Barrecore – 8 Week Update

GET ONE INCH LOWER

I’ve been meaning to do a 4 week update but life got in the way so here’s an 8 week one instead.

Those who follow me on Twitter knows that I love a Barrecore class and am clearly hooked. I attend 4 classes a week and am currently on my 10th week. Legs shaking is still a weird sensation and would never have thought it was possible for abs to shake too. My 8th week was ticked off just before the Christmas shenanigans had started. Brilliant timing. So, have I seen any improvements?

– The peach is definitely more lifted. I’m filling out those skinny jeans more, less of those jean creases at the bottom of the butt. Even my mum had noticed there’s more junk in the trunk now. I had started noticing a lift after 2 weeks of classes and it just gets better.

– Stronger for sure! I came in with a weak upper body and I’ve noticed a difference. I couldn’t even do a push up on my knees properly. Now I’m working on doing full-stretched push-ups in single counts rather than at a slow pace. I also went from doing all sorts of planks on my knees to a full stretched. Legs look toner and I love the look of them. As a regular, the instructors could also see how much stronger I have become. *insert flex arm emoji*

– It’s the only class that makes me push myself by challenging me mentally. I’m always fighting the “I can’t” thoughts with “I will/can”, along with pulling the most ridiculous facial expressions. It’s a wonderful feeling when you can do something you couldn’t do a couple of weeks ago. You strive for progress and your mind-set changes for the better. The instructors are definitely motivating and are a lovely bunch!

– I’m starting to feel better about my body and myself. Those who follow my blog would know that I’ve been struggling and fighting the whole body image issue for over 10 years now. The way I view myself and that mentality, it’s changed and improved for the better. I don’t feel like breaking down over my body or if a clothing item doesn’t fit right. I’m starting to feel comfortable in my own skin. Now that’s a very big achievement.

– Clothes fit differently now, a bit looser and better in some places. I don’t own a scale or a tape measurer as they’re the devil, but can see the waist-cinching in that little bit more. I’ve still got a bit more fat to burn to get better definition in the stomach area, but it also requires better eating habits. That cheesecake I had at lunch today isn’t doing me any justice (it was delicious though).

– My posture has improved. I’ve lost count at how many times I’ve had to be corrected during class whether I’m working the legs or abs. From tense, slouched shoulders to relaxed and rolled back. Whenever I reset back into a move, I always think, roll back and relax. I don’t slouch when I walk now. But I must admit, I still slouch at work but I’m trying to change that.

– I’m getting my splits back! I’ve always been plagued with injuries whilst growing up so have naturally lost quite a bit of flexibility in my legs. Now, I’m probably about an inch off the ground for both legs. My left leg has always been more flexible so I definitely will be getting the left split first. Then I’ll be working on the right split to satisfy my symmetry OCD and will aim for those dreamy standing splits afterwards. Yes to increased flexibility!

Edit: A week after this post went up, I got my splits back and am working on my oversplits and standing splits. Oh hell yeah!

Phew. Reading this back now, I’m pretty impressed with the progress I’ve made and can’t wait to see what 12 plus weeks are going to be like.

Would I recommend this? Oh hell yeah! Apart from the above points, it’s the only workout that makes me do upper body and ab exercises properly without feeling bored or demotivated.

Have you found something you love?