Barre fans check-in

[translationmx]

Week 3 wrap-up will be today. I did lose some workout days last week, and then by the end of the week I experienced very bad constipation and a nasty migraine. Now that I'm feeling fine I'll do an upper body from my downloads, just to mix it up.

Back of the Arm is one of my favorite segments, so I'm definitely doing that one today. I'm debating on what to do when I finish this month's rotation, but it will be all about Ballet Body. Either full body workouts, splits with cardio... I still don't know for sure, but it will be using Leah's technique as my only strength workout.

[translationmx]

So I'm very happy to report that Week 3 is officially over!! Finally!!

After a bit of a bumpy road over the week, I did my last workout - upper body.

Tomorrow is Day 1 Week 4 - Lower Body DVD. I think that's the workout that I love the most of the bunch. For me, the only thing that's missing is a bit more of inner thigh work, but that would have been overkill maybe. Then again, I'm kind of crazy and I love punishment! LOL!!

[translationmx]

I finished my month-long rotation. My jeans fit better and I'm getting smaller!!

I'll be doing Ballet Body daily, total body workouts. I have the feeling that the total body thing will give me faster results. Kind of like Slim in Six or Slim Series

I'm very happy with my results. I'm tighter and stronger!

[cbheart16]

I am a massive Bar Method fan. I've been doing it in-studio (NYC - Soho, Summit, Red Bank, Bernardsville, Walnut Creek...basically wherever I am) for almost 2 years and plan to get trained and certified as a teacher in San Francisco this summer! I take mostly mixed classes but the occasional level 2, I find that I'd rather perfect my form then rush from exercise to exercise.
I am currently living abroad in Bombay, India so the withdrawal is VERY difficult. I did bring 3 DVD's - Super Sculpting 1 & 2, and the Advanced Dancer's Workout.
I think Super Sculpting 1 is my favorite, I probably do it 3x a week, mixing it up with HIIT cardio and strength training at my gym. I have to say, the DVD's are excellent but can't compare with the actual class - if you get the chance to take one, you really should. It is worth the $ in my opinion. My entire family is addicted - my mom, my aunt, and I, and it has changed all of our figures dramatically. There is really no other exercise that works as fast and is as adaptable as The Bar Method (and other barre techniques).
Unfortunately, I broke my toe on Saturday so I've had to really cut down on exercise, and it is Monday night and I am already dying! It is crazy how much you take your mobility for granted. I have been doing the arms/seat/abs portions of my tapes, but tomorrow I am going to try to hit the gym to do some rowing, higher weights, and maybe cycling if I feel up to it. I'm addicted to endorphins!
I have also done the Dailey Method, which was good, but I don't think it is the right choice for people who have existing injuries. They offer no modifications and a lot of the exercises don't "feel" right. But it is a great workout as well for someone who is super-flexible and has done another barre exercise...perhaps 1x or 2x a week to mix it up!

[translationmx]

Thanx for stopping by!

I soooo wish I had a top franchise studio where I live. I guess I should take a vacation and book myself a couple of live classes. Congratulations on your upcoming certification - sounds super exciting!!

I've been curious about the Dailey Method, also I've been trying hard not to sign up for the streaming workouts that Barre3 is offering now. I want to focus on Ballet Body as much as I can, but the many options available right now are really tempting. I'm enjoying my workouts quite a bit.

I haven't done a Bar Method workout in a long while, I guess I should dust off my Dancer's Body copy as soon as I feel like taking a break from my current rotation

[translationmx]

I'm still going super strong with my barre workouts. Now I'm adding cardio intervals to my segments, and I'll be doing split workouts (upper, core, lower) to keep things interesting. I'm yet to try on my jeans, but the regular ones I use most of the time are loser! I'm going to wait a little longer until I measure and try on "the" jeans.

I'm enjoying making up my workouts quite a bit. I love the variety of things I can come up with. I'm hoping to see more results in a couple of weeks.

[cbheart16]

AWESOME!
I have to admit, because I have such a small space and I broke my toe, I haven't been doing bar as much as I should, instead going to the gym and focusing on cardio and weights. I gotta get back into it once my toe is healed, I miss it!

[translationmx]

Sorry to hear about your toe cb - injuries are no fun at all.

For me it's crazy because sometimes nothing hurts and then I'm all achy, but it goes away faster than when I'm doing weights so it's just weird. Anything "back of the leg" focused leaves me crying, but it's getting better.

I'm loving the split workouts, although my upper body isn't totally ready for them. I kind of feel I'm getting stronger by the day

[translationmx]

Sooooooo I'm back doing Ballet Body as prescribed. I enjoy my workouts more and more. I'm paying attention and doing cardio on alternate days. Will be talking about my results on a month by month basis. Now I need to dig the eating part... that's another story

[Kamalam]

Hi gals... I've been mia from the barre thread but still doing Bar Method... along with some kettlebell workouts. Lately, just Bar Method.

Translationmx, you got me very curious about Barre3 so I've been checking that out the last hour, lol. I just ordered her dvd and ball combo set. It seems very similar to the Bar Method and I love the idea of streaming content!!

I think lately I've been a tiny bit discouraged because I can't get as low as Burr during thigh work ... like what the heck is wrong with me (she's only been doing it decades, right? ).

Barre3 is a nice alternative and I love that Prevention Magazine workout schedule. I've been wondering how to incorporate more cardio and sometimes I don't always feel like a 60 min workout. All in all, I am excited to check it out. Will post how things go!

[translationmx]

Hey there Kamalam! Good to hear you're enjoying your Bar Method workouts!!

Honestly, those women - Burr, Leah, Karie from Pure Barre - are superhuman!! specially Burr. She's in her mid-sixties and has the body and stamina of a teenager - so amazing and inspiring to see.

I've been trying hard not to subscribe to Barre3, but it's getting more and more tempting. I've read great things about their streaming content, so I guess that will be my next thing after my six months with Periodization. So many great workouts, so little time!!!

I'm taking it easy since my back pain flared up again. I'm going to the chiropractor next week if I find the time... it's such a drag to be sidelined by this

For cardio, I'm doing lots of youtube dancing. There are lots of channels with great songs, so I never get bored

[Kamalam]

Translationmx, so sorry to hear about your back... I know how intense that can be and how long to recover (my partner was sidelined with a back pain and it seemed to take months and months to get better. Even now he has to take it easy with moving heavy things, really watching body mechanics).

Do you think that after Periodization, Barre3 will be intense enough for you? I know you're a pain (the good kind!) junkie!! Actually some of the testimonials for Barre3 seem to stress how vigorous it is, so it's not exactly for light-weights!

In looking at their streaming content, there are a lot of 10 minute workouts not so many 60 minute. I'm hoping that changes with more time. And, of course, it's possible to string together the 10- minute workouts (but then there's the lag time between starting and stopping one to another).

I think Barre3 also has an active forum, so that should be good company for us. Please take care of yourself and kick up your heels on YouTube, lol. Sounds like you know how to have fun.

[translationmx]

I'm doing way better Kamalam, thank you! This time I was lucky because I stopped on time, took my meds, rested and now I'm back to my workouts feeling great.

I have to be careful with some moves and pay attention to my form, but other than that it's all good.

I've read that some of the Barre3 stuff is pretty intense. I love how the super hard stuff feels!! Yep, I'm a total junkie for punishment - the pink tutu kind of punishment that barre gives

What do you like to do for cardio?

[Kamalam]

Originally Posted by translationmx

I'm doing way better Kamalam, thank you! This time I was lucky because I stopped on time, took my meds, rested and now I'm back to my workouts feeling great.

I have to be careful with some moves and pay attention to my form, but other than that it's all good.

I've read that some of the Barre3 stuff is pretty intense. I love how the super hard stuff feels!! Yep, I'm a total junkie for punishment - the pink tutu kind of punishment that barre gives

What do you like to do for cardio?

I mainly do kettlebell workouts for cardio... it's a great strength/interval type of "cardio." I keep tweaking my workouts for the week, but generally, I try to work out 4 times a week alternating b/t Bar Method and KBs.

One thing I like about Barre3 is that they are very accessible via Facebook. I asked a question this morning and had great feedback a few hours later. After I get the video and ball, I'm pretty sure I'll sign up for streaming.

P.S. Great news about your recover!

[translationmx]

Originally Posted by Kamalam

I mainly do kettlebell workouts for cardio... it's a great strength/interval type of "cardio." I keep tweaking my workouts for the week, but generally, I try to work out 4 times a week alternating b/t Bar Method and KBs.

One thing I like about Barre3 is that they are very accessible via Facebook. I asked a question this morning and had great feedback a few hours later. After I get the video and ball, I'm pretty sure I'll sign up for streaming.

P.S. Great news about your recover!

I did love kettlebell workouts, but I bulked-up like crazy. DH still enjoys his 'bells, he's a sucker for intensity, just like I am. Nowadays I stick to dancing or walking for cardio, and the bulk is subsiding. It's great that there are so many options to try - finding out that something isn't as good as a fit for me is the non-funny part

It's good to know that the Barre3 peeps are diligent in keeping in touch with their customers. Leah is great in that regard too - she personally answers emails, not an assistant or something. It's kind of cool to be able to reach her and interchange messages.

I've been enjoying my workouts quite a bit. Love my "me" time

[Kamalam]

I got my Barre3 video and ball and did the 40- minute workout yesterday. It was great... tough... but since it's only 40 minutes, doable. I kind of missed the intensity of a 60 minute workout but this was a nice one if you didn't have the time. Sadie is a fabulous instructor and incredibly motivating. I love her style! Burr will often stress how tough something is in her workouts whereas Sadie gives positive body-mind connection comments. It's amazing what a difference that makes.

That said, I will continue to do Bar Method along with the fabulous Barr3 offerings. It's so awesome to have both available.

Speaking about kettlebells, the other day I was able to finish a workout using a 20 lb kb for the first time. Up to that point I'd have to switch back and forth to lower weights. I guess I am really getting stronger!?!

And you're so right... that "me" time is precious.

[translationmx]

Way to go with the heavier kettlebell Kamalam!! That's one of those workouts that definitely can make you feel like a super hero. Do you do your KB workouts following a DVD, or you have paper workouts?

How do you like B3's ball? Is it too different from a play ball? I got that workout as a download back when Exercise TV was in business, so I don't have the ball. I kind of don't understand why they went out of business, the website seemed quite successful.

Sadie has a nice voice. The voice thing has pushed me away from Ballet Beautiful - Mary Helen's voice is like nails running through a chalkboard to me I know it's kind of harsh, but I do feel like that.

I did a Ballet Body segment the other day for the glutes, and I swear I feel as if I had gotten a shot in every bum cheek!!

[Kamalam]

Originally Posted by translationmx

Way to go with the heavier kettlebell Kamalam!! That's one of those workouts that definitely can make you feel like a super hero. Do you do your KB workouts following a DVD, or you have paper workouts?

How do you like B3's ball? Is it too different from a play ball? I got that workout as a download back when Exercise TV was in business, so I don't have the ball. I kind of don't understand why they went out of business, the website seemed quite successful.

Sadie has a nice voice. The voice thing has pushed me away from Ballet Beautiful - Mary Helen's voice is like nails running through a chalkboard to me I know it's kind of harsh, but I do feel like that.

I did a Ballet Body segment the other day for the glutes, and I swear I feel as if I had gotten a shot in every bum cheek!!

Ooooh, that feeling in the bum is a good thing to have! I love it! My KB workouts are via Fit Yummy Mummy dvds - they're only max 20 minutes long so sometimes I do two of them, back to back. I also have an accompanying KB guide but I haven't ventured into creating my own workouts yet.

The Barre3 ball is awesome... totally different than a play ball. I actually bought a Fluidity Bar system a couple of years ago through Craigslist. The Fludiity ball is a heavier rubber, similar to a play yard ball. The B3 ball has an almost stretchy rubber feel... It's meant to be manipulated in all sorts of ways: placed under your tailbone while lying down for ab work, between the thighs for standing leg work, etc. This means it has to be more pliable and it really is. You're only supposed to fill it up 3/4 way in order to use it with their exercises.

And speaking of those... WOW. LOVE. I am doing the Prevention Magazine workout challenge and it is so fun. I hate to say this, but more fun than Bar Method. However, I have learned so much from the very detailed cuing and body awareness that is taught by Burr. I am so grateful to have both programs.

Check out barre3 featured in Prevention Magazine « barre3

And the ab work B3-style is killer.... I felt my abs the next day in a way I never did with BM. I think the ball under my tailbone is the key. It means you can get deeper into the muscles without straining your back. It's incredible. Can't wait for you to try it! Though I am mighty tempted by your Ballet Body comments.

But... I have to stick to one thing for now!! I am really inspired by the Prevention Magazine challenge so I'm going to stay focused and really give it my all. Are you seeing results from all you are doing? Are you significantly tweaking your diet these days?

[translationmx]

Originally Posted by Kamalam

Ooooh, that feeling in the bum is a good thing to have! I love it! My KB workouts are via Fit Yummy Mummy dvds - they're only max 20 minutes long so sometimes I do two of them, back to back. I also have an accompanying KB guide but I haven't ventured into creating my own workouts yet.

The Barre3 ball is awesome... totally different than a play ball. I actually bought a Fluidity Bar system a couple of years ago through Craigslist. The Fludiity ball is a heavier rubber, similar to a play yard ball. The B3 ball has an almost stretchy rubber feel... It's meant to be manipulated in all sorts of ways: placed under your tailbone while lying down for ab work, between the thighs for standing leg work, etc. This means it has to be more pliable and it really is. You're only supposed to fill it up 3/4 way in order to use it with their exercises.

And speaking of those... WOW. LOVE. I am doing the Prevention Magazine workout challenge and it is so fun. I hate to say this, but more fun than Bar Method. However, I have learned so much from the very detailed cuing and body awareness that is taught by Burr. I am so grateful to have both programs.

Check out barre3 featured in Prevention Magazine « barre3

And the ab work B3-style is killer.... I felt my abs the next day in a way I never did with BM. I think the ball under my tailbone is the key. It means you can get deeper into the muscles without straining your back. It's incredible. Can't wait for you to try it! Though I am mighty tempted by your Ballet Body comments.

But... I have to stick to one thing for now!! I am really inspired by the Prevention Magazine challenge so I'm going to stay focused and really give it my all. Are you seeing results from all you are doing? Are you significantly tweaking your diet these days?

It's a great idea to give a single method a full chance to work its magic. With so many interesting options out there it's just insanely hard to keep the discipline and stick to a single thing for an extended period of time.

I'm not being super vigilant of my diet these days. I wish I could get my ducks in a row and being super disciplined, but things are just hectic right now. It all shall pass soon, so the first thing I'll be doing is getting back to eating with more control. I do eat low carb for the most part - no junk food or anything such, but I find myself munching on popcorn often. Home made and made with coconut oil and all, but popcorn nonetheless... I stopped buying nuts because I just can't control my portions - I can go through an entire bag of macadamia nuts in a couple of hours for real!! Hence, no nuts for me...

I haven't measured in a good while, but my clothes fit better and I feel tighter everywhere. My arms are getting a bit toned compared to a couple of months. I know that I'll be seeing more dramatic results as I pay more attention to my diet. I'm thinking about doing more cardio in between my Ballet Body workouts.

Now I want the B3 ball!!! I'm kind of intrigued after reading what you think about it. I'm doing a more strict BB only rotation for the moment, but I'd love to sample more barre methods after going for 6 months doing just Ballet Body.

Pop Physique just released three DVDs, and the price is just sooooo tempting!! I talk myself into not buying them because I have my weekly downloads with BB and there's always something new for me to try, but like I said, with all those options, temptation is hard to resist

[translationmx]

I'm so happy to report that I've been sticking (finally!!) to a regular IF regimen. I fast for 16 hours, and eat during an 8 hour window, a-la Leangains. I'm feeling great, but I'll wait to step on the scale. I feel definitely better, and more in control of things

[Kamalam]

Originally Posted by translationmx

I'm so happy to report that I've been sticking (finally!!) to a regular IF regimen. I fast for 16 hours, and eat during an 8 hour window, a-la Leangains. I'm feeling great, but I'll wait to step on the scale. I feel definitely better, and more in control of things

Whoa, I don't even know what you are referencing?! I don't know what IF is nor Leangains... Very interested on learning more though!

[translationmx]

Originally Posted by Kamalam

Whoa, I don't even know what you are referencing?! I don't know what IF is nor Leangains... Very interested on learning more though!

Sorry about the jargon talk

IF- intermittent fasting. I'm eating during 8 hours, from 2 pm til 10 pm, and fast the rest of the day. It's becoming easier because there's sleeping time, and I'm not much of a breakfast person. I can get out of the house and get things done without worrying about fixing myself something to eat.

Leangains is the blog of this Swedish (I think) guy that has all this tips on body recomposition. You can find it easily, it's a very interesting read. I'm sticking to my eating window and it seems to be working. I started mid-last week, and I've already lost 1.6#. I need to lose about 20 to begin with, so it's nice to see the scale moving. Even though I see changes in my body the scale is always reassuring, no?

have a great day!!

[Kamalam]

Oooh, very cool. And interesting. I will definitely have to check that out. I am a big morning eater, though, so not sure I could forgo that! My partner on the other hand would love this plan. He never eats in the morning anyway.

I have five pounds left to lose that just don't want to drop... so perhaps this would be the kick I need...

[translationmx]

Originally Posted by Kamalam

Oooh, very cool. And interesting. I will definitely have to check that out. I am a big morning eater, though, so not sure I could forgo that! My partner on the other hand would love this plan. He never eats in the morning anyway.

I have five pounds left to lose that just don't want to drop... so perhaps this would be the kick I need...

That blog is a really interesting read! Martin has a talent for making deep science palatable. I guess his plan would be a tad difficult for you if you enjoy your breakfast. I on the other hand just need my cup of joe to get going.

Those last few pounds are the hardest to lose. You´ll get there

[Kamalam]

Thanks for your encouragement! I am still loving my Barre3 streaming content. Still doing the Prevention Magazine protocol and getting stronger. This week I felt more confident and the exercises were more enjoyable from start to finish. Thank you so much for turning me on to such a fantastic system. I never would have heard of it if not for you!

[translationmx]

Originally Posted by Kamalam

Thanks for your encouragement! I am still loving my Barre3 streaming content. Still doing the Prevention Magazine protocol and getting stronger. This week I felt more confident and the exercises were more enjoyable from start to finish. Thank you so much for turning me on to such a fantastic system. I never would have heard of it if not for you!

Awww!!! Thank you!! Happy to share the joy and the pain and the burn

Barre is amazing. I can make my workouts as intense as I want and I don't feel like eating an entire cow along with a drum full of veggies afterwards. My knees don't hurt, my back is just fine and I don't feel beaten up and tired all the time. It's great to hear you're enjoying Barre3. I want to give it a shot myself as soon as I have money available to invest in another subscription.

Leah's newest segments look amazing. I'm thinking of combining them in my current rotation. I love the variety. Every Friday feels like Xmas morning!!

[Kamalam]

Quick update... I just completed the Bar Method's Accelerated Workout (60 min) and wow. After doing the Barre3 workouts I thought I might be a tad stronger? Burr kicked my butt!

So after a couple of weeks now doing Barre3 and coming back to a solid Bar Method workout here are my thoughts:

Barre3 is truly fabulous in how they approach ab work. I love their ball and the positive, yoga, heart centered style. I love that they have streaming content! I really appreciate learning new moves that challenge me.

Bar Method is probably superior in the leg department. I don't like the ab exercises as much but by incorporating the B3 ball they might get better (or I can outright substitute B3 moves). I love how detail oriented Burr is and most of all I love the interval style of Bar Method workouts, which is something I've been missing in Barre3. B3 is a straight move after move style with little to no stretching in between... I crave that down time and realize I work harder when I get those stretching breaks.

I plan on keeping the streaming content of B3 for at least another month and finding ways to keep both methods fresh. I've developed deep appreciation for both systems. Love it.

[translationmx]

Wow!!! I've always known that Burr means business!

What I've noticed is that any method that's more in tune with Lotte Berk's approach will be tough on the lower body. She came up with the pretzel and the c-curves stuff. I firmly believe she knew what she was doing, since her moves still make us all cry for mommy.

It's great too that Bar Method has released more workouts. I've heard the super sculpting ones, the newer ones, are amazing - Do you have them?

I have some good news myself. After less than a week of doing my intermittent fasting thing I've lost 4.4 pounds!! I had a huge whoosh today. It's finally working for me. I had tried this before and it worked. I wish I could do JUDDD but it proved impossible for me. I guess if I could plan ahead my down day and buy special foods I could do it successfully, but in the meantime I'll stick to my 16/8 schedule.

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

[Kamalam]

Originally Posted by translationmx

Wow!!! I've always known that Burr means business!

What I've noticed is that any method that's more in tune with Lotte Berk's approach will be tough on the lower body. She came up with the pretzel and the c-curves stuff. I firmly believe she knew what she was doing, since her moves still make us all cry for mommy.

It's great too that Bar Method has released more workouts. I've heard the super sculpting ones, the newer ones, are amazing - Do you have them?

I have some good news myself. After less than a week of doing my intermittent fasting thing I've lost 4.4 pounds!! I had a huge whoosh today. It's finally working for me. I had tried this before and it worked. I wish I could do JUDDD but it proved impossible for me. I guess if I could plan ahead my down day and buy special foods I could do it successfully, but in the meantime I'll stick to my 16/8 schedule.

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Congrats on the weight loss! That's fantastic! I still need to look at that guys blog... But...I have no idea what JUDDD means!!

I wish Bar Method offered streaming content... wouldn't that be fab? Actually I don't have the sculpting dvds but now I want them even more than before. I think the ball comes into play on those dvds in a big way. And now I already have a great ball so easy peasy. Yeah. tooootally easy!

Pulse, pulse, pulse... Hope you have a great weekend as well!

[translationmx]

Originally Posted by Kamalam

Congrats on the weight loss! That's fantastic! I still need to look at that guys blog... But...I have no idea what JUDDD means!!

I wish Bar Method offered streaming content... wouldn't that be fab? Actually I don't have the sculpting dvds but now I want them even more than before. I think the ball comes into play on those dvds in a big way. And now I already have a great ball so easy peasy. Yeah. tooootally easy!

Pulse, pulse, pulse... Hope you have a great weekend as well!

Thank you!! I'm stoked. I've been at about the same weight since October last year, so it's time to get things moving.

JUDDD is the Johnson's up day down day diet. You eat very little one day, and the next you eat at maintenance levels. There are several threads about it in the Other Plans section (I think). It seems to be very effective, but the fact that you have to eat an exact amount of calories on your down day makes it hard without specialty foods. Say Muscle Milk Light pre-made shakes or something like that. I want to give a shot. Eventually I think I will.

My bummy is on fire... I did my Ballet Body workout yesterday and the glutes section pretty much slayed me