The new “in”… to be scary thin!

Posted on February 27, 2012 by barrebabe

I love perusing the photos of all the gorgeous Hollywood actors and actresses post-award ceremony day. The Oscars was on last night and naturally the highlight is not just about who wins that golden man, but who is wearing the best dress!

There were some gorgeous outfits. Penelope Cruz, Glenn Close, Michelle Williams, and Gwyneth Paltrow were among my favourites.

I realise the fashion and trend these days is to be rail thin, but there were a few ladies I was really worried about.
I absolutely adore Angelina Jolie. I think she is stunningly gorgeous and sexy… yet I feel worried to death for her. She looked so frail and undernourished.

Now I know that some women are just naturally very slender, but a few women seem to be disappearing before our very eyes… Angelina, Rose Byrne, and Giuliana Rancic.

Poor Giuliana has been through a heck of a time lately, so you can understand why she might have lost so much weight. But there is such an abundance of desperately thin actresses around at the moment.
I feel saddened at the thought that they feel so pressurised to be so thin.

It also puts pressure on us, the Average Joanna. We are inundated with photographs of emaciated models and performers… honestly I feel like an elephant compared to a lot of these women… and I am only 110lbs. Sure, I am also only 5 foot, but even so! I feel like one of my thighs is bigger than their entire torso!

What is this going to do to our children? I am not blaming these women, per say (they are just victims of circumstance), but I am definitely blaming society for buying into this rubbish and making it acceptable.

Please can we bring back the happier and healthier trend of embracing our curves? We are women and, as John Mayer sings, our bodies are a wonderland! Bones are not sexy. Soft curves are.

Isn’t it time we all focused on being healthy? Eating good foods, exercising regularly, and loving who we are? Can we please obsess on our children, husbands, families, and friends, and not on our weight? I think it’s important to be health-conscious and aware of our weight only to be sure that we are not putting ourselves at risk for any type of disease.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all look in the mirror and be able to say, “I love myself for who and what I am. I am good enough.”

Of Date Night and Massages!

Posted on February 27, 2012 by barrebabe

Our studio held a Date Night Friday night. It was a lot of fun. We Bar Method babes got to bring our husbands to experience the workout we so love. Karen taught a great class, with Ellen helping her out to correct the newbies… and it was all followed by yummy appetisers and beer/wine. My husband was not in the slightest bit interested in coming at the beginning, but he put on his big boy panties and gave it a whirl. His words afterwards? “I found it very humbling.” I don’t think he’ll be back in a hurry, but my main objective for him coming was so that he could see the studio, meet my boss and co-workers and friends, and hopefully, kind of understand what I have fallen in love with and do pretty much every day of the week! He did a great job, as did all the hubbies.

I also had a massage on Friday. It was much needed. I don’t remember the last time I had one. I usually end up waiting to get one until I am seriously hurting. My body is just tired. I went through the intense training in Austin, followed by a ski trip, and I have been suffering with some horrible sciatica pain. You know what, I think massages and spa therapy SHOULD go hand-in-hand with your regular workout. I have this notion in my head that we “fit folks” pride ourselves too much on being in good shape and having this crazy notion that we shouldn’t experience any pain. Like any great automobile…. you drive it regularly, it needs a good service every few thousand miles or so. The same should go with our bodies. The Romans had something going, you know?! All those Roman Baths? Genius, I tell you! So, I got a deep muscle and tissue relief massage…. complete with hot towels and finished off nicely with a good slathering of bio-freeze. I feel better already! And the sciatica? 90% better.

Get a massage as often as you can, workout lovers…. you are so worth it!

Hanging in there!

Posted on February 24, 2012 by barrebabe

It’s taken me a little bit to get back into the groove after our ski trip, but I am getting there.

This past Sunday I went and helped Karen at an event called the Winter Park Bridal Stroll. We had a booth in the Women’s Centre and got to talk and hopefully inspire/motivate several brides-to-be! It was good to spend time with Karen. She is such a sweet lady.

This past week I have been getting back into the routine of spotting classes and have had some great coaching from both Kendra and Karen. I need to practice hard this weekend and make sure I have the first part of class comfortably under my belt.

I am suffering with some sciatica also this week. Going to get a massage tomorrow. My poor old body just feels tired!

I have heard from some of the Austin girls from my course. They seem to be getting on well and are already co-training classes. I need to touch base with my other three co-trainees and see how they are doing!

Home again!

Posted on February 17, 2012 by barrebabe

Had a wonderful time in Colorado! A really great few days! I absolutely loved skiing, as did Gwennie. Can’t believe that in just three days I was able to get up and ski on the top of the mountain! Such an achievement!

Had good news whilst I was away too…. I got a perfect score on my Anatomy & Physiology test! Phew! Such a relief!

Went back and had my first class this morning. God, it was hard work, but so good to be back and at it! Next week I will be back on track with my spotting of classes and working through all the set-ups. Bring it on!

Here are a few photos from our ski trip!

In the mountains!

Posted on February 12, 2012 by barrebabe

Well, I think my A&P test went okay on Thursday. There were a couple of questions I think I may have messed up, but we’ll see.

We are currently in beautiful Beaver Creek, Colorado. Mine and G’s first time snow-skiing. I have to admit, I wasn’t keen. I am fair-weathered girl. I love sunshine and beaches and cocktails. I was pretty nervous about getting around on skis today.

I had no idea what fun it was going to be. I cannot believe we started the day out on the flat, doing little baby steps sideways and at the end of the day, completed several whole runs on a “green” skiing from side and to side AND went up and skied off the chair lift!!! Shock horror, Miss Afraid of Heights!!!

I fell just one time the entire day. So stoked.

My classmates complained about being really sore in their legs, but I honestly didn’t feel anything except for the pressure on my shins from my boots as I leaned forward. My Bar Method quads and core took great care of me, and whilst I am tired tonight from all the exhilaration and hard work, my body feels strong and I can’t wait to get out there again tomorrow! Woop! Thank you, Bar Method!!!

Crazy Monday!

Posted on February 7, 2012 by barrebabe

This week started off with a bang! Things are a little manic as we fly to Colorado on Friday for 5 days skiing.
I am a little overwhelmed… trying to get into the routine of a new job, finding time to study, take care of my sweet child, and get ready for our trip!
I found myself doing housework at 7 o’clock this morning before taking G to school!

Had a good morning at the studio.
I studied for an hour and then we all did a master class together. It was myself, Karen, Kendra, Ellen, and Danielle.
K, K, & E all taught various sections of the class and it was jolly hard! We did a Level 2 type class which has extra sets of thigh and seat work! Killer!
After that I spotted Kendra’s class that she was teaching. It went pretty well. It is definitely going to be helpful and I already know areas I need to work on.
I am sure it will help build my confidence up to start off doing this and then integrate the verbal side of teaching.
There is so much to think about and put together!

Tomorrow I am spotting Karen’s class, then Kendra is working with me for an hour or so and then I will participate in her 12:15pm class.

And now it’s back to the books!!!!

P.S. Did you know that the gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the human body? Baby got back!!!

This says it all really…

Posted on February 4, 2012 by barrebabe

Studying hard… A&P exam later in the week!

Looking forward to a week of training at the studio! Let’s do this thing!

Home, James!

Posted on February 1, 2012 by barrebabe

It is sooooo good to be home! I feel like I am recovering from major jetlag, but it is just recouping from a long, heavy week.

I had a great class this morning at Bar Method Winter Park…. and a lovely welcome back from Karen and the girls. Karen gave me a couple of wonderful gifts…. some new Bar method socks with “Nice Shaking!” written on them (our legs tremble a lot in Bar!!!) and a $100 gift voucher for Lululemon!!!! SO generous of her! She really is the sweetest person.

We talked afterwards and I filled her in on all that happened. We are getting a post-training schedule organised. I am going to put Gwennie in the lunch program at her preschool. She can take a packed lunch and stay till 2pm. Then I have signed her up to do Fun Fridays. Her Pre-K teacher teaches it…. she does different art projects and topics each week. She will be there 9am-12pm, which gives me an extra day to spot/teach some of the classes as part of my practice. I will also keep an eye on Bill’s schedule and see if I can do some evening classes too. We’ll get there.

I am going to have to take my A&P exam before we go skiing in Colorado, which I am happy about as I don’t want it looming over my head whilst on vacation. I must get studying and writing some flashcards!

Karen said she had a glowing report from Jen about me. She said I was a gem and “very smart”! Wow…. I must be a good actress! Hahahahah! I felt like my brain was mush most of the time!

Onwards and upwards…. one step at a time.

We are currently waiting to hear if Gwennie was accepted into either of the private schools she tested for. Please keep your fingers crossed for her!