Back when I was 20 weeks pregnant, I had to supply The Bar Method Hoboken with a doctors note stating that I was able to keep up the work out. I didn't announce the news publicly yet and was still able to hide my little bump, but according to studio rules, I needed to start modifying certain exercises. I wasn't ready for that!
When I first moved from the city to Hoboken a little over four years ago, I was convinced that I was going to hate it. A typical New York attitude. Today, I can't express how much I absolutely love this little city and am so proud to call it home. Of course, I did my fair share of exploring and testing out all of the beauty and wellness offerings the town has to offer. While I still go to NYC for many of my services (see my round up of the best salons and spas in NYC here), I found some real talent in Hoboken. Here's my edit of the best of beauty and wellness in Hoboken.
Planking is hands down one of the best exercises you can do for your core, but it also strengthens and tones your back, glutes and shoulders. No matter what type of workout you're into, there's always room for a plank. During class at The Bar Method Hoboken, we do two planks and sometimes our teachers even sneak in a (much welcomed) third. Here, owners Melissa and Lucy share everything you need to know to make sure you're getting the most out of the exercise. From form to timing, we got you covered.
As a hardcore yogi and #barrebabe, I understand the importance of stretching in order to look and feel my best, however I find many of my friends and readers tell me they skip it before or after working out. When it comes to The Bar Method, I appreciate that the class strategically fits stretching exercise in between the tucks and pulses to compliment the toning movements. I spoke with Founders of The Bar Method Hoboken, Lucy and Melissa, to find out just how important stretching is during a barre class and in life.
Since doing this fitness column about The Bar Method, a lot of you have been asking common questions about the class, so I thought I'd do a post to answer them. Founders of the Hoboken studio, Lucia Almeida-Oliveira and Melissa Opsahl took the time to fill me in. Here, find out how long it takes to begin noticing results, truths about muscle bulking and how to integrate the practice into your fitness routine.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I partnered with The Bar Method in Hoboken to bring you unique barre-inspired fitness tips each month. First up, let's talk about our core. Back in the day, I used to crunch every chance I got in hopes of toning my abs, but it wasn't until I discovered barre workouts, that I understood the true secret – it's all about your exhale. Game changing. Here's the deal..
For this piece, I was inspired by this piece by my esthetician, Erica Cerpa, at EC Beauty Studio in Hoboken. We were talking about the best time to get a facial in order to prevent pre-period breakouts and just like that, a new story was born. I never thought about revolving my beauty treatments like facials, waxing, lasering, masking etc. around my hormone cycle, but trust me – it makes sense. Here's a timeline of the best time to treat yourself according to your cycle on Refinery29.
I'm excited to announce that starting next week, I'm joining the Pavana Yoga team in Hoboken and will be teaching on Mondays at 9:30am weekly. The studio is brand new, downtown and gorgeous. If you're into a Vinyasa flow class with intelligent alignment instruction and some light rock and roll (Kings of Leon, Pearl Jam, DMB, John Mayer...), then this one's for you. Hope to see you on the mat!
