Howdy!

I hope you're Tuesday is treating you well so far. Minestarted off sweaty a fabulous with a 6 AM Pilates Mat class, 7 AM Barre Express class, and 9 AM Barre class. I had such a great crew this morning and we had a blast getting sweaty and foggy up the windows. Well, at least I know I did. Hopefully, they did as well! I would be lying if I didn't tell you I was pooped after three back to back classes. An awesome playlist is the most essential element for teaching when you are a bit tired or really any early morning class if you ask me. Music can make all the difference in the world when it comes to a great class!

If you were to ask my students what my favorite song is, they would tell you that I have a new favorite every week!  Totally true! I just love discovering new songs and coming up with choreography to match. I've had people ask me in the past if music is really that important for a good class, and the answer is always YES! There are so many proven benefits to working out with music, and when it comes down to it, it's just MORE FUN!

• Synchronization of movements - According to Dr. Carl Foster, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin, “You can go all the way back to rowers on the Roman Galleys. The guy is sitting there beating on his drum and he drives the basic rhythm of the rowing. Part of that is coordination – you want the rowers to row together – but part of it is that people will naturally follow a tempo. It’s just something about the way our brains work.” There isn 't a fitness instructor out there who doesn't love when the whole class is moving together in unison. It just brings such an energy to the class!
• Provide a positive distraction from exercise induced discomfort. We all know a great song can make or break us when our legs are shaking and our quadriceps are burning! 
• Music makes exercise more enjoyable - Professor Costas Karageorghis, Ph.D., from London’s Brunel University School of Sport and Education states, “[Music] can reduce the perception of effort significantly and increase endurance by as much as 15 percent.” I was using David Guetta's "Hey Mama" song in my barre class recently, and it was literally one of the hardest sets I've done in a while, but I just LOVED  that stinkin' song so I actually looked forward to it every class. 
• Helps students “get in the zone” or let go of outside distractions and focus on the moment. You've all been in class when your jam comes on and you think to yourself, "I am totally about to kill it right now." Your eyes start to focus, your head may bob to the beat, and you take it to that next level. Katy Perry "Black Horse" anyone! That song does it for me every time! 
• Improves mood - When it comes right down to it, and great song can just make you smile. Maybe it reminds you of a happy memory, you love to sing along with it, or it just makes you want to dance. Regardless, when a great song comes on, you just can't help but work a little harder. 

In unrelated Annabelle news, baby girl is finally learning how to hold her own bottle. Kara, our wonderful babysitter at ToddPilates, snapped this picture for me during class today. What a big girl!


I hope you all have an amazing rest of your Tuesday! Stay warm!

What is your favorite song on your workout playlist right now? 

In health,

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Howdy!

It's time for Thinking Out Loud Thursday my friends. This one is going to get a little random (in a good way) so hold on for the ride!

Whew! It's Thursday at 11:00 AM CST as I write this, and I am officially pooped. On Thursday mornings, I teach three classes back to back (6 AM Pilates, 7 AM Barre, and 9 AM Barre). I absolutely love it, and wouldn't want to change a thing about it, but boy am I pooped afterwards. It definitely reminds me I'm not in college anymore. :) I used to teach three classes in a day without even thinking twice about it. All three of my classes this morning kicked some serious cupcakes (aka booty in Lauren speak). By the time they were all finished, I was drenched in sweat (just how I like it)! How can three little pieces of equipment induce so much beautiful sweat?


I am using Pitbull's new son "Fun" right now in class for a curtsy lunge song and 1) I love the song and 2) it is making my booty live in a perpetual state of soreness. Pitbull for the win!



As always, Belle had a party at Pilates too and came home exhausted. She fell right to sleep for her nap as soon as we got home (let's all say a little prayer she doesn't wake up now since I just typed that). We have babysitting at the studio during certain classes (i.e. all of mine), and Belle absolutely loves playing with/watching the other kids! I think it has really helped her blossom into a complete social butterfly. Side note... does anyone else's kiddos bibs always swing to the side like this? Some times, I'll look down at her and she'll have managed to swing it all the way around her neck like she is wearing a cape instead of a bib. Silly girl!


So while the rest of the country is digging their way out of the snow, Austin is completely ignoring the fact that it is winter! Before anyone gets mad at me for complaining about beautiful weather, I AM NOT. I promise. LOL  It has been gorgeous here the last few days, and Belle and I have taken advantage of it with afternoon walks as much as possible (aka trying to distract her from her teething pain and fussing). However, I am a little sad that all of my super cute sweaters are just withering away in my closet collecting dust. You win some you lose some I guess. We will be enjoying the sun again today with an afternoon walk if little bit cooperates.



That's about all I have for this wonderful Thinking Out Loud Thursday, but I do want to leave you with a great inspirational quote I saw yesterday. It was a great reminder for me to always try to be a doer instead of just a talker!


How did you get your sweat on today?

Fellow mommies, any skin products you swear by while you were pregnant or breastfeeding?

In health,

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Happy Friday!

It's below freezing here in Austin, so of course everything shut down again. This means, I got to sleep in until 7:30 AM! Pure bliss! Luckily, we opened back up in time for my 11 AM Barre class. Everyone else seemed ready to get their workout on as well, because we had a packed house. I loved it. I feel so blessed to get to teach such amazing and fun students every day. :)

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Speaking of Barre, I wanted to share an article with you I wrote for MyGroupFit.com on music selection. Many people think that all Pilates classes have to be performed to classical music, or no music at all, and that is simply not true. In this article, I share how I use music to energize my class, create flow, and keep the class synchronized.

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If you teach Pilates, Barre, or really any group exercise class, check it out and let me know what you think! Need some great songs to get you started? Check out my Pilates and Barre playlists below. You can always find my most up-to-date playlists on my playlists page.






If you are a group exercise instructor, do you spend a lot of time on your music for class?

As a participant in group exercise classes, how much does music make a difference in your experience?

It's time to get a few things done around the house before the weekend officially begins. This weekend will be our only weekend in Austin this month so we have to make the most of it! What are you guys up to this weekend?

In health,

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Howdy There!

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty fantastic! We made a quick trip down to College Station, and then spent most of Sunday out at the flag football fields for E's city league team. It was so great to get to spend a little bit of time with my family! I feel like my siblings are growing up so fast. I remember them looking like this.....

....and now my Bubba (aka Bryan, the red head in the pictures) is WAY taller than me and Blake (the gangsta in the red above) will be taller than me soon. It's crazy! Brooke and I went to get our nails done together yesterday, and the people at the nail salon asked us who was the older sister! I thought, "What, how is that even a question? I have her by like 8 years!!!" They grow up so fast!

Speaking of growing up, there are a lot of changes happening in E and my life right now (more details later), and when I came across this quote I felt like someone upstairs was talking directly to me.

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We can all use a little reminder from time to time to just sit back and enjoy the ride, wherever it might take us!
I teach a class every Thursday called Dance Cardio Party, and it is one of my favorite classes. It is taught in a similar fashion to Zumba; however, I use whatever music moves me that week. I love having the creative freedom to use any songs and to choreograph the dances the way I like. I seriously look forward to this class every week. I had it on the brain tonight because I was searching around for new songs to add to the playlist for this week. Here is what I have so far:

Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Dance Again (feat. Pitbull) - Jennifer Lopez
Crank It Up (feat. Akon)
David Guetta & Akon
Move That Body - Nelly, Akon & T-Pain
Move Shake Drop - DJ Laz, Flor Rida & Casely
Proud Mary (Glee Cast Version) - Glee Cast
Throw Your Hands Up (feat. Rihana) - Elephant Man
Descontrol - Daddy Yankee
Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5
Suave (feat. Mohombi & Pitbull) - Nayer

I am absolutely loving J Lo's new song Dance Again! It has a fantastic beat and is a definite crowd pleaser! :)



Does anyone else teach hip hop or zumba classes? I would love any music suggestions your may have!! I love all kinds of muic and especially love throwing in oldies from time to time!

I hope you all have a fabulous day!

How was your weekend?

What song makes you want to dance like there is no tomorrow?

In health,

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Howdy Friends!
How was your Monday? Mine was pretty fantastic. I was still feeling a little under the weather, but both of my classes rocked the house so that pretty much made my day. Piloxing was fantastic, and I had so much fun in Zumba I thought I was going to float right off the ground. By the end of the class, I was absolutely dripping in sweat and my arms and legs both felt like noodles. My class sure knows how to party! This song got us all rocking!!



Since I had music on the brain, I came home and got to work on my next cycle playlist. I think the right music can totally make or break a cycle class. This workout is full of high energy songs that are sure to keep you going. Even if you don't teach cycle, you can take this workout with you to the gym and do it on a bike yourself!

Let me know if you try it out! I hope you like it!

The sun is out in full force around here and Champ is soaking it up every chance he gets! We definitely need to find him some doggie sunglasses so he can stop squinitng. Anyone know where I can find some? :)


My sweet hubby surprised me with these beauties the other day. Stargazer lillies are my absolute favorite and they just scream Spring to me. Our entire house smells amazing right now!


Love them!! Aren't they breathtaking?
What song is on repeat on your iPod right now?
In health,

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Happy Friday Friends!!

I hope you all had a wonderful week! This weekend I will be attending a Pilates Apparatus III training! After this training, I will only have 2 trainings left until I can take my test to become a fully certified Balanced Body Pilates trainer!!! Whoop!!! I have absolutely loved every training so far, and I am looking forward to learning some really advanced moves this weekend since it is a level three training! :) We start at 2:00pm today, so it will be a busy day, but I wanted to leave you with a few jams for the weekend.
I absolutely love dancing and therefore some of my favorite classes to teach are Dance Cardio Party and Zumba! :) There are a few songs that I have been using lately that I just LOVE so I thought I would share them with you. Maybe you can use them in your class if you teach, or you can just jam out to them on your own. After all we all need to.......

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from time to time right? So here are my current faves! :) Enjoy!









Anybody dancing in their living rooms yet? What is your current favorite JAM? :)

Have a fabulous Friday and weekend!

In health?

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Howdy There!

How has your week been so far? Mine is shaping up pretty nicely. It has been busy and quite sweaty. I taught 3 classes on Monday (Cardio Barre, Piloxing, and Cycle), and 3 on Tuesday (Piloxing, cycle, and core) plus I took a Pilates reformer class each day! I love teaching such a wide variety of classes! It keeps everything fun and fresh.
Speaking of fun, my cycle class yesterda was a blast! We had a fairly full house and my new playlist was rocking if I do say so myself. The songs may look a little random at first, but it is great when you have a mixture of ages and tastes in your class. My goal is always to have a little something for everyone. Check it out!

Even if you don't teach cycle, you could do this workout on your own at the gym or use the playlist to bust a move on any cardio machine you would like.

I'm off to study for my Pilates certification this weekend! :) I can't wait.

Do you teach cycle? If so, what is your favorite cycle song?

If you don't teach cycle, what's your favorite song to workout to?

In health,

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Happy Thursday!

How are you today? I'm doing pretty dang good! Almost all of the presents are wrapped for Christmas.

The stockings are hung. Isn't Champ's cute in the middle? (Forgive the blue glow from the TV. Apparently the TCU, La Tech game is much more important than my picture!)


Most of the baking is done (well kind of, it's never really done). The weather is fabulous. Crisp, cool, and the trees are absolutely gorgeous!


Christmas is definitely in the air, and I love it! I can't wait to get home and see my friends a family.

What do you think of the new blog header? I felt like it was time for a change. The background is a picture of White Rock Lake which is my absolute favorite place in Dallas. I pound the pavement around that beautiful lake multiple times a week. How lucky am I? The lake is so peaceful yet full of positive energy all at the same time. When I was deciding on how to design my new blog header, I knew I wanted to include the lake. :) I hope you like it!

So I am usually about 3 years behind every technology trend, but I finally learned how to use intstagram today! I had no idea it was so freaking easy. I mean seriously, why haven't I been using this for months. Check out some of my experiments.




I see a new obsession in my future! Hahaha. If you have an iphone and haven't downloaded instagram (it's free by the way), do it today! You can make pictures that are just bleh cute and fun with three clicks of a button. Beyond cool!

How did you get your sweat on today? I taught a little Dance Cardio Party and Yogalates. My new favorite DCP song is SWEAT by Casely (featuring Lil John and Machel Montano). Take a listen!



Are you ready for Christmas?

In health,

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Happy Hump Day!

How is your week going so far?? Sweaty and amazing I hope! :) Yesterday was definitely a sweaty one for me! I taught my normal kickboxing class at 8:00am, a rocking cycle class at noon (more on that in a minute), and than a core class at 5:00pm. I also had the opportunity to attend an amazing pilates reformer class. Even thought I was a bit tired, I could not pass up an opportunity to take a class from such a wonderful instructor. In the afternoon, I found out that one of my instructors was sick so I ended up teaching her kids hip hop class and then her zumba class. Needless to say, when 7:30pm rolled around I was super sweaty and super tired! :)

So back to that cycle class. I found inspiration for my cycle class today from one of my favorite Schwinn Master Trainers, Julz Arney. Every Monday she posts a cycle workout complete with music, and intensity suggestions! Julz always has the best music, and it is so nice to get new ideas from one of the best in the business. Here is the workout I adapted slightly for my cycle class yesterday.

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If you teach indoor cycling, or just love amazing music, you should definitely friend Julz on facebook or follow her on twitter @julzarney. Did I mention she does this every Monday?! You can download a great new class every week! :) Thanks Julz!

Have you entered my Shabby Apple Necklace giveaway yet?? If not, what are you waiting for? The winner will be announced on Monday!


Where do you g for music inspiration?

How did you get your sweat on today?

In health,

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Happy  Thursday!

How are you today? I want to start this post by sending out a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little brother (although his almost taller than me) brother Bryan! He's the handsome red head in the picture below. Happy Birthday Bryan! I love you! :) 

Thank you for all of you encouraging words regarding parenting a baby pup! I need all the help I can get. Yesterday, I took my final in my summer school class so E and Champ took me to TCBY to celebrate. It's only about 1/2 a mile away so we decided to walk over there and back. After many stops to sniff foreign objects and watch cars drive by, we finally made it. We got Champ a little glass of water which he enjoyed eating rather than drinking, but whatever makes him happy!


I told you on Tuesday that I had a blast in cycle with a great new playlist! I did my training run to the same playlist this morning, and it really pumped me up. Good music is so incredibly motivating. This playlist has a little old, a little new and a lot of fun! Check it out:


I hope you love it! I'm off to finish choreographing my Dance Cardio Party Class for tomorrow. Wish me luck!

What song are you jamming out to right now?

In health,

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Howdy!!

How are you all today?

I was MIA yesterday because I was struck down by a massive headache in the late afternoon and had to hit the hay early. Sometimes I feel like my headaches just sneak up on me from no where and sucker punch me right in the face! I would seriously trade just about anything to never experience a headache again in my life! Ok, enough complaining.

I teach cycle every Tuesday, and although I love me some Lady GaGa, Kesha, and Black Eyed Peas, I know some of my participants do not share my same taste in music. I try to mix things up every once a while, and last week I felt like a throw back playlist was just what the doctor ordered! When I sat down at my computer, I thought I would use all 80's songs; however, the 90's hits just kept popping off of my computer screen and into my ipod. I mean, who doesn't love the 90's?? NSync, New Kids, on the Block, LFO, and The Backstreet Boys, what more could a girl ask for? Don't worry, I resisted the urge to fill my playlist with these heart throbs. I did not think my male students would much appreciate that!

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Even without the beloved boy bands of the 90's, there was no shortage of high energy tunes to choose from! Our hearts were pumping, our legs were flying, and my students were smiling! These three things combine for an amazing class. Even if you don't teach cycle, this playlist would make a great companion for your next run or elliptical sweat session!


Now, I must leave you with my all time favorite Backstreet Boys love song. I can still remember the day I went to a Backstreet Boys concert way back in 4th grade! I was in LOVE with Brian. (Yes, you have permission to laugh!) I hope these guys brighten your day! :)




Q's and A's:
What is your favorite era for music?
Altime favorite Boy Band?

In health,

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Hello There!

How are you today? I hope you had a terrific Tuesday and everyone is adjusting to their work schedule again. It's crazy to me that it is already Wednesday.

Yesterday was a sweat filled day for me. I taught a boot camp at 6:00am, and kickboxing and barre (yes like the ballet barre) class at 8:00am, cycle at noon, and a core class at 5:00pm. I was at work for over 12 hours and it flew by because I was so busy in between classes.

It was my first time to teach the kickboxing and barre class, and I loved it. The class format consists of high energy kickboxing choreography combined with ballet inspired exercises like plies, leg sweeps, and leg lifts done holding on to a body bar (a weighted bar) instead of a ballet bar. We also pick the bar up from time to time to incorporate our upper body. It might sound a little strange, but let me tell you it is a killer workout!!! I was absolutely sweating buckets by the end of it and my quadriceps are already showing signs of being sore. :)

This move tightens your tush it no time flat! (source)

I was beyond excited for my noon cycle class because I put together an awesome throw back playlist with songs from the early 1990's. This playlist is perfect for cycling, running, or sweating it out on the elliptical or stair master!


If you try it out be sure to let me know what you think! Do you take indoor cycling classes? If so, what is your favorite type of music to listen to? I am always looking for new music, so I would appreciate any suggestions you might have!

Something to Read:

Does Exercise Make You Smarter?
Does Music Make You Exercise Harder?

Q's & A's:
Do you listen to music while you exercise?
What type of music motivates you the most?

In health,

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Howdy!

How are you today? Did you have a good Monday?

I am excited to report that I felt surprisingly good yesterday despite running my legs off on Sunday. I taught a step class in the morning and then a strength training class in the afternoon. Weirdly enough, the only thing that is sore is my right (yep only my right) quadricep. I'm not sure why only the right one is sore, but it is.

While driving home today, I was feeling pretty stressed out about work and school. I have quite a few large papers due soon and work is just busy as always. I was going over everything in my head and becoming more stressed out by the second when this song came on and put everything in perspective.



It was like God was trying to tell me something (don't worry, I was listening). I was literally so moved by the song that I was crying within seconds. I'm not talking about a few little tears, but full on runny nose, elephant tears rolling down my face, hard to catch my breath sobbing. I'm sure the guy next to me at the stop light must have thought something truly awful had just happened. The part about the guy's wife almost sent me over the edge. This song came on at the absolute perfect time. No matter how stressful things get, there are people out there in the world going through much worse and all you can do is focus on all of the things you have to be thankful for. In the grand scheme of things, what I was stressing about is really not that big of a deal! Thank you Craig Morgan.

Speaking of inspiring songs, I love Sara Evans new song "A Little Bit Stronger." Although she is talking about getting over a guy, I think it can really apply to anything that is getting you down. Any obstacles you have to overcome make you stronger in the end if you choose to learn from them and push on. You are all extremely strong, and if you ever need to be reminded of that, simply turn this song on and belt it out at the top of your lungs. I promise it will make you feel better :)



There are so many songs out there that make me laugh, cry, smile, think and inspire me that I could never list them all!

What song inspires you or helps you keep life in perspective?

In health,

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Happy Friday!

I hope everyone had a good Friday, and is ready to have a fabulous weekend! I am lucky enough to get to teach quite a bit of yoga over the next few weeks, so I have been collecting yoga songs on my ipod. Raquel asked if I would share my favorite yoga songs, so here they are! These songs are not only great for yoga instructors, but for anyone who wants a little music to help them relax. I have this playlist on a CD, and I listen to it on my commute home to help me relax after work! There's nothing like belting out a little Leona on the way home to help you melt the stress away!

My Favorite Yoga/Relaxing  Songs:

• The Nearness of You- Norah Jones
• Let it Be- Jennifer Hudson (from the Hope for Haiti Now CD)
• Dreaming with a broken heart- John Mayer
• I'll Stand By You- Shakira (Hope for Haiti Now)
• Stay with you- John Legend
• Don't know why- Norah Jones
• Breathless- Taylor Swift (Hope for Haiti Now)
• The long day is over- Norah Jones
• Footprints in the sand- Leona Lewis
• The Luckiest- Ben Folds
• Come away with me- Norah Jones
• Lean on Me- Sheryl Crow, & Kid Rock
• Feels like home- Chantal Kreviazuk
• The Heart of Life- John Mayer
• Lift Me Up- Christina Aquilera
• The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face- Leona Lewis
• What a wonderful world- Eva Cassidy

I hope you enjoy these songs, and have an amazing weekend!

Food for thought:
What are your favorite songs on your ipod right now?
If you teach yoga, or do yoga on your own, what songs do you love to listen to?

Yours truly,

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