Laurel of Leaves

getting back to my roots: my journey in true health and natural living

Form Focused Fitness

Change Your Body with BarreAmped

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – you can’t exercise your way out of a bad diet. But you also can’t sit on the couch and expect a change in diet to truly change your body. I’ve not really ever struggled with my weight, so exercise hasn’t always been at the top of my priority list. Plus, exercise was boring. And hard. And sweaty.

I tried running for a while, but it wasn’t until I learned how to run barefoot (with proper form) that I actually began to like running. I had the hardest time motivating myself to workout in general. UNTIL – I found a method I actually liked!

About three years ago, my friend invited me to come with her to an exercise class taught by Suzanne Bowen, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Now, Suzanne’s method, BarreAmped, is in 30+ cities all over the country, as well as some international studios.

BarreAmped is an ultra results-oriented fitness regime based on modern and classical dance moves (though it is not a dance class), Pilates, yoga, and deep stretching. It’s a kick-butt workout that lengthens and elongates your muscles, tones your body, strengthens your core, and leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Since I love the method so much, I’m now certified as an instructor at BarreAmped Nashville!

Lori - BarreAmped Instructor

Dance, Yoga, or Pilates? All 3 and Then Some!

Most people I talk to about the method have no clue what it is, but they’ve heard of yoga, dance, and Pilates. BarreAmped draws from elements of all three methods, pulling out the best parts for an incredible regimen. Here’s the breakdown from the BarreAmped website:

In comparison to dance classes where many people feel intimidated, BarreAmped® classes are packed with all types of people. Most people who take BarreAmped® were never dancers but can benefit from the strength moves and graceful transitions based on modern and classical dance.

In comparison to yoga which usually de-emphasizes results, BarreAmped® stresses the results of lean thighs, lifted seats, flat abs, and toned arms. But BarreAmped® is so attuned to form and position that some of the mental meditative benefits of yoga are felt throughout and at end of class.

In comparison to mat Pilates, BarreAmped® is weight-bearing. This produces dramatic, proven and often quick results. BarreAmped® is very inspired by Pilates techniques using imagery and precision just as classic Pilates classes do.

Get in on the Action

Lori - BarreAmped Instructor

Don’t worry – we don’t do this in class! ;)

BarreAmped is different from other barre fitness methods in that it teaches a neutral spine (as opposed to utilizing a strong tuck in the pelvis) and it is incredibly form focused. As an instructor, my teacher trainers emphasized proper form like there was no tomorrow! All BarreAmped instructors are highly trained to correct your form so you stay safe and get the most effective workout.

Check here to see if BarreAmped is offered at a studio near you. If it’s not yet, you can help us by recommending a Pilates or yoga studio in your area that you think would be a good fit. Email me at Lori (at) BarreAmpedNashville (dot) com!

In the meantime, I highly recommend checking out Suzanne Bowen’s streaming workouts. You don’t get the accountability benefits of a class setting, but for an incredibly affordable $10/month, you get full access to her streaming workout videos. You can choose workout plans, making it very feasible, even for the busiest of us all. Plus, they require no special equipment (other than the optional mat and light hand weights).

I’ll leave you with a fun video highlighting BarreAmped so you can get an even better idea of what a class would look like. Get into a class and change your body! You’re worth it!

What fitness methods have you found most enjoyable? Are you able to stick with them? What changes have you seen in your body?

 

  1. Diana

    July 5, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    Beautiful photos! I am love my yoga practice and have been so interested in trying Barre and now and even more excited to give it a go! Xx Diana

  2. Stacy

    July 21, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    This is great, Lori! I have really enjoyed the 30 Minute Slimdown and would absolutely LOVE to take a live BarreAmped class sometime. Hope we can get it out to California! Or else I might need to get over to TN some day.

    Love the pictures!

    1. Lori Winter

      July 22, 2012 at 11:56 am

      Isn’t the 30 Minute Slimdown great? I just did that this morning!
      If there is a Pilates or yoga studio near you that you think would be a good fit to offer BarreAmped classes, just let me know and I can reach out to them! :)

  3. Tina

    July 22, 2012 at 9:39 am

    i do the position in the first photo at least twice a day for a minute long each time. in combination with a few other core exercises, it is helping do work to my abs that no other exercises have ever done before. i’ve been searching for things like this for a long time.

    i love your website and check it every day!

    thanks,
    tina!

    1. Lori Winter

      July 22, 2012 at 11:57 am

      Thanks Tina! It’s great to connect with you! I love how the Superman/inverted boat exercises really strengthen your lower back (which is part of your core too!) as well as your abs.

  4. Samantha

    July 31, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    I would love to take that class in Norman, Oklahoma!! :)

  5. A Glance in the Rearview Mirror (July 2012)

    August 5, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    […] Leaves posts over the past weeks, you’ll see me give the 411 on my favorite fitness method, BarreAmped. I actually enjoy working out now! And man, have I seen changes in my body from it. Talk about […]

  6. Amina

    September 2, 2012 at 8:32 am

    This looks amazing, any plans to bring it to the UK?

  7. Sarah C

    September 13, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    Hey Lori!!! I love your blog just about as much as I love BareAmped! In fact, I just blogged about you and the class! http://tobemrscollier.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-one-week-update-on-365-goal.html

    1. Lori Winter

      September 13, 2012 at 8:30 pm

      I love this!!! Thank you so much for linking to your post!!!

  8. Fawn

    February 27, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    Just came across your blog and im in love ! fist blog that I feel is real ! for real people ! so down to earth !

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