I’ve been an Obe’ member since 2019 and believe me when I tell you: they have everything that a fitness enthusiast could want! This platform is based in New York and they offer a multitude of on-demand classes to choose from bounce, dance, sculpt, yoga, ride, boxing, and the list goes on. Basically, you name it, they have it. The instructors are fabulous, so knowledgeable and always keep things fresh and fun. Whether you’re a beginner, pre or post natal or need modifications, they’ve got you. And the music! I’ve found so many amazing songs through Obe’. AND they have a super active and supportive Facebook community. So what are you waiting for?! Hop on the bandwagon, lace up your gym shoes and give it a go! You’ll even receive a free trial. All in. Full Out.

Update: Pure Barre has introduced a new class format called Define. It’s fantastic! The classes are almost waitlisted every week because everyone’s loving them. Define uses heavier weights and slower movements to really target the muscles. Lately, I’m all about using heavier weights. I just feel so strong and powerful after lifting heavy. In Define, you can use 8 lbs, 10 lbs and if you’re ready for ‘em, 15 lbs. I’ve been consistently using 10’s. So give Define a try! For me, it’s a close second to Empower. That’s still my fave. But I’m so glad they introduced this new class. It’s amazing for your body to mix it up and keep your muscles guessing!

Original Post: I decided to give Pure Barre a try a few weeks ago and I gotta say, I’m hooked. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it as I really like to push myself in workouts. When the sweat is pouring, I feel accomplished. Well the Pure Empower class did not disappoint. I’m always drenched when class is over! It’s such a challenge and you’re pushed to your limits and that’s what I love about it. Barre is all about small, precise movements that pack a huge punch and really targets the muscles. I’m only 6 classes in and have already noticed a difference in my body. I go once a week and I already feel stronger. If you’re not into the intense, sweaty format, they offer other class formats like Foundations, Classic and Reform. So if you’re in the market to try out a new studio and are intrigued, try a free introductory class!

Two Words-Compound Movements! I recently discovered Olivia on YouTube and I am hooked! She uses heavier weights and combines lower and upper body movements for a total body burn! Believe me when I tell you, I was DRIPPING in sweat after finishing the first workout. I haven’t sweat like that doing an at-home workout in a while! I felt so strong and accomplished at the end. She is the real deal. Her videos, like Heather Robertson’s are follow along and she doesn’t talk or explain the movements. You simply mirror what she’s doing. I’m a big fan of this style. It’s straight to the point, you get right to the work with no long, drawn out explanations that can waste time. For me as a mom, I need workouts that are effective and get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. You get that with Olivia and all of my recommendations here. I should note, she has two channels on YouTube. Lift with Liv and Olivia Lawson. On Olivia Lawson, she includes mostly walking and cardio videos which I haven’t tried yet but plan to soon! There are dumbbell workouts also but Lift With Liv is where you want to go if you’re looking for more strength/power using heavy weights. I absolutely love it. So go check her out! You will love her!

If you’re looking for FREE and effective workouts, look no further than Heather Robertson on YouTube. This powerhouse of an instructor has 2.13 million subscribers for a reason. She’s that good. From HIIT, to cardio and strength, low impact exercises, kettlebell workouts, tabata, metabolic conditioning, she does it all. What also sets her apart aside from her talent, is she doesn’t talk in any of her videos. You just watch her moves and follow along. It took a little getting used to but now I love this format because no time is wasted and you get such an amazing workout-but don’t worry you don’t work out in silence! She has amazing playlists! So you’re always working out to a great soundtrack. She uses weights often so you can really build up your strength. But if you like a trainer talking you through it and showing you modifications, then she probably isn’t for you. Although she does have some beginner friendly videos. So go check her out and thank me later!

I discovered Maddie Lymburner a few years back on Youtube. I’ve recently started doing her workouts more consistently as she’s been uploading longer strength workouts (30 min in length) that are full body. I really enjoy them. I love her exercises and have performed new movements that I haven’t before. Some videos focus more on strength and less on cardio which a lot of people don’t love. I know most of the time for me, I need to sweat to feel that a workout was effective. But honestly, as I get older, I know strength building will become increasingly important! She has plenty of dance workouts too ranging from 5-15 minutes in length which are fun too if that’s what you like more. And she also offers a good amount of low impact/no jumping workouts which are great too. So if you haven’t checked her out, I think it’s definitely worth putting in your rotation at least once a week.