Three things one must have to make a workout fun: music, friends, and “do-able” movements. That is what I love about Cardio Barre. After a year of competing in some of the hardest competitions in the sport of Triathlon (Ironman, 4 times in the last 10 months), I was ready to try something different. My mom suggested Cardio Barre. I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach that has been formally trained to understand that range of motion and strengthening ones core is at the heart of a person’s ability to build strength. And, quite obviously, Cardio Barre focuses on developing that- with a dance twist in a group environment.

What is Cardio Barre? It is a one-hour group class that is split up into these three parts: a little bit of cardio, very light strength/high rep movements for the upper and lower body, and then some full-body stretching and core work. The class is made up of women and men- and some young adults. It is truly for everyone. All of the movements are based on dance-moves, so you might be asked to go up on your toes and/or shake your booty occasionally. The music is modern and quick paced. The instructors are extremely qualified and formally trained not only to make sure the class is doing moves correctly, but are very motivating and fun. It is so great that, in fact, my mom and I can take the same class together and still get a great workout (even though she can’t do certain movements because of her knees). My sister, who is a NCAA Division I Basketball player at the University of Oregon, did Cardio Barre during the summer at least 5 times a week and left in the best “summer” shape of her life- did 9 pull-ups and 30 push ups in her physical testing once she returned to college.

I never believed that lifting such little or simply your “body weight” could be that great for you and/or help you build strength. However, it does- and without pain and or discomfort. I used to work at a gym that believed that the heavier the better- and I never had so many clients within that box complain about back, hip, and/or knee pain. While I believe that lifting heavy at certain levels can be good for you, you must be ready for it- age-wise and maturity of strength-wise. At Cardio Barre, you can get a lean, toned body at any age that also moves with you without major joint pain while also gaining total body strength. For instance, after my Ironman, my hips were very tight and my legs needed some overall balanced strength training. Cardio Barre helped me move at least 70% better and my legs can move in directions that they have never moved before. Also, my ankle mobility has improved incredibly.

So, try Cardio Barre..... Each class is super affordable- you pay as you go, and classes are $16/class. Bring a friend or family member, or just come by yourself once or five times a week. I must warn you however, it is addicting and you just may find yourself “dancing” right into the body of your dreams.