Barre Workout for Any-BODY

Barre Workout for Any-BODY

Do you have images (of yourself) that you look back on and just laugh?

I’ve got to say, watching myself point at my preggo belly in this video makes me both cringe and giggle every time.

In some ways, I feel like pregnancy allowed my inner dork to emerge more than ever… and in other ways, I KNOW it made me stronger than I ever imagined I could be. (More on that another time.)

But my favorite thing about this workout isn’t that Mr. Max was in my belly (who at the time, we fondly called JoJo) or that I had felt him kick earlier in the week (I’ll blame his movement on my goofy smile).

My favorite part of this workout is that this lower body series can truly be done anywhere at any time with anyone. Whether you’re six months preggo*, stuck in an office, wearing a baby, chasing a toddler or enjoying a unicorn moment by yourself, you can take advantage of nearly every exercise within this series, and end each circuit feeling energized, stronger and grateful to have “snuck” a few moments to do something just for you. (SIDE NOTE: *I should be a responsible guide and note that you should absolutely check with your doctor – especially if you’ve got a JoJo on the way – before beginning an exercise program.)

Wellness isn’t about reconfiguring your entire life so your actions can fit into some box.

Whole-person wellness is about making small shifts that allow you to feel more awake, present and comfortable in your body both in this moment and in the long-run.

In other words, rather than feeling like you have to spend hours at the gym or in the kitchen or on your meditation cushion to be “good enough” or “fit enough” or “healthy enough,” I want you to know that the small, mindful MOMENTS matter.

Choosing a nourishing food over something that irritates your stomach, choosing to step outside for a walk rather than scrolling your newsfeed (I almost deleted that one… it stings, it feels too true), choosing to turn on your music and cruise through this leg circuit rather than (or before) pouring a third cup of coffee at 2PM – these seemingly small choices make significant shifts in your mind, heart and physical well-being over time.

While we may know this in theory, it’s important to act on our wisdom.

Today, I invite you to transform your inner wisdom into ACTION.

Make that small but mighty shift in your day by digging into this workout with the Free Workout Guide I’ve created for you.

Your legs may shake, your booty may feel an extra burn the next day, which is precisely the reason I created a fun Workout Guide for you. Check out

  • soothing stretches for your lower back
  • hip-opening stretches
  • BONUS exercises
  • an entire follow up leg workout to ensure that you tone your outer and inner thighs evenly.

Download your Free Workout Guide and set yourself up to feel as refreshed, proud and beautifully balanced.

8-months postpartum: wellness starts somewhere

8-months postpartum: wellness starts somewhere

The difference between these two?

One year.

Our bodies change DRASTICALLY when we have babies (DUH) but I have found that the shift within our MINDS can be even more significant.

Just in case you’re anywhere near where I was 3 months ago, don’t YOU DARE settle for “I guess this is just how I am now.” (As in cranky, tired, apathetic, giving up on myself, did I mention irritable?) HIDING behind cozy flannels, behind my exhaustion, behind my excuses was quickly becoming my new MO.

GOODNESS, the shift did NOT happen all at once, but it DID take ONE simple but CLEAR “I need something to CHANGE” moment. That made THE difference for me.

Start with nourishing food.
Or start with empowering workouts.
Or begin with a gratitude journal.

WHEREVER you start, just make sure you begin.

Because, life is too short, a year passes in a flash and the truth is: you DESERVE to feel your best. No matter what.

YOUR BEST might not mean feeling comfy in your favorite shorts or even silly side by sides like this… it might mean chasing after your daughter without feeling breathless. You know what that uh-huh thing is for you. And you have an inkling about how to get there.

And man oh man, if you ever need a friend on this journey, I am right here.💙 Just keep reminding yourself that you are CAPABLE of so•much•more than you give yourself credit for…

6-weeks postpartum – the new beginning

6-weeks postpartum – the new beginning

Alright, Team NO Judgment if you continue to read. Deal?

I hated being pregnant. Yes, OF COURSE it was worth it – OF COURSE.

But we have the option to own or truth despite the highlight reel on social media and my truth is: growing this sweet peanut drained me mentally, emotionally and physically more than any other phase of life.

So, this isn’t about a “before and after.” It’s about the freaking journey.

40 weeks pregnant vs. 6 weeks post-Max

TODAY I feel squishier and much weaker than I’ve been in a long time (just being real) BUT then I remind myself:

You birthed a (pretty sizable) human being.
You (somehow) feel energized again, despite that little sleep situation.
You ARE strong, just in different ways than before.
You are evolving simply by recommitting to yourself WHILE nurturing your baby.
You get practice compassion with yourself by being consistent with your self-care.
You survived the first six weeks.

I’m one of those crazies who’s excited to start moving again mostly because it makes me SANE and makes me feel empowered to change what’s no longer serving me (like watching all the Gilmore Girl episodes)! So, this is week 1 of the returning to my yoga mat. Week 1 of getting to know my bod again.

Why tell you all this? Well, believe it or not, it’s bigger than the belly & even BIGGER than abs. (Although, I’ll be real: if I happened upon abs, i wouldn’t send them away… I mean, anything to help me lift my milk monster!)

I am committed to sharing my postpartum journey OUT LOUD, no matter how uncomfortable. BECAUSE I’m absolutely positive I’m not the only woman who feels squishing, weaker or a grab bag of other adjectives this time of year (orrr after birthing a human).

It’s important to me to share the FULL journey rather than just the sparkly “after” moments in life.

As far as I’m concerned, friends, we’re all in this life game together, and I’d prefer to travel with folks who aren’t afraid to show their squishy, weak, uncomfortably vulnerable moments as well as their highlight reel.

CAUTION: pregnancy do’s and don’ts

CAUTION: pregnancy do’s and don’ts

I’m curious: how many things have you been cautioned about doing/NOT doing while pregnant… or while parenting… or while simply living your life?

I’m finding that the debates are NUTS about what “should/shouldn’t” be done and what is “wrong/right” for momma and baby.

Clearly, I’m quite new to this scene, but I’ve been shocked at BOTH how fear seems to rule one’s way of life AND how extreme distrust for “the system” forces people to ward off ANY recommendations.

Historically, I’m no better; I’ve struggled with an extremist mind as long as I can remember, but this process {for me} needs to be far more balanced and grounded than the swings of extreme rule-following or extreme rebellion.

Personally, the two ways I find the most peace, freedom AND safety in my decision-making process are through:
• a range of research from a variety of sources
• my own intuition
…and letting go of the fear & reality of judgment

We’re all doing the very best we can for ourselves, our families and our little creatures.

Maybe, just maybe, when we STOP judging others for their choices and START respecting people for honoring their bodies and their families THE BEST WAY that they know how, we’ll be able to share a much more open and compassionate dialogue about how to authentically move through the most thrilling transitions in this miraculous life.