let's talk about the tush

over the past couple of years "barre" classes have taken over like wildfires spreading all over southern california. the reason why these types of classes are so popular is because not only are they fun and allow people to work out like dancers - who, not coincidentally, have some beautiful behinds - these classes yield great results, especially when it comes to tushies.

well-conditioned behinds, formally and simply speaking, your gluteals - maximus, medius and minimus, are not only sexy but functionally very important. not only do round, toned, gravity-defying tushies look good, they help support our backs and keep our hips from tightening up. in addition, they stabilize our hips in cooperation with our abdominal core and are therefore crucial to maintain healthy postures as we go about our daily lives walking, standing, going up stairs, etc....

the main purpose of the gluteus maximus, the most well-known, outermost muscles of all the gluteals, is to extend the hip, i.e. when we bring a leg back when we walk. it also turns the leg outward and lifts it to the side. underneath the maximus, the medius helps bring the leg out to the side, turns it inward & outward; it pushes the hip forward and also flexes it (like when we bend over). the innermost the minimus also flexes the hip, helps pull the leg out to the side and also rotates it inward.

it's no wonder, therefore, that there are so many different ways to work these all important muscles. they move the leg in so many directions! and how often do we rely on our legs? all the time!! it might be easy to forget to condition them, letting fatty tissue in the area take over (ever heard of the phrase "secretary spread"?) as we spend so much time sitting - at our desks, in our cars, having dinner with friends, etc...but thankfully, there are many fun options in which we can get them nice and healthy.

so now you know a little more about what's "behind" you, get up off of it and find a class near you (mine are at the equinox club in west hollywood on friday mornings at 9a). your back, hips and not to mention, your significant other, will be very happy you did!

barre burning it at equinox west hollywood

happy holidays all! i’ve been having the time of my life this last quarter, with fantastic new clients, new class programs and new schedule that includes a barre burn class at equinox west hollywood!

as described by the club, it’s a “total body workout that slims your hips, tightens your thighs, lifts your seats and mobilizes your metabolism. utilizing ballet movements, intelligent isometrics, challenges in rhythm, range of motion and progressive core training, your body heals, tightens, strengthens, so you look, feel and move better!”

the class definitely lives up to this description so i hope people who are looking for something new to do can come check it out and stick with it!

if you want to condition your body into straight up sexiness and learn how those dancers move with such strength and ease, then this class is for you! i share my background and lifelong love of commercial dance with everyone in class and will help you get there. we use the same foundational moves in pilates that are based in low resistance, precision, flow, control and long lines. we add some dynamic level changes (like high kicks and jumps) for more core destabilizing. it’s only 45 minutes so everyone gets in their cardio and their sculpting “burn” in at the same time.

friday morning workouts are meant to be fun. weekly attendance will get you strong, limber, poised and ready for that photo shoot or in shape for that long-overdue beach trip! come check us out at #equinoxfitness west hollywood 9am this friday, december 16^th for the last class of the year. we get to start back up again January 6, 2012. see you soon!