Hi Friends,

I have some big and very exciting news to share with you today. If you know me, or read this blog often, you know I LOVE teaching Barre and Pilates classes. I truly believe in the power of these formats to change your body, mind, and life, and I can't get enough of the amazing students that attend my classes! It also amazes me, how people can benefit from Barre & Pilates throughout all walks of life. Trust me, if I can teach 10 classes a week 9 months pregnant, these formats can be modified to benefit everyone!

What you might not know, is that my other passion is mentoring new instructors. Becoming a fitness instructor completely changed my life, and I love helping others find their passion for teaching as well. I began my teaching career at Texas A&M University and was lucky enough to have some of the most amazing mentors around. Our boss, DeAun Woosley, always made sure we got the best of the best when it came to continuing education and encouraged us to continually work to improve our teaching skills.

The wonderful instructors I began my teaching career with at Texas A&M!

A few months ago, I decided to combine my love of Barre and Pilates with my passion for teaching other instructors to create five continuing education workshops. Through these five workshops, I hope to help other instructors either dive into the world of Barre and Pilates for the first time or take their current classes to the next level with new choreography and a fresh approach on teaching!

Each of these workshops are approved for ACE and AFAA continuing education credits. Additionally, every course is equipped with unique class blueprints to help you take what you learn and effectively create fun and balanced classes you are ready to teach in no time!


Cardio Barre For Group Fitness Instructors - 5 AFAA/.5 ACE CEU's

Barre Fundamentals - 3 AFAA/.3 ACE CEU's

Power Up Your Barre Class - 2 AFAA/.2 ACE CEU's

Pilates Fundamentals For Group Fitness Instructors - 5 AFAA/.5 ACE CEU's

Pilates - Pump Up The Beat - 2 AFAA/.2 ACE CEU's

For full workshop descriptions, please visit my Fitness Continuing Education page. I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to go out and spread the Barre & Pilates message. These methods have changed my life and my body for the better, and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience them.

With that being said, if you would like more information on attending a course or hosting a workshop at your facility, please feel free to email me at LaurenEGeorge@gmail.com. I do private (just for your in house staff), or public (open to community registration) workshops and love working with gyms, studios, YMCA's, and campus recreation centers of all sizes!

Thank you for helping me spread the word about my endeavor, and maybe I will see some of you in a workshop soon!

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I saw this quote early this morning and thought it was a great reminder. I am a firm believer in the fact that you get out what you put in, especially when it comes to exercise! If you want something you have to work for it plain and simple.


I received some great feedback from the Barre video I posted on Tuesday, so I thought I would keep the ball rolling and share another short clip with you guys today. This segment alternates between 1st and 4th position and really focuses on the front of your thighs. As always, take every exercise at your own pace and consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program. If you can't see the video on your smart phone or tablet, you can visit my YouTube channel. I hope you enjoy!



Apparently, "Good" was my word of the day this morning. I learn something new about my teaching style every time I do one of these clips. It's a great learning experience for me too!

Want to join me for a full barre workout? Check out this hour long Cardio Barre Fusion video or head over to my "Workout Video" page.



I hope you all have a great rest of your day!

If you're an instructor, do you ever film yourself teaching to self evaluate?

In health,

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Hi Everyone,

I hope your week is off to a great start! I have had a lot of people ask if I have any barre or Pilates videos available online so they can see what I'm always going on and on about. :)  I decided to try to start posting more short Barre and Pilates video segments here on the blog. They can be used for quick workouts, or maybe they will give my fellow instructors some fun choreography ideas. I know I am always on the lookout for creative and effective things to do in class. I also have a few videos posted on my YouTube Channel and at ToddPilate's OnDemand.

Anyways, here is my first Barre Breakdown video installment. Today, I filmed one of the cardio segments from my current barre class. The main exercise in this video is the curtsy lunge. I hope you like it!

Curtsy lunges can be a lot on your knees at the beginning, so modify your range of motion as you see fit. This workout is prenatal friendly, but my mommies be especially careful with your turnout since you have a lot of extra relaxin in your body. If you are on your smartphone and cant see the video, you can click here to watch it on YouTube



I'm linking up with Sara, at Lake Shore Runner, for Tried It Tuesday!

Would you guys like to see more videos like this? 

Anything else you would like to see videos of?

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

In health,

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Happy Hump Day!

How has your week been so far? Mine has been full of lots of cuddling with a tiny human, diaper changing, and a few great workouts! Once Annabelle was down for her nap yesterday, I grabbed my dumbbells and gliding discs and got to work.

Eric got a set of Bowflex dumbbells a while back, and this was my first time to use them. They can go all the way from 10lbs to 90lbs. Even though they are a little bulky, it is so nice to have so many weight options in such a compact set. We would never have the room for all those dumbbells individually, nor would we want to pay for them!

Here's the workout in a nutshell. Anywhere you see the "G," use the gliders (or paper plates if you don't have gliders). As far as weight goes, you want to choose something that is challenging while still allowing you to finish the exercise.


Most of the exercises are pretty straight forward except for the bridge with hamstring slide. It is one of my absolute favorite hamstring exercises! It always leaves me sore for days. :)

Bridge with hamstring slide:

Begin by lying down on your back and placing heels on gliding discs. Lift hips off the ground into a bridge position (like the picture below). With hips lifted, slide both heels away from your body and then drag them back into starting position. If this is a little to much, start by just sliding one leg out at a time. Get ready to feel the burn!


Not feeling a traditional strength training workout today? No worries, join me at the barre for a killer Cardio Barre Fusion workout! I am definitely having withdrawals from teaching barre while on maternity leave. Although I am loving my time with little bit, I miss my students like crazy!



While I worked out, I was cheered on by this cutie pie!


She is quite the little exerciser herself, and spends at least 5 minutes after every nap stretching. Flexibility training is very important you know!


I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your hump day!

How did you get your sweat on today?

In health,

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Hello There,

I hope you are having a great day! I just finished a wonderful walk around the neighborhood in the beautiful sunshine and it got me thinking about all the things I'm loving right now. It's nice to take a second to just reflect on the simple things that make day to day life better!

1) Warmer temperatures that allow me to get some sun while logging the miles!

2) Treadmill time with some good reads to help me unwind after a busy day.



3) Simple one pan dinners of yummy healthy food. This was last night's dinner while E was at kickball. I seasoned the fish with a little olive oil and cajun seasoning and then tossed the carrots in olive oil, salt and pepper. It all went in the oven for 25 minutes at 375F.




4) Chia and flaxseed oatmeal! You all know I am a huge fan of oatmeal, but I really think I have found the perfect recipe full of protein and healthy omega 3's for the growing bambino! Combine 1/4 cup GF oats, 1.5 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp flaxseeds, 2 tbsp PB2 powder, 2 packets of stevia, 1/3 cup blueberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. MMMMM MMMM Good!


5) Comfy Lululemon tops that leave room for the growing baby bump!


 6) Taking on new projects! I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to film a full hour long barre workout for the website DestinationFit.com! If you need a total body at home workout, go check it out. I would be honored to help you get your sweat on!



I'm off to run a few errands. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your day!

In health,

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Howdy Howdy!

It's been a busy busy day. I taught a Mat class this morning at 7 AM, worked at the studio until 12:15 PM, and then headed to the doctor for my 24 week appointment. We got to hear Annabelle's heartbeat and the doctor said she looked like she was right on track size wise! Always good to hear. I made it back home in time to grab a quick snack and get a few things done before heading back up to the studio for my 5:00 PM class.

I have some extremely exciting news!! I had the honor of filming a Cardio Barre Fusion class for DestinationFit.com last week. DestinationFit.com is all about helping people find workouts they love and can do in the comfort of their own home. You can view any of the workouts for free as many times as you'd like and even vote for your favorite!



Check out Whitney's great form!

The one picture of me not talking up a storm!

Baby bump alert!

Bloopers!

I was lucky enough to have three of my wonderful girlfriends shoot with me, so it was an absolute blast!  Cardio Barre Fusion is designed to increase your cardiovascular strength while helping you to tone, sculpt, and lengthen your muscles from head to toe. We began with a 40 minute barre portion that focuses on toning the arms and sculpting long lean legs. Next, we moved to the mat to challenge our core in a way that only traditional Pilates mat work can do. We wrapped up our workout with a flowing yoga sequence to further challenge our bodies while stretching and lengthening our muscles. Don't worry, no prior dance experience is required for this workout! Just grab your equipment, be prepared to sweat, and get ready for a great time!



I hope you'll check it out! If you're not into Barre or Pilates, there are tons of other workouts for your sweating pleasure!

Today's IdeaFit word of the day was Inspiration, and my friend Alison, from Fierlessly Fierce, is a huge inspiration to me. She always has the most amazing attitude, is an incredible fitness instructor, and one of the best friends a girl could ask for! She wrote a great post today about how her pups inspire her to stay fit and included some fun workouts you can do with your dogs. Go check it out!


It looks like her workout definitely wore out the pups! I'm off to finish cooking dinner. Crock pot Mexican Chicken is on the menu for tonight!

Do you like to do workout videos at home?

If so, what is your favorite video?

In health,

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Hi There!

I hope your week is going well. Yesterday, we good but busy. I started the day off with a nice strength workout at home (it'll be up in the next few days) and some more Chia Coconut Paleo Pancakes of course. Then it was time to head to the studio for a little work. In the afternoon I snuck in some more more work at home and a walk with the pup before heading back up the studio for my 4:45 PM Barre class. After class, my friend Whitney and I grabbed some dinner and an amazing restaurant called Blue Dahlia! Oh my deliciousness it was amazing! They have the best gluten free bread. :)

I thought it was about time to for another Barre Breakdown post and picked a series that works your entire lower body, challenges your cardiovascular endurance, and gives you a chance to practice your balance. Sorry, these pictures were taken on Tuesday when I was sweaty, shiny, and super pasty (come on summer)! :)  No more hiding that almost 6 month baby bump for me.

Barre Breakdown - Second Position Plie to Passe

To begin, step out to second position with one hand on the barre and one hand extended out at shoulder height. Make sure your knees stay behind your toes and keep your tailbone tucked under. Pulse in second position with flat feet 16x's.

Next, push to standing position dragging outside heel to inside heel ending up in first position. Repeat stepping out into a plie and pulling back into first position 8x's.



Finally, step out into second position plie and push back into a passee (toe to knee). Try to stand tall over your standing leg squeezing your glute. Repeat 8x's.


Finish with 16 pulses in second position with heels lifted and then turn around to repeat on other side.

Barre Breakdown Series Recap:

• Pulse in second position 16x's.
• Step in and out from second position to first position 8x's.
• Step in and out from second position to passe 8x's.
• Pulse in second position with heels lifted 16x's.
• Repeat on opposite leg.

I'm off to finish a few things around the house before taking the pup for a walk and heading back up to the studio! I hope you all have a great Thursday.

What is your favorite position at the barre?

In health,

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Hi Friends,

I hope you had a great Tuesday! Mine was busy busy. I started the day off with a fantastic Pilates Mat class as 7 AM and then worked at the studio for a few hours. At 12:30 PM E and I headed to the doctors office for our 20 week check up. I was really excited because we got to see the baby on the ultrasound. They had told us at the 16 week ultrasound that they were pretty sure it was a girl, but this one would confirm it 100%. Guess what? She's still a girl! :) We were waiting until after this appointment to officially announce the little ones name just in case. I am beyond excited to finally say that our little angel will be named:

Now, I just can't wait for her to be here! She got a clean bill of health at the doctors office, which is always extremely reassuring. We got to listen to her little heart beat and watch her wiggle around like crazy on screen. The ultrasound tech said she was an EXTREMELY active baby compared to others she sees. Maybe she is doing aerobics in there like her mom..

I chatted with my doctor more about my hip pain today, and she referred me to a chiropractor that specializes in prenatal patients. They think that my ligaments, tendons, and abdominal muscles are so tight and tense that they are fighting my hips trying to shift to accommodate the baby. Ultimately, my muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are at war with my pelvis. Not a great thing when you're growing every day. At least it has nothing to do with Annabelle! I went for my first visit to the chiropractor today, and return tomorrow for another adjustment. Fingers crossed he can help!

Now, back to the main topic of this post....... a new barre breakdown! This position is one of my favorites and one of the most challenging I do in class. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Barre Breakdown - Parrallel Squat with Ball

To begin, stand with one hip next to the barre and the same hand resting gently on the barre. Place a squishy ball in between your inner thighs. Make sure your feet are parallel and right underneath your hips. Lift you heels off the floor like you are wearing high heels. Next, bend your knees and lower down into a hover position like the one shown. You want to keep your shoulders right over your hips. Your abdominals should be helping to hold you in an upright position.

Disclaimer: This picture was taken when I was only about 2 months pregnant.

Exercise Sequence:

• Holding body position, squeeze the ball 16x's.
• Bend the knees and lower for two counts and lift for two counts 8x's.
• Hold your lowest position and squeeze the ball 8x's.
• Pulse down by bending the knees slightly 16x's (this should only be about a 1 or 2 inch movement).
• Turn around and do the sequence again with your other hand on the barre.

If you don't have a barre, this exercise sequence can easily be done with your hand on a chair. I hope you enjoy!

When you were pregnant did you ever see a chiropractor to help with hip and back discomfort? Any success?

If you take barre classes, what is the most challenging move for you?

In health,

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Happy Happy Hump Day!

I hope you are all having a great week so far! Mine has been pretty good, just lots of teaching, working, watching the Olympics, and spending time with the hubs. Last night, we went to the Texas versus Oklahoma State basketball game. The weather was miserable, but the game was really fun. Texas stomped OSU.

This morning, I got to sleep in until 7:30 AM! Whoop for Wednesdays! I started off my morning with a quick upper body workout and a big bowl of Quinoa Protein Oats. I was craving oatmeal, but I knew I needed to pump up the protein factor for the peanut.




Quinoa Protein Oats:

• 1/3 cup GF rolled oats
• 1 tbsp quinoa
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp ground flax seeds
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup almond milk
• 2 tbsp PB2 powder
• 1/3 cup blueberries
• 1 tbsp almond butter for topping (optional - but not for this prego lady)

To Prepare:

• Combine the oats, quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds, and water. Set aside for 30 minutes. This gives the chia seeds time to bulk up and softens the quinoa. I mixed them together then finished my workout.
• Place bowl in microwave for 3 minutes. Watch to make sure it doesn't boil over the side.
• Remove from microwave and add in remaining ingredients including almond milk. You can add additional almond milk if your oats turn out to thick. 
• Place back in the microwave for 30 seconds. I used frozen blueberries so I put mine back in for 1 minute.
• Top with almond butter and dive in!

It was delicious, super filling, and the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold morning! I just added a new series to my barre class a few days ago and I think it is one of my new favorites. It involves a combination of first and fourth position and is a quadriceps burner for sure!

Barre Breakdown - 4th Position Plie

Begin with heels together and toes apart in 1st position. Releve (come up on toes) keeping heels together. Bend knees and lower down into a plie position (as shown in picture). Make sure you engage through your core with tailbone tucked under just slightly, and shoulders over hips. Hands should be resting lightly on barre for balance. Stay close enough to the barre that you are not leaning forward. Lower down into a plie for 2 counts and up for 2 counts 8 times. Hold at the bottom of your plie and pulse 8x's.


Next, slide right heel in front of left big toe. Leave about 2-3 inches between your feet. Weight should remain even on both legs with knees turned out. Pulse 8x's in 4th position.


Now, return to first position and pulse 8x's to prepare to switch sides. Place left heel in front of right big toe to come into 4th position on the other side. Engage the gluts and make sure shoulders stay directly over your hips (it's easy to want to lean forward here). Pulse 8x's on this side.


Barre Breakdown Recap:

• Begin in first position and lower for 2 counts and lift for 2 counts for 8 repetitions. Pulse in 1st position 8x's.
• Move into 4th position with right foot in front. Pulse in 4th position 8x's.
• Return to first position and pulse here for 8.
• Place left foot in front coming into 4th position on the left side and pulse for 8 counts.
• Return for 1st position. You can either stop here or repeat the entire series 2 or 3 more times!

There you have it. Get ready for those legs to be on fire! I hope you have a great rest of your Wednesday.

What is your favorite oats combination?

In health,

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Happy Happy Friday!

How's your Friday going so far? I love Fridays because I get to teach two barre classes and I'm usually done with work by noon. It's hard to beat that! :)

Since I have barre on the brain, I thought it was time for another barre breakdown. Today, I am going to take you through a side series that focuses on your outer thighs, glutes, and core.

Begin by placing your forearm on the barre and lifting up and out of your shoulder. You want to keep a long side body throughout the entire series (work those obliques). Lift leg slightly off the ground for your starting position.

Next, lift the leg up towards hip height keeping the foot flexed and leg straight. Make sure it stays directly out to the side. You don't want to hinge forward or backwards at the hip. Tighten through the core and keep a long side body. Lift and lower 16 times.


Placing your hand on your head increases the intensity of the work in your core. After you lift and lower 16x's, pulse the leg at the top for 16 repetitions.

Next, point your toe and draw little circles about the size of a tea cup with your leg. Make sure the movement is coming from your hip and not your ankle. It's important to keep your core extremely tight here. Circle 8x's in each direction.


Finally, kick your leg forward and backwards. Think about tightening your core as you kick forward and squeezing your glutes as you kick backwards. Only kick as far as you can in each direction without moving your upper body. Repeat 8x's in each direction.




Your leg should be nice and toasty by this point!

Side Series Recap:

• Lift and lower leg 16x's keeping forearm on the barre, foot flexed, and core tight.
• Pulse 16x's at the top of your lift, moving up and down about 1 inch in each direction.
• Point the toe, and draw little circles forward and backwards 8x's in each direction.
• Kick forward and back 8x's only as far as you can without moving your upper body.
• Repeat on the opposite leg.

Voila, another barre series under your belt. These are great for sneaking in a quick workout at home (you can use a counter top or chair as your barre) or adding to your existing workout.

For me, barre is definitely one of the most effective and comfortable workouts to do while pregnant. I can challenge myself without my baby bump getting in the way or fear of injury! As always, listen to your body and do what feels right for you. Feel free to email me at LaurenEGeorge@gmail.com with any comments or questions.

What is your favorite move in barre class?

Other moms-to-be, have you tried barre workouts yet?

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

In health,

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Howdy!

How is your Wednesday treating you so far? It's a cold, windy, day here is Austin. The kind that makes you want to cuddle up under a blanket with a big cup of coffee all day. I managed to crawl out from under my blanket for a TRX and Kettlebell HIIT workout followed a 35 minute power walk around the neighborhood with noodle legs. I enjoyed a big cup of coffee as soon as my workout was over! :)

Barre Breakdown #3- Flat Back Glute Work

This series targets your glutes and hamstrings. To Begin, place your forearms on the barre and your forehead right on top of your hands. Make sure you are pulling your shoulder blades down away from your ears and you are engaging through your abdominals. Keep a soft bend in your standing leg. Then, tap your right foot back behind you.

Lift and lower straight leg 16x's focusing on squeezing your glute and hamstring as you lift the leg. Hold leg up and pulse for 16. Next, draw small circles with your big toe about the size of a quarter in both directions 16x's.



Finally, bend the leg, pointing the toe up towards the ceiling. Pulse with a bent knee 16x's making sure your right hip bone stays pointing down at the ground.


Flat Back Glute Work Series:

• Lift and lower straight leg 16x's
• Pulse at the top 16x's
• Draw small circles 16x's in each direction
• Bend knee and pulse towards the ceiling 16x's

** Repeat everything on the left leg. Work up to 2-3 sets on each sides. **

I hope you enjoy! I'm off to run a few errands before my last barre class of the day! I hope you all have a happy healthy Wednesday!

In health,

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