After a 9-month hiatus from exercising, I am excited to return to Barre Forte!

I began my love affair with the studio formerly know as (tongue in cheek) The Body Barre, in April of 2014. During my free trial week, the sense of support I felt from the other students and instructors, the kick-ass workouts, and the beauty of the studio captivated me. At the end of my seven-day trial I was sold. “This is where I’m going to get the body I’ve always wanted,” I told myself, and for the following six months I got steadily closer to looking and feeling my best. Within the first four months of taking barre and vertical fitness classes, I lost 20 lb, 5% body fat, and went from a size 16 to a size 12 in jeans. I was well on my way to my goal weight of 145 lb. from my starting weight of 210 lb. Then life happened. I had to take care of some things at home, I went back to college, and in October of last year, with a heavy heart, I said farewell to the barre studio that had become my saving grace.

Fast forward to mid June 2015: After finally finding steadiness in my personal life and finances (and gaining 15 lb. over the holidays and spring semester) I couldn’t wait to return to my beloved barre classes. I called Barre Forte owner, Jen Rehm, and told her that I would be returning to the studio and documenting my weight loss journey. So, here we are! I intend to take at least three barre classes and one vertical fitness class at Barre Forte every week and to document my progress monthly from July 1st, 2015 until July, 1st 2016. On the first of each month, I will be post photos of my progress, along with a short summary of my workout and diet activities. I cannot wait to meet my best, and I hope that my progress will help inspire anyone reading this blog to join me, either at Barre Forte or in spirit.

Chelsey