This month’s guest blogger is Tiffany Wright, a teacher (and one of my teachers!) at Pure Barre Broomfield. Pure Barre offers fitness classes focusing on small movements that result in big changes. Fitness is such an important part of my life and I am so grateful to have Pure Barre throughout my motherhood journey. I love the community I’ve found there, the strength I’ve gained, as well as how accommodating the classes are. After having one back surgery and two hip surgeries, these classes allowed me to modify where I need it and still gives me a great workout. I have made some amazing friends and have such a strong female support system there. Most of the women who go are mamas as well! Here’s Tiffany’s story about what Pure Barre has done for her.
Pure Barre Through Motherhood
I’ve been fortunate enough to have had Pure Barre through motherhood. It was a part of my life before, during, and after pregnancy. I took my first Pure Barre class with the founder Carrie Rezabek Dorr in 2009. I immediately fell in love with the way it challenged my body. And I loved the way the Pure Barre community created a culture of support, and how it shifted my mindset.
As a former dancer, I was drawn to the group dynamic of Pure Barre as well as the technique. While Pure Barre doesn’t follow the rhythm and feel of my college dance classes, I love the way it uses small movements. The movements are low-impact, using little to no extra weight, to fatigue, strengthen, and tone my muscles. Before becoming a momma, I found that Pure Barre Classic, Empower, and Reform all worked together to help me achieve the results I was looking for.
Pure Barre Through Pregnancy
Fast forward 9 years later in my mid-thirties when I learned I was going to be a first-time momma. I continued to take Pure Barre classes 5-6 times a week. I love that I was able to focus on making my body even stronger and healthier as I grew my sweet baby girl in my tummy. It didn’t matter what the class format or the choreography was I was able to take the entire class for all nine months of my pregnancy. I even crushed an Empower class the day I went into labor! Pure Barre teachers are able to tailor classes for specific client needs. As my baby girl grew bigger, I absolutely had to modify movements and positions throughout the classes, but every class was a “just right” challenge. I was sweaty and sore but I was re-energized each time.
By continuing to take classes during my pregnancy, I believe my labor was much easier. (I even continued to tell myself during contractions that just like in class, I could, in fact, do anything for at least 30 seconds). My recovery from my C-section was much easier than I anticipated. I was out of the hospital quicker than the doctors initially predicted.
Pure Barre After Baby
My body was craving movement within a week of my daughter’s arrival. I couldn’t wait to get back into the studio. At 9 weeks post-partum, I can feel the muscle memory. Yes, my muscles are fatigued and shake sooner than they did pre-pregnancy, but my body is making strides more quickly with every class I take. At any given moment, you can scan the studio room and see many clients modifying for their various needs. I am not alone in this. Pure Barre really is for everyone.
Then, there is the community of Pure Barre. My studio continued to cheer me on throughout my pregnancy, encouraging me to work hard and continue to take care of myself. With every kind word and smile, they made me feel like the strong, healthy momma I wanted to be.
Many of the clients at my studio are mommas and I adore that I have a place to go and be with other moms. Another benefit of Pure Barre and motherhood is that when I take a class, I get an hour to myself to focus on my own strengths and goals. I can check out from my day and re-norm my energy.
Stronger Than I Think
Throughout my time at Pure Barre, I have learned to clear my mind and find my calmest moments when my muscles are working at the highest levels of fatigue. For example, you’ll often see me when I pull off the barre in thighs, close my eyes, breathe deeply and smile genuinely, appreciating that I really am “stronger than I think”. Even more so after my pregnancy, I walk away from every class amazed at what our bodies can do. For me, incorporating Pure Barre through motherhood, a class is an hour-long celebration of all that my body is capable of doing. I hope to celebrate with you at the barre!
I feel so fortunate that I get to call this work. Who else gets to wake up every single day and help families celebrate life & love? I love that I get to tell their story. It is incredible to be able to create a moment in amongst all of the chaos that is new parenthood, where new moms and dads can really just focus on that amazing, tiny human that they created. I am pretty lucky if you ask me! If you are expecting or know someone who is, I would be honored to craft a completely custom portrait experience for you! To learn more, drop me a note at hello@erinjachimiak.com or click here.
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