In preparation for teaching a baby-wearing barre class at my studio, I was on the hunt for a secure, but also cute, baby carrier that would be perfect for working out in. I connected with Tayler of Wildbird and we decided to make a video of barre exercises that you can do while wearing your baby in her slings.
We had so much fun during this shoot! Applause to my oh-so-talented and creative #instagramhusband.
If you're local to Orange County, we will be officially launching our Rock A Barre Baby class at Meraki Barre in Costa Mesa, CA on April 6. The class will be on Wednesday and Saturday at 12pm. It's going to be so much fun! Not only will you get an amazing workout that you get to bring your baby to, but its also going to be a great way to meet other moms in our community! More details are coming very very soon, but for more info now check out our IG @rockabarrebaby, and website merakibarre.com
ALSO. I will be teaching a FREE preview class at the Nike store at Fashion Island in Newport Beach on April 2 at 2:00pm. Come! And also tell all your mama friends!
But, if you're not local and happen to be super duper motivated to do these exercises by yourself without an instructor yelling at you, you can do them at home!
As always, when trying these exercises yourself, listen to your body. If something hurts, either don't do it, or check your form to make sure it's correct. I'll outline each exercise in as much detail as I can.
First, grab a chair, counter top, or anything sturdy that stands about waist level.
1. The arabesque
This is one of my favorite moves for back + butt. There's a ton of different things you can do here.
Setup: start in first position (heels together, toes out), both knees bent in a plié (making sure knees track straight over the toes, tailbone tucked, and chest lifted). Extend one leg behind, keeping it straight and turned out. In this position you can (8-10 reps each):
- tap and lift: lower leg all the way down and then lift as high as you can, keeping the chest lifted and standing leg bent.
- Pulse up: lifting the leg at your highest point, pulse it up in tiny movements, activating the glutes even more.
- Circles: keeping the leg as high as you can, tiny circles out, then tiny circles in. It's important to keep these movements as small as possible.
- Hold. As high as you can for as long as you can. Shoot for at least 30 seconds. Then straighten your standing leg and let go of your support and try to balance.
2. The plié in 1st and 2nd
Set up: 1st position, heels together, toes out. For safety, as you plie, keep your knees tracking straight over your toes, tailbone tucked.
2nd position: legs wide, toes out, heels in.
Plié and lift. Pulse. Wing your hips. Tuck your tailbone forward and back. Pulse the knees back.
2nd position. Repeat above in second position.
3. The battement
Starting from either 1st or 5th position, battement (kick) your leg to the front as high as you can without kicking your baby. Repeat to the side and to the back. Focus on keeping your chest high, back straight, abs engaged, and legs straight. This exercise is purposed to get your heart rate going, while also lengthening and strengthening your quadriceps and hip flexors.
Front
Side
Back
After repeating this series a few times, try extend in the leg to the side adding some pulses upward, tiny circle forward and back, passé and extend.
4. The leaning tower of Pisa (couldn't think of another name)
This exercise engages your core as well as the quads.
Setup: toes touching and knees a little wider than your hips, keeping a tucked tailbone and plank-like position of the torso.
Slowly lower your torso toward your feet and lift back up. You can also pulse here, lowering to your lowest point then pulsing.
Twists. Keeping the correct form, twist and reach to your foot. Alternate sides.
6. Passé series
Starting from a simple first position, plie, then draw the toes up to the knee in a passé, and come back down to a plie then repeat.
In this position you can lower the heel and lift it, activating the calf muscle. Also try pulsing your heel for an intense burn.
Pretty simple, right? I mean, nothing beats a barre class where you can't give up in the middle of an exercise because you don't want to look stupid (especially as the instructor), but if you're short on time and a babysitter, these are some great simple workouts you can do anytime to boost up your energy and get rid of that mom butt (not that you have one).
And now for the pictures.
