re not immune! Maybe it was easy to
get yourself to BARREbeat when it was part of your daily drop-the-kids-off at school
routine. Now that you aren’t pushing them out the door, it might be harder. Although
it’s literally impossible to get to BARREbeat in the flesh when you’re an airplane ride
away, don’t fret. Here are some tips to keep you in tip-top shape — even if you find
yourself sipping Mai Tai’s in Kauai.
Fitness watches are a hit among BARREbeat tribe members. Many of us like to
compare how many calories we’ve touched with studio owner and founder Killer
Kandace and all of the amazing BARREbeat instructors. Even if you’re away,
keep track of your daily activity. While on vacation, set a goal for yourself that
will be fun to complete — like getting 10,000 steps. If you get them while
sightseeing amazing places or strolling along the beach, you won’t even notice,
but your body will thank you.
By all means, enjoy your vacation! But also listen to your body. How do you feel
after an evening of overindulging on less-than-healthy food or lots of alcohol?
We all have those days and times when we just want to indulge — totally
understandable. Try to find ways to feed your body with nutrient-dense food.
Maybe a delicious fresh-pressed juice or healthy protein smoothie. Supplements
can also be your friend if your nutrition has gone on summer vacation. If you’re
heading out of town, be sure to take the supplements you’ll need to fuel, refresh
and restore your body.
Stretching feels great, especially when you’re sore! If you’re used to working out
daily, this can make a huge difference by helping your muscles recover and
allowing you to return to your practice even stronger than when summer began.
If you have a yoga mat or foam roller — great. If not, use the floor and your
hands. Or, even better — lay out your towel, grab a spot on the sand and stretch
it out!
Although you may have scrapped your usual schedule and routine for summer,
setting a goal for your self-care exercise routine can make all the difference.
Maybe your goal is to make it to two barre classes, one yoga class and a dance
class each week. On Sundays, sketch out a light schedule with at least those
classes already committed in your calendar. Log into the BARREbeat App and
register for the classes in advance. You’re much more likely to hit your goal if
you commit to scheduling classes on the calendar ahead of time.
Summer is also one of the best times to introduce new friends to BARREbeat.
Your friends will thank you for how great they feel after class! As an added
bonus, if they have young kids out of school for the summer, discovering the
child play area might be exactly what they need to maintain their own self-care
fitness routine. So schedule a coffee catch-up and hit the barre, mat or
dancefloor with your bestie!
Forcing myself to smile — even when I may not feel like it — is a trick I’ve used as long as I can remember, and the science behind it is indisputable. When you smile, the muscles in your face communicate with your brain to release feel-good neurotransmitters — dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. Simply moving your face muscles can actually make you start to feel better.
I’ve utilized moving my face to make me feel happier for ages, but only recently have I embraced how well that trick works with my entire body.
Much like flashing a smile, breaking a sweat is good not only for your body, but for your mind as well. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that trigger your brain to release those feel-good neurotransmitters, making you feel great.
In my own life, I’ve discovered I’m faster, more productive, and far more positive when I’m working out regularly. Like everyone, I’d love to have a “bikini body,” but in my 30’s, I’ve learned to embrace that my ultimate #beachbody is whatever I take to the beach to have an amazing time. Of course, I still worry about inches and would love to lose my muffin top, so I’m also excited about the upcoming 6-week #summerbod challenge at BARREbeat. BARREbeat’s last challenge fused the best of working out with accountability, motivation, and what literally became a tribal force for good to move!
I’ve committed to working out not only because I want a toned summer body, but more importantly because of the overall impact it’s had on my overall long-term health, well-being and everyday quality of life. Those are benefits that far exceed a dress size.
But I’ve also noticed that while I’m focused on working out for a healthy mind, my body ultimately ends up reaping all the benefits.
It can be hard to get unstuck from a rut — which is why keeping your body in motion is a must.
BARREbeat is a place to create healthy habits with old friends and find your tribe by forging new friendships. Studies have shown that spending time with friends is another activity that is incredibly beneficial for our brains. It releases oxytocin in response to touch and conversation.
If you’re not into the science, I get it. All you have to do is try it out for yourself, reaping the benefits and enjoying the rewards. Our reasons for working out often vary, but one of my favorite things about barre is that while it’s incredibly fun, it’s also unbelievably effective.
Fachon Jones is a first-time mom to 15-month-old son Dominic. She calls BARREbeat
an important part of her self-care routine that helps her release frustration and stay
positive.
“When I work out, it helps me give my family the best version of me. It also doesn’t hurt that it makes you look good!” says Jones.
As a brand new mom, like so many of us, Jones experienced #momguilt leaving her baby behind and would only squeeze in occasional workouts before rushing home to baby Dominic.
“I felt guilty and would only take about an hour to myself only to workout and get right back to him. I started to feel depressed and I was turning into a major introvert (not in a good way). I wouldn’t let anyone watch him or take him out because I was too tired and I felt it was too much trouble. Also, because he is so much more active, I noticed I would run out of fuel pretty early in the week.”
Now, things have changed. Jones says she takes at least 2 days a week to do the things she enjoys, like launching her own business and working out, and it makes her life better in every way.
Her advice for others struggling to get motivated and started on a routine?
“I would advise other first time mothers to take your time and get used to being a mom, be in tune with how you feel. Then get into a routine every morning that includes an activity with you and baby. Even if you’re too tired, GET OUT OF BED! EARLY! And please, please, accept help! Even though you know what’s best for baby, he needs a break from you; and you need a break from you! Slowly but surely, you will become yourself again!”
Jones has fallen in love with BARREbeat and says there’s something about dancing your heart out that just makes you a better person. I agree! Try out the 6-week challenge. You’ll be glad you did.
This is your happy brain on Barre.
It is never too late to take steps towards a happier, healthier you!!
During this challenge:
I’ve found that Newton’s first law of physics is unexpectedly applicable to my self-care life. If I don’t keep it moving when it comes to exercise, I stay at rest. Carla’s relaxing and restorative meditative yoga classes; Priya’s incredible booty-shaking hip-hop classes; even Killer Kandyce making me feel the burn on the barre — it’s all become one of the favorite parts of my self-care routine. These classes send me to a happy space that leaves me feeling energized and ready to take on my day.
My first class at BARREbeat happened to be hip hop. It was unexpected, and I fell in love. My kids enjoyed the child play center while mommy got her workout on letting loose, dancing in the dark. It was amazing and I felt free, refreshed and phenomenal after that first class. But in spite of my experience — and the fact that I had pre-paid for a 10-class pack — in spite of the fact that I absolutely LOVED the class, I let my busy schedule interfere and didn’t go back right away. I wasn’t making excursive a priority, and so, I stayed at rest.
Confession alert: In the past, keeping my gym-memberships on auto-pay made me feel less guilty when I didn’t use them! I had been guilty of this for years. Find a new exercise routine, start strong — get bored. Stop. Rinse. Repeat 6 months later. It was a cycle that wasn’t serving my body or my overall wellbeing.
I’ve learned that if you keep doing the same thing you’ve always been doing — you’ll always get the same results. Even though I know I feel better when I exercise, I would make excuses. Exercise provides mental clarity and keeps me relaxed and feeling strong. Still, even my regular workout in the past happened about 2 times a week — something I justified because of my busy schedule and being a mom of twins. Committing to BARREbeat radically changed the rhythm of my past workout routines (with everything from crossfit to HITT to yoga!). For the first time since high school dance classes, I wasn’t bored! Maybe it’s because there are so many different type of classes to choose from at BARREbeat. Maybe it’s because I encountered an amazing tribe of women who quickly became my friends. On top of all that, dancing is my happy
place — not something I feel is a chore, like running.
When I served in the military, I learned that although running really isn’t my jam, when forced to to it regularly, it became easier — almost enjoyable. I’ve never experienced that euphoric runner’s high, but I’ve definitely felt something similar while dancing.
During the 21-day BARREbeat challenge in January, I was motivated to dig in. The challenge (coupled with the fact that I knew I’d soon be shooting a television pilot) gave me the inertia to do something I’ve never done before: I decided to work out every day — sometimes twice a day! To my surprise, once I made exercise a priority it wasn’t only easy to stay in motion, but enjoyable to dial in to my busy daily routine. For 17 days, I worked out every day — sometimes multiple times a day — and I felt incredible. On day 18, an old injury resurfaced and I fell, fracturing my knee while walking, of course, in heels. The worst part (besides the pain and initial bedridden period) was not being able to work out and enjoy the momentum I had created.
Working Out Daily Changed More Than My Body — it changed my mind.
I was happier and in a better mood, I had more sustained energy throughout the day, and I even slept better, even though I often woke up earlier. I was having fun and, to my surprise, quickly able to integrate workouts into my everyday schedule because I had made it a priority.
Starting over yet again is hard. Those first classes are like a first run, difficult at the beginning but easier after each attempt. And Killer Kandyce is an amazing instructor who will quickly whip you into shape. Once you’ve committed to working out regularly, your body will grow stronger and more fit, ready to be pushed even further. Plus, you’ll feel great after.
At BARREbeat I’ve also made amazing new friends! It’s more than just working out that I miss. I’ve forged new friendships and connected with like-minded women, and I miss them! It’s great to find a supportive community that can connect you with so many amazing classes and opportunities for social fun, like Barre to Bar and date night. My knee is slowly getting better and I can’t wait to get back! But if you’re thinking about taking the plunge, challenge yourself to the new $49 BARREbeat member special and see how much you fall in love when you keep your body in motion.
Xoxo,
Mary
If you’ve ever had the good fortune to experience one of the motion-filled, energetic and FUN dance, Barre, fusion or Yoga classes at BARREbeat Fitness , then you already know it’s WHERE THE CHANGE HAPPENS!
Many of us struggle — especially at this time of year — with HOW to successfully make the change we want to see happen. With the new year ahead of us, everyone seems to be embracing the idea of change, setting aspirations to replace not-so-great (and
sometimes downright bad) habits with healthy ones. For some ambitious goal setters out there, it’s not enough that January brings with it a
new start. Some begin making resolution-style changes in October, celebrating the #Last90days Challenge and wrapping up the new year with intention and vision. For others, even the term “resolution,” strikes angst, anxiety, and sometimes — let’s face it— disgust.
No matter where you stand, the momentum of the new year can provide crucial opportunities to help you review and evaluate your vision and purpose, driving you to take the steps you need to become the best version of yourself.
To make 2019 your best year yet, here are five simple principles to help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals.
(Psst…Hint: Make These Simple Changes And They Won’t!)
It’s excellent to be ambitious and have a big vision. Maybe you want to lose 40 pounds, lower your stress, anxiety, blood pressure, or cholesterol. Maybe you want to get better sleep. But if you set out with an enormous goal to get from where you are to where you want to be, you may be setting yourself up for failure. There’s an old saying: “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer: “One bite at a time.” Recognize and write down your big picture vision, but be sure to break it up into the smaller tactics that will eventually get you there, celebrating small milestones along the way. The end results will show for themselves. For instance, if you’re only focused on losing pounds, you might get discouraged
and give up when the scale isn’t moving quickly enough. But if your goal is simple and strategic, like attending 1-2 BARREbeat classes per week, you’ll feel great about the progress you’re making after each class — and you can celebrate the win of keeping your promise to yourself each week by maintaining and improving your fitness. Taking part in this month’s BARREbeat Challenge is a great way to jumpstart your success with small, manageable milestone goals.
January is notorious for starting with jam packed gyms that trickle to ghost towns after a few months roll around. I get it — you hate working out! I’ve been guilty myself of starting strong with a gym routine that eventually leads nowhere because I think the gym is BORING! As well-intentioned as I’ve been in the past, if I start a fitness program I don’t truly enjoy, the likelihood I’ll actually stick with it is slim. Maybe — just maybe, you haven’t found the right workout for you. This is what I LOVE about BARREbeat. They’ve got such a wide variety of classes that even if Yoga isn’t your jam everyday, you can dance your heart out to Beyonce, or let your inner ballerina fly with Barre.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It’s essential to set aside a dedicated time at the start of each week to designate and register for classes. Pick a day of the week, like Sunday, and use the BARREbeat App to create your plan for the next several days. It’s a great way to quickly calendar and commit to the kind of self-care that will help you reach your health and fitness goals. Plus, childcare is available — so it’s a win-win!
Our bodies aren’t meant to sit in front of a screen all day. But between smartphones, laptops, TVs, personal and work time, it’s estimated that Americans spend up to 10 hours in front of a screen each day, sometimes even more. Maybe it’s for work, or maybe it’s research — or even relaxation. Not all screen time is evil, but if your excuse for not reaching your fitness goals is that you don’t have enough time…it might be time for a screen time audit. Mostly likely, there’s at least an hour or so of screen time you could easily replace with a fun and energizing workout. (And again — if you need it — one of the best perks of BARREbeat Fitness is that childcare is available!)
Ok, this one actually isn’t true. Everyone who knows and loves you does care about your well-being — especially your health. But they’ll be polite and non-intrusive, unless you ask them NOT to be! Research suggests you’re far more likely to achieve your goals if you share them with someone. Keeping your goal to workout regularly with yourself makes it easy to quit when falling back into old habits seems easy and comfortable. Instead, select an accountability partner who can either work out with, or just keep in contact with to share honestly if you did or didn’t keep your keep your promise to yourself to exercise this week. Finding someone else to help keep you on track can provide the motivation you want and need to keep going. Finding your groove might be the best thing you can do to make 2019 the year you finally achieve your fitness goals.