It’s Friday and we’re talking fitness. Especially since we’re giving away an AWESOME Nordstrom Zella Mother/Daughter Set of ‘Live In’ Leggings! We’re getting cozy with one of our favorite barre instructors, Amity Whalen at Carolina Barre & Core. Amity is a fitness legend that has been on the QC circuit since 1998. She recently opened up her own studio and we couldn’t be more proud of her!
Amity, tell us how you got started in fitness.
I started teaching cycle in 1998 through MadDog Sports. Shortly after that I began teaching pilates and then yoga…. I was running a lot and needed ways to stretch and strengthen and not just get cardio. In 2010 I was introduced to barre classes — LOVED them!
Tell us what made you settle in barre & core.
I am so blessed to have a space that I can call my own and do my own thing. Opening Carolina Barre & Core allows me to teach everything I do and love in one place. I can tweak my barre classes and put a little spin on them, more stretching to help lengthen everything back out after hard work. I can add the elements of yoga and pilates that I have built my foundation on, while still making it cardio and intense. I can really build my class based on the needs of the guests.
What can a client expect in your barre class?
They can expect a well-rounded class that varies from day to day. They can expect me to get them into proper alignment so that they get the most out of the exercise while avoiding injury. They can expect it to be challenging and FUN at the same time!
What about yoga?
We have a few yoga classes a week here. They are built around core strengthening. I intended them to be taken in conjunction with the barre and sport classes as a gentler way to find core strength on an “off” day. Or they could be taken to supplement all other forms of exercise.
Sport fusion vs. barre fusion? How many calories will we burn? We want the SCOOP!
The Sport Class is a barre-less class. It is a little more cardio and uses a weighted medicine ball and dyna bands for resistance. I have never personally worn a heart rate monitor in these classes, but some of our guests have and have burned 500+ calories in a barre class and 600+ calories in the sport class.
What Smarty tips do you have for women trying to get into shape post kids?
Find a friend and do SOMETHING with consistency. Hold your friend accountable to doing something 5 days a week… even if you can’t get to a class each day. Find 2-3 days that you can, on the others, load up the kids and take a brisk walk. Or, go before your husband and kids get up. That is what works for me. 4:30 walks/runs/bikes and 5:30am classes. We have 5:30 classes M-F. 🙂
What is your favorite healthy restaurant in Charlotte?
I LOVE mexican food… not the healthiest… but, I try to eat wisely when I go. Cantina 1511 and Paco’s Tacos both have a great chopped salad and I LOVE the tavaru tacos at Cabo Fish Taco — with a side of fresh fruit! My mouth is watering now….
What is your go-to healthy snack on the go?
Raw Almonds and Honeycrisp apples this time of year.
You can find Carolina Barre & Core at:
Carolina Barre & Core
2901 Selwyn Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: 980.207.1046
Email: info@carolinabarre.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CarolinaBarreandCore
Twitter: @CarolinaBarre1
Thanks, Amity and our Smarty friends at Carolina Barre & Core!
