Will she meet the FlyBarre Challenge?

I don’t exercise. I am the girl with all the friends who exercise. I cheer from the sidelines, walk the 5K, don’t run, jazzercise, aerobicise, do bootcamps, crosstrain, FlyWheel or FlyBarre and the 13.1 or 26.2 sticker would stand for all the reasons I don’t do those things. I am not opposed to exercise, I grew up playing basketball and volleyball and am a sport enthusiast. I have done my fair share of suicides, wall sits, backboard or net touches and windsprints. I even did the weightlifting in the back of the stinky 1960’s locker room. Somewhere between college and my 40th birthday, working out just disappeared from my list of priorities.

My Smarty friends have long known about my lack of exercise habit and it had become something of a running joke. Then came the FlyBarre Challenge. “Come on Court, we are all doing it, support the team!” With some reluctance, I agreed.

Day 1 of the challenge, I met my coach, set some goals and was measured. They showed me how to operate my locker, grab some weights, a towel and how to find my mat. I was on a mat at the front of the room, next to the instructor and in front of Barre pro, Jen P. The music began, the instructor started the warmup and my journey began.

There were moments that I felt like torture would be a kind word for what my body was being put through. Guantanamo should use FLyBarre to get the prisoners to talk, 10 minutes in they would all sing like canaries. The big surprise, I LOVED it! I went from no exercise to working out four days a week. If I didn’t work out, my energy level was lower and I just didn’t feel the same. I began sleeping better and the best part was the changes in my body.

My goal was not to lose weight but to improve my overall health, tone my body and just get in shape. After 6 weeks of working out 4 days a week, I lost 4 1/4 inches from my waist, 2 1/4 inches from my hips, 1 1/2 from my thighs and 1/2 from my arms. I feel incredible and have become addicted. I am even adding FlyWheel to my workout this week for added challenge and Cardio. My kids love their improved Mom and love when I show them some of the moves from class. My husband has been very supportive and is happy to see me taking control of my health by making a workout commitment.

I owe a great big THANK YOU to my Smarty Girls for encouraging me to take the Challenge and to the folks at FlyWheel for being so fantastic. Every instructor was encouraging, always lifted me up and it is hard not to feel good about your workout when the instructors genuinely show you that they love what they do. My added benefits are the new friends I’ve made, the old friends I see when working out and the new skinny jeans I am going to go buy!

I am no longer on the sidelines and will now fly the “I FlyBarre” flag high!

Here is what the other Smarties are saying about the FlyBarre Challenge:

Jen P:
For me, I used FlyBarre to sculpt and tone. My arms and legs are more toned than ever! I love how I was held accountable in scheduling my workouts for the week on Sundays at 5pm. I found myself running to the computer at 4:55p on any given Sunday to make sure I got my favorite mat! But my all-time favorite part was to watch and listen to Courtenay change her life. She happens to be one of my skinny you-know-what friends who is naturally that way. She hasn’t worked out since college and I watched her literally transform before my eyes – physically, mentally and emotionally. It was truly a beautiful sight. I am so very proud of my bud, Court! I think she’s in it for life – FB is now running through her veins! Oh, and I also LOVED Carrie’s Y-U-M recipes that she sent every week. Please keep them coming:-)

Jen V:
During our kick-off for the FlyBarre Challenge, we wrote down our intentions – why were we entering this intense challenge? I wanted to do it to help get in better shape before we try for baby number two. We’re more than halfway there and let me tell you – I’m feeling sooooooo great. I have noticed a big difference in my overall strength and energy. I haven’t worked out since before I was pregnant with my first baby (for those keeping tabs, that’s about two years). This class was very welcoming and personal and I fit right in. Nobody takes themselves too seriously, which is nice when you are just learning the ropes of Barre. I’ll never forget the pain after my first class – it was a good pain. It was the “your muscles just got their ass kicked” pain. I started to look forward to each class as I got to know the routines better and even started recognizing other people from my classes. I look forward to continuing my workouts with FlyBarre – even when I’m pregnant again. Pulse baby, pulse!

Kaylee:
I was hesitant to join the group for the Fly Barre Challenge since my doctor had just given me the thumbs up to begin heavy exercising again. I’m thrilled that I participated, because I feel so much stronger and I have more energy. It was great how encouraging everyone was and especially the instructors. Now I can’t wait to add more spinning classes to my routine!

Rachel – you’ll see how her brain works in a graphic design world:-)

I am truly addicted now. I even updated my barre wardrobe and signed up for the front row spots so I can make sure my form is as correct as it can be. I loved taking from all the different teachers and have set new goals for myself within the class. My ultimate goal is to master Barre Abs or at least be able to do it without putting the ball behind my back.

Susan:
For me, Fly Barre is the best workout to hit Crown Town. This workout is challenging, very fun and the best part? You see maj results! The biggest difference in my physique is my arms. I want to thank the talented Fly Barre instructors for turning my arm flab into fab! You’re a bunch of magicians! Love you, mean it.