Improving your fitness is always going to require plenty of sweat and hard work. Still, the unfortunate truth is that it is far easier to sabotage your fitness success than it is to actually succeed in meeting your fitness goals. For this reason, it is important to look at some of the most common ways that people sabotage their fitness success and how you can work to avoid these common pitfalls. (more…)
5 Ways to Promote Body Positivity
Even though it may sound simple, it is not easy to stay 100% positive about your body. A cookie here and a chocolate cube there can make you crucify yourself endlessly. Here are 5 sure ways that will help you keep positive about your body. (more…)
5 Non-Physical Workout Benefits
Exercising is an effective way to get in better shape and live a healthier life, but there are some other surprising benefits that come along with physical activity. Working out can improve certain brain functions and transform people in additional ways. Here are five non-physical benefits that people can experience through regular exercise. (more…)
Why I’m a Group Fitness Girl
I’ve been athletic all my life, but I’ve never been one to join teams. Instead, I’ve relished independent sports like skating, skiing, yoga, cycling, hiking and rock climbing. And yet, after I had kids and settled into a life where mountains were far away and hopping on my bike for a long ride was no longer an option, I didn’t do well on my own.
I found a great gym with state-of-the-art facilities and started with the best of intentions to get back in shape. I showed up on a regular schedule to meet my goals, but as the weeks wore on I found myself walking (not running) on the treadmill and paying more attention to the morning talk shows than pushing myself. Then, after some cursory stretches and sit-ups, I would retreat to the sauna, vaguely hoping to “sweat off” my excess pounds. Needless to say, that didn’t work.
I tried group fitness there, but the classes were hit or miss. The yoga teacher was inexperienced. Pilates was at the wrong time. Zumba cost more.
I just never found the perfect fit.
Enter Pure Barre.
From the moment I walked into my first class and the music started thumping, I was hooked. No matter what time of day I went to class or who was teaching, the workout was consistent yet varied — difficult, challenging, inspiring and fun. Now, with Pure Barre, it’s no longer a matter of trying to rearrange my schedule to get to the one class at the fitness center I kind of like. Instead, it’s about going on with life each day and still being able to get to the barre when it works for me. On any given day, there’s bound to be a class I can squeeze in.
And back to group fitness …
I need someone to push me, motivate me, keep an eye on me and root for my success. But that doesn’t mean I want to hire a personal trainer. I like others around me too, all working toward the same goal.
I love chatting before class until the teacher turns up the volume and tells us to stack our palms and lift our knees for warm-up. Once the burning begins, I don’t look around much. In fact, I often close my eyes. And yet, I feel the energy of everyone around me and it drives me forward.
When I catch glimpses of others working just as hard as I am, it motivates me. When someone gives a groan or whoop, I know I’m not alone in wanting to shake out my excruciating thigh pain. It makes me feel good when I know there’s a beginner behind me drawing inspiration from my form, and it pushes me to work harder when I glimpse a client across the room floating her feet up effortlessly during abs.
Mostly though, I am in my own world, akin to pedaling along a solitary bike path or doing sun salutations on a quiet beach. But when class is over, the small talk begins again and I realize it’s the camaraderie that makes Pure Barre more than a visit to the gym, a walk on a treadmill, and misguided hopes that sitting in a sauna alone will get me to my goals.
Instead, it’s a journey to health, well-being and results shared with a community of people who show up consistently just like me, and work together yet independently to reach a common goal, under the guidance of a trainer who makes it personal. Every day.
That’s why Pure Barre works for me.
Wensdy Von Buskirk is a journalist and new Pure Barre teacher based out of Pure Barre Brighton, MI.
National Book Lovers Day – Pure Barre Edition!
Pure Barre enthusiasts have a lot in common beyond the barre. At two studios in Greenville, South Carolina, teachers are bonding over books.
Teacher Trainer and Pure Barre Greenville, SC – Augusta Road and Pelham Road teacher, Kristyn Belote launched a monthly Pure Barre Book Club just in time for fall, the perfect season to curl up with a good read. Belote says it’s the perfect excuse to get together outside of the studio.
“It’s also a great way to force myself to take the time to read a book, something that has gotten difficult to do since becoming a mother,” she says.
Usually, 6-8 teachers participate, and take turns hosting the club at their home.
Their first book was “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed, about a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone as a way to cope with the loss of her mother, her marriage falling apart and her life being in shambles.
“Over the months of hiking and pushing herself to her physical limits, we see her begin to heal,” Belote says. “It’s really inspiring because it is based on a true story and I enjoyed discussing the book with my fellow Pure Barre teachers, all women who inspire me.”
Their second book was the cult classic “Valley of the Dolls” by Jacquelyn Susann.
“It’s a fun and easy read,” Belote says.
Next up is “Nemesis: The True Story of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O, and the Love Triangle That Brought Down the Kennedys” by Peter Evans.
We thought Greenville’s Pure Barre Book Club was such a great idea we decided to ask other Pure Barre Teacher Trainers what they’ve been reading lately:
“The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd and “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt — Lindsey Teets, Teacher Trainer and studio owner of Pure Barre Denver, CO – Cherry Creek, Highlands, and Lone Tree.
“Miracles Now” and “Spirit Junkie,” both by Gabrielle Bernstein — Katy Neville, Teacher Trainer and training specialist, Pure Barre Corporate
“Bringing up Bebe” by Pamela Druckerman — Noelle Whitestone, Teacher Trainer
What are you reading this fall? We’d love to know. Please share in the comments below, or on our Pure Barre Facebook page!
16 Tips to Becoming a Successful Business Owner
Successful business owners are focused, committed, passionate, driven and disciplined. Entrepreneurs thrive by overcoming challenges and don’t give up when the first sign of trouble arises. They’re smart risk takers, and in general, they’re just a different breed of people … a rare breed. Read below to see if you have what it takes to make it through the hard times.
Tips to become successful in your business …
1. Hire good people, develop their talents and delegate.
2. Stay focused and connected with your business.
3. Keep a schedule, but remain flexible.
4. Have a solid safety net, financially speaking, before opening your business.
5. Be willing to put in the time and don’t be afraid of long hours.
6. Experience is valuable. Keep learning and be innovative.
7. Have a backbone, don’t take things personally and prepare for some hard things: firing people, lack of money/paycheck, etc.
8. Lose the ego and know how to run your business from the bottom up – from cleaning the toilets to running the cash register.
9. Know your customer & listen to their feedback. Complaints are valuable.
10. You will make mistakes – learn from them and move on.
11. Don’t be scared of competition, embrace it.
12. Have in depth conversations about your business with a role model or mentor frequently.
13. Maintain a support system. Let go of negative, high maintenance relationships and keep your inner circle close.
14. Don’t assume once you open your doors that people will come. Market the hell out of your business.
15. Develop personal integrity and always do the right thing.
16. Stay authentic to your beliefs and let your passion drive your business.
… are you one of the rare breeds? What do you think it takes to become a successful business owner? Spill.
5 Simple Weeknight Meal Prep Tips
Is it just me, or does life seem busier than ever? The start of fall means the start of a new routine, whether it’s back to school or back to the barre after summer vacation.
Quick Weeknight Chili
With a tighter schedule, it’s easy to let healthy eating habits fall to the wayside. Let’s be honest, it’s a whole lot easier to heat up a frozen pizza than to cook a healthy, homemade meal. But eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult when your schedule is tight. The key? You must plan in advance.
The biggest time saver for me and my clients is devoting an afternoon each week to meal prep. Having my ingredients prepped and ready to go has completely streamlined the work week. Meal prep has even become a relaxing part of my Sunday afternoon – I just turn on some music (or trashy reality TV!) and get cooking!
What I prep each week varies depending on the weekly menu, but these five things are the biggest time savers. If you’re just getting started with weekend meal prep, these would be the perfect place to start!
- Prep vegetables – When I cook, cleaning and cutting vegetables takes the biggest chunk of time. Some vegetables, like tomatoes, delicate greens and eggplant, should be chopped right before using to prevent wilting, browning or loss of flavor. However the following vegetables can easily be washed, chopped and stored in airtight containers for up to a week.
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collards
- Corn
- Kale
- Onion
- Peppers
- Squash (winter and summer)
Overnight Oats in Mason Jar
- Cook grains and beans – I can’t tell you how many 9 pm dinners I’ve eaten simply because I make the rookie mistake of cooking dry beans on a weeknight. Having a batch of cooked beans and whole grains on hand makes it easy to throw together a quick weeknight meal, like chili or vegetable fried brown rice.
- Make soup, stew or chili – Make a big batch of soup, stew or chili each weekend to have on hand as a quick lunch or dinner. I like to double up the recipe and freeze a portion for later, perfect for those weekends you’re out of town and aren’t able to meal prep.
- Prepare a grab and go breakfast – Breakfast is easy to skip on days you may have hit the snooze button a few too many times. Plan to have a nutritious, grab and go breakfast on hand, especially if you’re not a morning person. Some of my favorites are overnight oats in a mason jar, mini vegetable frittatas and slow cooker oatmeal. For those of you who start your day with a smoothie, freeze your favorite smoothie ingredients together in individual containers. I even include chia seeds, nuts, oats and yogurt. In the morning, pop it into a blender, add your choice of liquid and blend.
- Don’t forget snacks – There are very few healthy and convenient snack options out there, so I like to make my own. Usually it’s a quick homemade bean dip to pair with raw veggies, energy bites or little baggies of trail mix. If you’re someone who struggles with mindless snacking, it would be a smart idea to proportion your snacks on the weekend too.
All of these things can be done in less than four hours. While that is a decent chunk of time, I’d estimate it saves at least twice that during the week. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be a hassle with weekend meal prep!
Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, CDE is a private practice dietitian and food blogger at www.anavocadoaday.blogspot.com. She offers nutrition coaching nationwide via telephone and Skype.
Do Something You Love
Pure Barre Studio Owner, Jennifer Bodin, Shares Part Two of Her Story and How She Found Pure Barre
Now that you know how Pure Barre changed my life, let me tell how I ultimately ended up choosing Pure Barre for my career.
“How did you get into Pure Barre?” It’s a question that I get asked often, very often.
Well, let me tell you, it’s in my blood …
My grandparents, from Southern Alabama, owned a family restaurant, a Piggly Wiggly grocery store and had various other businesses throughout their lives – including selling watermelons on the side of the road. My dad learned how to run a business from the ground up through his amazing parents who were true entrepreneurs. My 80 year old grandmother has owned and operated her Century 21 franchise for 40 years and still works everyday because she wants to … we can’t get her to retire … (She also manages to attend church 5x a week, grow her own vegetables, cook everything from scratch and attend every special event! Grandma’s seriously have superpowers.)
When my grandparents closed down the family restaurant, they encouraged my dad to go work for the new McDonald’s in town. So in 1976, my dad started as a crew person at his local McDonald’s in Ozark, Alabama. Having never gone to college, he worked his way up and purchased his first McDonald’s at age 30. He’s now been in the business for over 38 years and has multiple locations.
Image Credit: Alan Hess via Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians
As a little girl, I remember working in the restaurants passing out orders to customers in the drive thru, bringing my elementary school principle McDonald’s for breakfast most mornings, taking a day off school to help my dad market our local community, drive the county with my dad to pass out McDonald’s report card covers to local schools, I judged Chicken McNugget eating contests, yes, I did that, I also remember sitting in my dad’s office punching random numbers on the calculator thinking I was paying bills and processing payroll … (maybe that’s why I got an office supply every year for Christmas!)
Even though it all seemed “fun” at the time, I still remember the underlying values my dad taught me early on about business. I was fortunate enough to grow up in one of the world’s biggest and best franchises, but I was even more fortunate to have had a father who instilled in me invaluable business sense – stuff you can’t learn in school.
So what did I learn in school?
Well, my major was graphic design. I learned html, photography, how to design websites, create fonts and logos, package design, branding, letterpress … I basically learned the entire creative side of marketing. I really loved it and thought I wanted to be in advertising design, specifically designing creative and innovative new campaigns for McDonald’s.
After college, I moved home to work for my dad as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations. My dad is the most brilliant business minded person I’ve ever met and I was fortunate enough to learn so many essential business and life skills while working for him for two years. However, during that time was when I went through the most painful and devastating part of my life, my divorce. I was living “Jennifer’s plan” – not “God’s plan.” Luckily, I lived close to my family which gave me the strength and courage to get out of that horrid, abusive relationship. (I will talk more details of how I overcame this at a later date.) Overcoming that situation was where I learned my worth, started to pursue my passions again and got back on “God’s plan.”
Live your passions and take risks …
I wrote down a list of things I was passionate about and since I had danced for 17 years, dance was obviously something I was missing and needed in my life. I took a risk and tried out with 150+ women for a spot on the New Orleans Saints Cheerleading Team. That risk turned out to be one of the best years in my life. From networking at various appearances with local celebrities, NFL players, and NFL owners to shooting for the swimsuit calendar and other publications, I was blessed to be a part of a great organization; When the Saints won the NFC championship for the first time and then went on to win the Super Bowl, it was a once in a lifetime experience that I was fortunate to be a part of.
My life at the time: McDonald’s & The New Orleans Saints
One of my favorite appearances while being a Saintsation was cooking with John Besh at his house.
During the Super Bowl run I was surrounded by the best of the best in the industry – from the best film crews, best entertainment companies, best lighting crews – you name it! This huge once in a lifetime experience + being surrounded by so much talent led me to a moment I’ll never forget:
I was standing on the sidelines and looked up at streamers that exploded in the sky after they announced WE were the new World Champions. I remember thinking to myself, there’s nothing in this world that I can’t do.
I immediately knew I needed to start pursing my true passions – as a living.
New Orleans Saints | SBXLIV circa 2010
Throwback: My First Super Bowl | SBXXIV circa 1997 – I didn’t realize when I took THIS photo, that one day I would be dancing on the sidelines for my home team’s first Super Bowl victory. Things REALLY do come full circle. 🙂
When I found Pure Barre …
I went to a wedding in Birmingham, AL in March of 2010 and that’s where I was introduced to Pure Barre. Some friends of mine had just opened up their location and I was immediately captivated and knew that this was something that I wanted to pursue. At that time, I never had a chance to see if it was a realistic option for me because I was asked to go to visit our troops in Iraq with the USO. Honoring my responsibilities as a Saints cheerleader, I took time off of work to entertain the troops for 15 days. The thing that impacted me the most about this trip was meeting soldiers from New Orleans.
To feel the spirit of our city and its resilient people across the world was powerful. I could relate to complete strangers because we had survived Hurricane Katrina together and four years later, were united because of a Super Bowl victory.
USO Tour | Iraq 2010
After my incredible trip to Iraq, I couldn’t stop thinking about the things in life that I was most grateful for and which one of my passions I could ultimately make into my lifelong career. Pure Barre seemed to fit my lifestyle and it had everything that I was passionate about built into oneopportunity. From dance, cheerleading, graphic design, and growing up around the McDonaldʼs family business, my life experiences and my passion for people, fitness, leading my community and healthy living lead me to opening up Pure Barre.
Pure Barre just felt right, it made sense. I wanted to continue to be an ambassador for my city by promoting fitness through Pure Barre and all it had to offer.
I had always wanted to own and operate a business and I had everything in line to one day become a McDonaldʼs franchisee. Even though that may be my family’s business, I knew that I would not be satisfied settling on something that I wasn’t 100% passionate about.
Why I chose Pure Barre …
Just like my family’s business, Pure Barre started from humble beginnings. It started in a basement. The values which Pure Barre stood for and the purity of the technique really captivated me. Also, I was extremely familiar with the franchisee/franchisor relationship. (My grandmother owns a Century 21, My dad owns McDonald’s and my brother owns Smoothie King – I mean, it’s in my blood, right?)
Being a part of Pure Barre allows me the chance to be a part of something that’s bigger than myself– and that’s meaningful. I witness so many success stories and first handedly get to see the difference Pure Barre makes in people’s lives. I get to be a part of an uplifting, positive community where I’m surrounded by strong and motivating women daily – and that’s impactful.
I work with the most amazing, dynamic group, of women who I really couldn’t run Pure Barre without. Through Pure Barre’s Pure Give program I’m able to give back to my local community, which I’m really passionate about – That’s one of my FAVORITE things! I get to be directly involved with the leading barre technique which is always evolving, plus I get to wear stretchy pants to work everyday! I mean, come on … who wouldn’t want to show up to work everyday wearing fashionable spandex?
My AMAZING Pure Barre New Orleans & Metairie Rd. Team – I couldn’t do it without them!
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater New Orleans is just one of the charities I’ve been able to help out through our Pure Give program. See … Life does come full circle – You get what you give!
Life if more meaningful when you are doing something that you love …
I live a life that I love – and worked hard for. I’ve made good and bad decisions but ultimately, I appreciate the journey I had to take in order to get to where I am now. I’ve learned that God keeps a strong hold on his people, even when we venture off his path (like I did after college), things always come full circle and to trust in God’s perfect timing. I’ve learned to live life passionately, as it’s more meaningful that way. I’m looking forward to an amazing career ahead of me – with a ton more lives to touch and bodies to transform – and I’m thankful I’ve got an incredible partner to share the rest of my journey with!
I’m exactly where I want to be and although I don’t feel like I’m working – I feel like I’ve never worked harder. Fellow business owners, know what I mean? Just like that saying goes … if it were easy, everyone would do it.
I encourage you to write down your passions, take a risk and to live your life doing something that you love. Life is simply more meaningful that way, don’t you think?
Photo Credit: Christie Froom Photography
Jennifer Bodin is the owner of Pure Barre New Orleans and Pure Barre Metairie Road, Louisiana and creator of Health Hard, a lifestyle community that encourages healthy habits and motivates you to press on no matter what life throws your way. Learn more about Jenn and Health Hard here.
Finding A Mind-Body Connection Within Me
Pure Barre Enthusiast, Leah Seale, tells us how her life is better at the barre.
Since I started taking Pure Barre classes, I’ve lost quite a few sizes in clothes. But the best change I’ve seen is on the mental side of things. When I look in the mirror, I no longer think negative thoughts about my body. I look at the changes that have happened and remind myself that I have worked hard to get here and it’s all been worth it! I finally have a positive body image!
5 Tips for Healthy Football Tailgating
You’ve worked hard all summer to stay in shape, fitting in regular LBT time and sticking to your healthy eating habits. But now it’s fall and we know what that means – football season, or more specifically, tailgating season.
Tailgates are a fun time to reconnect with family and friends, many of whom you only see during football season. You should celebrate and enjoy yourself without stressing over eating perfectly. That said, if you overdo it to the point where you feel lethargic and bloated for the next week, it’s likely to trigger a cascade of unhealthy choices.
With good planning, it is possible to have a fun and healthy tailgate. Check out my top five tips:
- Organize a healthy tailgate group. More than likely, there are at least a few people in your tailgate group with similar fitness goals. Make a pact to bring nutritious dishes. Not only will you have more healthy options to choose from, but you’ll create accountability as well.
- Make simple ingredient swaps. Many classic tailgate dishes can be easily remade with simple ingredient swaps. Pack 100% whole grain hamburger buns and maybe even a few frozen bean and vegetable burgers. Stuff potato skins with grilled veggies, beans and guacamole instead of bacon, cheese and sour cream. Use plain yogurt rather than mayo for creamy dips, slaws and salads. Most people won’t even notice the makeover!
- Bring less dessert. I don’t know about you, but after our tailgate, there’s always tons of leftover desserts. While it’s a good thing we’re not overindulging in sweets, it’s not so great for the person stuck with an entire pan of leftover cookie stuffed brownies. At tailgates, most people won’t eat more than one sweet, so plan to bring one serving per person plus a little extra for visitors. Even better, prepare a healthy dessert, like these fully-loaded, vegan, gluten free cookies or this cookie dough dip sweetened with dates
- Limit yourself to two drinks. This can be difficult, especially if it’s a long day of tailgating, but remember, the more you drink, the more likely you’ll end up elbows deep in a bowl of cheese dip. Pack low sugar or sugar free drinks like unsweetened ice tea, kombucha and flavored seltzer. If you’re tempted to drink more, just ask yourself, do you really want to spend half the day in line at the port-a-potty?
- Make a plate. You’re much more likely to overindulge if you mindlessly munch while chatting by the food. Admittedly, this is one I struggle with, but I’ve found it’s helpful to make a plate of food instead of grazing. While you’re at it, cover 50-75% of it with healthy choices. With less room for splurge foods, you’ll be forced to pick what foods you really want.
At the end of the day, if you eat three cupcakes or drink a few too many cheap champagne mimosas, don’t beat yourself up about it. The most important thing is that you have a great time! Life goes on, so wake up the next morning, go for a walk, eat a nourishing breakfast…and maybe sneak in an extra Pure Barre class!
Gameday Bean Dip
I just love this creamy white bean dip, which you can blend with brightly colored vegetables to create your team colors!
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 14-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional team color ingredient:
- Red – ¾ cup roasted red bell peppers, 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 large roasted beet
- Orange – ¾ cup pumpkin, carrot or sweet potato puree
- Yellow – ¾ cup roasted yellow bell peppers, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 large roasted yellow beet
- Green – 1 cup packed raw kale, spinach or arugula, 3/4 cup green peas
- Purple – ¾ cup cooked purple potatoes, 1 large roasted purple beet
Heat olive oil in a small skillet on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds. Scrape garlic and olive oil into a food processor with the beans, lemon juice, salt and coloring ingredient. Blend into a creamy dip and serve with colorful raw vegetables, tortilla chips or brown rice crackers.
Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, CDE is a private practice dietitian and food blogger at www.anavocadoaday.blogspot.com. She offers nutrition coaching nationwide via telephone and Skype.
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