By: Nikki Carver
I have never been what you would call athletic or even fit. My extracurricular growing up focused more on leadership groups and student council, never sports. When I got to college, many of my friends were involved in intramurals, but that was not for me. We had access to the campus gym for free and although I would make a few obligatory visits the week before spring break, I still never took an active interest in my fitness. Not surprisingly, this lack of physical activity left me with a body that I was never particularly proud of. Insecurities about my weight and athletic ability had always plagued me and I figured always would.
Around the time of our wedding, my husband and I joined a gym here in town. We set our alarm everyday but often chose the snooze button instead of the go button. Even on days I did make it there, I was lost, not knowing what to do other than run on the treadmill – which I hated! I wanted so bad to be into fitness, but I had tried a number of different options and couldn’t find anything I was willing to stick with.
Finally, a friend told me about B. You {her modern fitness boutique} – she gave me a discount for a week’s trial and the studio had the benefit of being right on my street. The first time I went to a Barre class at B. You, every muscle in my body shook and begged for mercy, I was more sore than I can ever remember being. However, I left the studio thinking “I can’t wait to go back tomorrow”. After my first week, I bought a month, and after a month I sat down with my (accountant) husband to build a B. You membership into our budget – I was hooked! Barre focuses on tiny, isolated movements which firm and tone all of your muscle groups. Within a few months of going to B. You, I had lost three pounds but also two dress sizes! While I am by no means in perfect shape now, I am more comfortable and confident in my skin than I have ever been. At B. You, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being the best version of yourself!
About 8 months after I started going, B. You hosted auditions for new instructors and although I had never imagined myself as a fitness instructor – I knew I had to do it. I tried out and started teaching barre classes last November. At B. You I also found friendship, the women I teach and take classes with are all unique and inspiring in so many different ways!
B. You offers a number of fitness options – Barre classes at three different skill levels, Silque classes with aerial yoga, cardio or strengthening, tabata and cardio mixed classes and now a new Bounce class on mini trampolines. They are always expanding and growing their offerings so you never find yourself in a rut! Come check us out anytime!www.byoufitness.com
About the Series
The YPAL Get Healthy Blog Series, sponsored by Norton Healthcare, will focus on the health and well-being of our Louisville Young Professionals. This blog series will feature various young professional bloggers in our community sharing their stories on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyles. Want to write a Get Healthy Blog Post? Email Admin@YPAL.org for details!