Since health and fitness have recently become large priorities in my life, I knew that I would need to find a fitness studio for my summer in Austin. After some extensive research, I found Todd Pilates and Barre, and bought their “Unlimited Monthly” plan without even taking a class.
This was a risky move on my part, but it paid off. The classes quickly became my favorite part of my week, and when I was at full-health, I strived to be in the studio 4-5 times a week.
Here’s my top 5 reasons for why you should try out Todd Pilates and Barre, too!
1. It’s a serious full-body workout
They claim to be a full-body workout, and they mean it. Both pilates and barre were working muscles I didn’t even know I had- after my first pilates class, I couldn’t walk normally for 48 hours because I was so sore. My body quickly adjusted to the new paces I was putting it through, and I came to love the feeling of pushing my body to the limit. I am undoubtedly much stronger at the end of these three months. Before, I could barely do 2 pushups- now I can do the full 16 in Todd’s class!
2. PIlates classes with todd
Pilates classes with THE Todd of Todd Pilates is reason enough to give it a try. He loves to keep the class high-energy, and always picks an entertaining playlist to accompany the pilates moves. We regularly use all the props (which you don’t have to buy- you can use the ones in the prop room for free!) and every time I leave, I feel like the workout I’m getting is super diverse. Also, it’s just fun to see what hair color Todd is going to have next- he switches it up often!
3. uncensored hip-hop barre with holly
Holly’s daytime barre classes are great, too, but “Uncensored Barre” at 8:15 on Mondays were my favorite nights of the week. She uses this time to play more explicit tracks, similar to what you would hear if you were out at the club. Holly really encourages having fun and dancing- it is a barre class after all! She’s also really receptive to playlist requests. It made my whole week when I heard “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame on the track list!
Bonus: Barre really does give you a dancer’s body. I don’t have long legs naturally, but they look much longer after I lengthened and leaned out the muscles!
4. it’s completely inclusive
I see the whole range of ages and fitness levels every time I come to class. In my Tuesday/Thursday morning classes, I was regularly the youngest participant, but there were more young people in classes like Uncensored Barre and on the weekend. The instructors regularly demonstrate alternative moves for people with movement restrictions. This is super helpful, because it allows everyone to keep up and get a good workout!
5. They foster self-love
I don’t know what it is about barre and pilates, but they really make you focus inward (mentally and physically) if you want to get the most out of your classes. I regularly snagged a spot by the mirror, so a lot of my time was actually spent starting at myself. I loved watching my body move and seeing new muscles appear as I stared at myself in the mirror during workouts! Being able to watch your body get stronger and leaner really fosters an intense feeling of self-love, helped along by the relentlessly supportive instructors and staff. Getting feedback or being told that I did great that day brightened my whole week!
I’m so sad to be done at Todd Pilates and Barre for the time being. If I ever end up in Austin in the future, I can guarantee I’ll be back. I’ll miss ya, TPB! Thanks for a killer summer.
-K
Selfies & OOTDs 