Wednesday, May 26, 2021
30-DAY BARRE3 CHALLENGE
In summer 2020, I got certified in teaching barre. To be honest, I have not done much with the certification. To reignite my love for torturing every tiny muscle in my arms, core, butt, and legs I set out yet another goal for myself. I would like to challenge myself into taking as many barre classes as I possibly can in 30 days. Why? My answer is simple, who does not like a challenge?
WHY BARRE?
There are three main reasons why I chose Barre for this challenge:
- I am certified in the format and want to start teaching Barre soon and would like to get some practice in.
- After interviewing Dr. Tammia Guest, a chiropractor in Dallas TX about Correcting Your Posture, on The Fit Black Queens Podcast. I wanted to add a fitness format that emphasizes posture.
- I am training for a secret project that I have been dying to do for 10+ years. In order to maintain strength and become a well-balanced athlete, I am using Barre as a form of cross-training.
WHAT IS BARRE?
Barre is a ballet-based workout with pilates and yoga elements. The class is normally broken into sections that focus on the core, legs, arms, and glutes. After the muscle is fatigued by completing a high number of repetitions, small targeted movements like pulsing, and light weight resistance each section is paired with stretching of the worked muscle. In the first barre class I attended, I was instructed to get a ball, two sets of weights, and a resistance band. I chose the heavier weights and regretted it. Pulsing tricep kickbacks with 5-pound weights does not sound like a bad idea at the beginning but I recommend working your way to that point. Do not underestimate the power of a two-pound weight, my muscles were burning.
WHO IS BARRE3?
I have tried a few Barre classes here in the Washington, DC area and I have always been amazed by how my body aches in a glorious way. I will not lie to you, I normally think when is this over about 2-4 times during the class. I recently had the honor of taking an outdoor Barre3 class and I loved every second of it. Was it difficult? Ummm yeah, but I was so caught up in the moment I didn't have time to think about time.
Barre3 is a full-body workout like other Barre classes. What attracts me to Barre3 and sets them apart from other Barre studios, is that it combines strength, cardio, and mindfulness. Barre3 had me at cardio. If I can add cardio to something I am interested in, I am down. Throughout the workout, the instructor gently reminds you of your breathing and I truly appreciate that. This is extremely helpful for people like me who "forget" to breathe during workouts. At the end of each workout, the instructor guides the class through a meditation exercise. I stated that Barre3 had me at cardio but I stayed because of the workout and meditation.
PREDICTIONS
XOXO,
Tikima
Thursday, May 20, 2021
WORKOUT MUSIC: BOOTY BURNER BY ALEXIS REED FROM FLECKSOFLEX.COM
SUMMER IS APPROACHING, THE SUN IS SHINING, AND MY BOOTY AND LEGS ARE COMING OUT OF HIDING.
BARS
This summer I registered for Hot Girl Summer and I am showing up and showing out!
Skin. Immaculate.
Water intake. Hydrated AF.
Mental Health. Healthy.
Body. IN PROGRESS.
In prep for HGS, that's what we call Hot Girl Summer, I have set a few goals for myself. One goal, in particular, is building muscle mass in my glutes. I want a DONK! Building muscle mass requires a lot of hard work and dedication. If I am going to be working in the gym I will need some serious tunes. That brings me to this week's #ThursdayTunes. I have been rocking out to Booty Burner by Alexis Reed.
I know you are wondering how did I come across this playlist? Well, after the homie Alexis taught two 45-minute spin classes, we had a GREAT idea. Let's do a 15-minute glute workout. It'll be fun. I am learning that whenever either one of us says "it'll be fun" RUN FAR FAR AWAY!!!
We coerced gently nudged another friend into doing the workout along with us, set up our mats, and all we needed was a great playlist to get us through the workout. Alexis slowly walked to her phone and put on this heavy hitter I am sharing with you today.
By the way, the workout was a killer and 20 minutes instead of 15 like intended. Let me know if you want me to share the workout.
PLAYLIST MOOD
I stated that my goal is to gain muscle in my glutes, butt, booty, hams, phatty, whatever you want to call it. In order to reach my goals proper form, mind-muscle connection, and focusing on the proper muscle are crucial when building muscle mass. This playlist is a great companion to your glute workout. Want to know why? Most songs on this playlist mention the glutes in some way, shape, or form. How could you not focus on the glute muscle when you hear
Big Big Booty, What You Got A Big Booty?
Come on, that lyric is motivation in itself. Alexis included the greatest love song of ALL time Back That Thang Up by Juvenile and a song that ooze early 2000's college experience Ms. New Booty by Bubba Sparxxx, Collipark, and the Ying Yang Twins.
MEET YOUR MAKER
From blogging to teaching multiple fitness classes per week, Alexis is a woman who does ALL THE THANGS. Currently, she is teaching 8+ weekly and each class requires a different playlist. Yes, you can reuse a playlist but lucky for us, Alexis loves music and curating playlists. Alexis is inspired by different genres and it is reflected within her song choice it allows her playlists to be eclectic and awesome.
What did you think of that Booty Burner playlist? Want more? Head over to either Alexis Spotify Channel or mine for more playlist. While you are on Spotify, check out Alexis's podcast Sweat Fearlessly for some amazing interviews and more.
Know of a great playlist you would like for me to feature on #ThursdayTunes? Send it to me. Until next time homies.
Xoxo,
Tikima Renee