Over the past few months, I've grown to not only love the workout (ok, I'll admit sometimes it's a love/hate, but totally worth the end result), but the instructors are just as amazing! This month I'm featuring Allise, who's infectious personality and love for barre makes taking her class fun (highly recommend her Barre Cardio class, which she created)!
I recently had the chance to interview one of my favorite instructors (they're all fab, btw), and found out she's "just like us!"
You are amazing, and have such a passion for Pink Barre! How did you get connected with the studio?
A: Well, long story short, I met a guy! I owned a barre studio in Tallahassee and when we got married I decided to sell the studio and move to Atlanta to be with my husband. I tried all the studios out to see where I fit in and here I am! Pink Barre is like my family.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is something that's super important for me. In between work, working out, teaching class, and socializing -- how do you juggle it all?
A: I think it is important just to listen to your body and learn how to sometimes say “no." I struggle with the second part of that sentence every single day! Luckily, teaching barre classes gives me the opportunity to get paid to be active. I love barre and that is my happy hour. I get to socialize with my friends and gossip…it is just a healthier type of happy hour!
In between being a real estate agent, Pink Barre instructor, wife, and the list goes on -- what do you eat throughout the day to keep you going?
A: My diet is a WIP (work in progress). My husband has Celiac’s Disease, so he can’t eat any gluten. And we recently started working on limiting complex carbs out of our diet too, because of health reasons. I am learning a lot about eating five smaller meals a day and keeping a very level diet. It is so hard because I grew up eating anything and everything I wanted. Basically it consists of lots of meats, fruit, veggies, yogurt, nuts, etc. I am obsessed with acai bowls right now! I love Detox and Kale Me Crazy, but I think Jamba Juice has my favorite bowls. I try to cook dinner as much as I can, but I keep it simple or I will talk myself out of cooking all together if it takes more than 25 minutes.
We all have that one vice, again with the issue of balance, what's yours?
A: Ummm, just one? I have like ten…or more. I can’t go very long without lattes, wine and chocolate. I am human, after all.
I love your Barre Cardio class! How would you explain the difference between Barre Classic and Barre Cardio?
A: Barre Cardio is killer! It has a lot more full range motion and it is non-stop. There is no need for a recovery day with a Barre Classic class, but I would suggest taking a recovery day with Barre Cardio. Barre Cardio was designed by me and I designed it to be only taken once (maybe twice) a week as an addition to your weekly barre routine. It is a blast though!!
What do you love most about Pink Barre?
A: I think that Pink Barre has the best personalities, not just the employees but the clients as well. I love being in a room full of chatty girls and the energy is just infectious! No one is perfect, and we don’t claim to be. Tara, the founder, really strives to be the best in the community, and it’s not for the money, it is to help people love their body!
With the society we live in today, image is everything. And as women, we place a huge amount of pressure on how we present ourselves. How do you choose to inspire those who take your classes?
A: OMG, Instagram is a nightmare right? You can’t scroll too far and not see a picture of Kayla Itsines, TIU girls, and other unrealistic bodies in tiny outfits. First of all, who is really that tan? Second, have you seen what they eat (or not eat)? But in all seriousness, your appearance is only a small part of your health. Being happy and enjoying your life is much more. Like once wise person said, “Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don’t shoot their husbands”. : )
You mentioned your vice earlier, so where is your favorite spot in Atlanta to indulge?
A: My husband and I frequent Menchie’s…so many options, so little cup!
In addition to Pink Barre, do you workout outside of teaching those classes? If so, how many times a week?
A: I LOVE walking. My friend Carrie and I try to walk twice a week. Sometimes we run, but walking is more enjoyable…it is a fast walk though! I love kickboxing, I try to go once a week to get all of my aggression out. I feel like such a badass after!
For those ladies who are on their journey to creating a healthy lifestyle, what words of encouragement would you give them?
A: Probably the most important thing is to remember that not everything is a competition, but if you are competitive like me then look at your life as a marathon and not a sprint. Slow and steady, and it’s okay to stop and take a break every once in awhile! And like I said before, no one is perfect!!!!
Huge thank you to Allise for being a part of this fun series for Pink Barre! If you're interested in joining me for a class, e-mail me or leave a comment below.
XO,
Kel
