Kyla Basher Creative

See the original post here: A beginners guide to Barre

I started practicing Yoga about 7 years ago in College. Stressed out with classes and working part time on top of it, I’d stay up until 2 am most nights before exams or to finish writing essays. I found my inner voice was trembling each morning as I awoke exhausted and with a general feeling of “crap I’m unprepared” (of course this had nothing to do with weekend party’s and sleep deprivation). Although by this time I really was making an effort to eat healthier and exercise well (6 cups of green tea a day, 4-7 mile runs a few times a week, and finding out I really was allergic to wheat and dairy). Discovering Yoga for me was most likely similar to a lot of other peoples experiences; slow but steady with a nagging desire to achieve some serenity in mind and body…some spirit too.

Looking back it’s been a peaceful journey; sincere and persistent. I’ve enjoyed letting the study and practice of Yoga unfold into my life, never forcing it or holding on to it too tightly. I took classes I didn’t like, and a few I did. I practiced at home a lot and found acceptance in having my own space and solitude. I am a 200YA certified teacher now and love my teaching practice, I find it makes any day a bit brighter. The relationship my body has built between my running and adventuring (30 mile bike rides, kayaking, rock climbing and slacklining to name a few…) has allowed me to notice how my body behaves and has informed my eating and lifestyle habits in great ways.

I’ve always quenched for cardio style exercise and adventuresome activity because as I mentioned before I’ve dealt with food allergies that made daily activity difficult i.e. upset stomach, stuffy nose, watering eyes, and inflammation…the list continues. So running, plyometrics, the elliptical and spinning helped keep my metabolism in check and helped me detox daily the things that were stuck in my system as well as reduce mental stresses too.

Now these 7 years later, my partner has begun to discover Yoga too – he wants to take a 200 hour course while I am eagerly planning ahead for my 500. We both believe the philosophy and teachings, we practice our own mantra’s throughout our days, we practice with each other. Despite our understanding of Yoga as a study beyond the Asana’s we totally dig a good sweat at our local hot yoga studio and all of our preferences for high intensity still linger. Recently through a friend we’ve discovered Barre. A ballet-inspired muscle-leaning style workout, Barre is anaerobic and pretty darn effective.

If you’ve never heard of Barre or just can’t seem to understand it …. give this article a go A beginners guide to Barre. Barre is not just for women (my partner does it too – he even commented the first try how much it actually targeted areas he never normally works). As that last bit suggests, Barre specifically touts focused muscle groups and hence the leaner-meaner muscles. You can find a number of fantastic 20 to 40 minute workouts online and the best part is you can make your own music playlist to go along.

Now I will say that I have loved to dance and move since I was little. I simply can’t help it. If you yourself love to be a pretend ballerina, love to fist pump to the 80’s, and enjoy a challenging physical activity as well as to further the physical benefits of Yoga, you might find yourself enjoying Barre as well. Give it a try….that goes for you too Mr.