I’ve finally reached my first big fitness goal! Tuesday I will take my 100th class at Pure Barre Maui! I wanted to blog about barre and my personal journey with the “lift, tuck, burn” I have never felt STRONGER! (HERE is my blog about my postpartum journey after the birth of each of my keiki)

Pure Barre Kicks My Okole – My Honest Review

After 100 Classes, 10 Things I’ve Learned About Barre

1. OBEY YOUR TEACHER – Teacher really does know best! If you’re able to keep your ears open and adjust your technique based on what your instructor is advising, you’ll get a better workout.

2. MIND OVER MATTER – You are stronger than you think!

3. IT’S ALL ABOUT FORM – Relax your shoulders, chest up, hips tucked, core engaged & focus on the muscle you’re working.

4. MANIPULATE THE BARRE - If there’s an exercise that you just can’t “get”… sometimes, it’s as easy as asking your teacher how you can manipulate the barre to help you engage better or hold an exercise longer.

5. BREATHE – Your breath can really help you get through anything – mommy’s that have given birth know exactly what I’m talking about!

6. ASK QUESTIONS – If you have questions… (and we ALL do!) ask them. After class, the instructors are open to this and it’s fresh in your mind. If you ask just one question after each class… the improvement you’ll see in your workout is amazing.

7. STAY IN IT – No matter how bad you’re shaking, hurting, breathing… you can do it. Kris says “If I gave you a million dollars, would you stay in it?” The answer is “yes”… so if you would do it for a million dollars, you know it’s possible. Using this mindset, I’ve actually brought myself to TEARS. If you’re gonna be in there anyway, you might as well make the most of your time and give 150%… make the time that you’re there WORTH IT.

8. RECEIVE THE ENCOURAGEMENT – Your teacher will say your name and call out words of encouragement. Be open to receiving these words! Use them to fuel, re-center, re-engage, re-align and re-focus your energy.

9. WEAR CUTE CLOTHES – You don’t really have to do this… and it might seem vain, but when I “feel cute”, I’m more likely to give it my all. ha ha!

10. COMPARE, DISPAIR – Focus on YOU. Barre is only as challenging as you make it. Do your personal best and work on improving that each class. Don’t look around (unless you’re looking at the teacher to figure out if your form is correct and you’re doing the right exercise LOL)… don’t look at anyone else. DO YOU.

Life’s Swell!