Five for Friday

In all the chaos of last week — Bon Jovi! Fitbloggin’! — I never got a chance to tell you about my foray into the new trend in fitness…

Ballet Barre.

I was invited to a media preview of Orlando’s new studio, barre54, and I’m thrilled that I went.

What is barre54?

barre54 is Orlando’s first fitness studio dedicated to the ballet barre workout. barre54 offers a full body, cardiovascular workout fusing yoga, pilates and ballet. Each 54-minute class features high-energy music and a mix of isometric exercises and orthopedic stretches that challenges every muscle in the body, creating long, lean, supple muscles and strong, sculpted physiques.

I feel squidgy saying this — but I didn’t love it. I loved the studio and the adorable instructor. I loved the burn in my legs (that workout was HARD!) and I loved the quiet calm of the studio.

It’s just not the right fit for me. I know lots of people love this combo of workouts, and while I like yoga, I’ve never been a huge pilates fan. I think it’s something about quieting my mind.

I can absolutely recommend the studio for others, and I can promise you that it packs a wallop of a workout in 54 minutes.

But I’ll stick with:

• Aerial Silks (as seen on Meals and Miles’ on Izon Orlando!)
• Pole Dancing
• Dance Trance
• Running & Triathlons

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O.P.P. (Other People’s Posts)

1. All of the Fitbloggin’ 2011 Recaps (via Fitbloggin’ and NO I don’t care that it’s cheating)

2. Help a Homeless Dad in Joplin (via Wannabe Athlete)

3. What a Blogger Can Learn From Oprah (via Baby Rabies)

4. A Sick Freelancer’s Guide to Health Insurance (via JenFul)

5. You Can (via Beneath It All)

#FollowFriday

This week, my #FF is in tribute to some of my new Fitbloggin’ blends!

1. @Krazy_Kris: Her name says it all — plus, we “K” girls have to unite! She is so adorable, full of energy and seems to light up every room she walks into.

2. @lifelynstyle: My peanut butter pal. This genius bought peanut butter to share with the breakfast table — instant buddies. Plus, she’s sweet and so humble. I could learn a few things.

3. @FitandFreeEmily: My shoe exchange pal! Emily had to give up her gorgeous high heels because they didn’t fit, so her Great Clothing Exchange loss was my gain! GGX is an amazing project, so go check it out.

4. @foodiemcbody: I was so privileged to see her one-woman show on Friday night (along with the amazingly funny yet emotional @paolo) and was so, so touched. Her journey is sad but funny, and it REALLY spoke to me.

5. @DubyaWife: She actually introduces herself as “DubyaWife” which cracks me up. The smile and emotion on her face after she finished her very first 5K made me cry!

Photos

Funny Terms People Searched and Found My Blog

1. frogs on windows

2. social media titles

3. bacon birthday

4. cut the cable cord

5. Plank of the week