A new year is full of possibilities, inspiring people to make changes to their lives. Lists are made, goals are set, and there is a sense of energy and excitement. One of the top resolutions on almost every list has to do with getting fit and healthy. The first of the year finds gyms and studios packed with people ready to crush their goals. But that optimism that feeds the desire for change on Jan.1 often wanes by the end of the month, and many people find themselves falling back on old habits. Why do so many people fail to stick to their resolutions? Maybe they aren’t setting SMART goals. No ..read more

Most people assume the holidays are the most challenging time of year to stay on top of your fitness game. We disagree. Sure, it’s a time filled with yummy foods, festive parties, and family gatherings, but the holidays only last one or two weeks. Summer is another story. It’s the time of year when many of us, especially those with young children, have our routines disrupted for nearly three months. And while we look forward to fun in the sun, drinks by the pool, cookouts, ice cream, and family vacations, we don’t look forward to the disruption in our favorite Smart Barre and Pilates workout r ..read more

It’s a ten-day celebration, and the whole city will be there! That’s right, Fiesta® is upon us, and it’s filled with parades, parties, mariachis, and margaritas. In other words, plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, and be festive. Before you put on your flower crown and hit the streets, we have a few tips to help you enjoy all the fun without sacrificing your fitness goals. Yes, believe it or not, it is possible to enjoy Fiesta® while staying fit. It just takes a little planning. Fuel Up Before You Fiesta…with healthy snacks. If you know you are hopeless against the fried turkey leg at NIOSA ..read more

The words “tighten,” “engage,” or “activate your core” are a regular part of a Smart Barre and Pilates class. But do you really understand what your instructor means? If you think “core” is interchangeable with “abs,” you aren’t alone. Many think “engage your core” equates to “suck in your belly.” While it’s true that your abs and obliques are part of the equation, your core encompasses so much more. All the deep muscles that attach to the spine and pelvis make up your core, including your hips and lower back. And while a tight, toned tummy is a happy bonus, core work isn’t just about getting ..read more

February is the month of love, and while we are quick to show love to our spouses, partners, friends, and children, we often forget to show love to ourselves. Instead, many of us (myself included) fall into the “I’ll love myself when…” trap. I’ll love myself more when I reach my goal weight. I’ll love myself more when I can zip up my favorite jeans. I’ll love myself more when I make more money, get that promotion, when, when, when. Setting those goals is great, but what about loving yourself now and along each step toward reaching them? Several years ago, a friend was getting back into the gym ..read more

We are just over one month into 2023 and continue seeing new faces in our Smart Barre and Pilates studios weekly. As instructors, nothing makes us happier because we know you will love the workout and the results. However, we also understand that being the “new kid in class” can be intimidating. Let’s be honest—looking at a SmartFormer machine for the first time can be a little daunting, am I right? Here’s a secret: you’re not alone! Every single person in your class (including the instructor) stepped onto a SmartFormer machine or took their spot a the barre for the first time once, too. They ..read more