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The Smaller, The Better


When in Barre Philosophy class, it’s easy to feel like if your move is the biggest or your pulse is the largest, then you are doing the best. In Barre Philosophy, however, smaller is actually better. Don’t be convinced that because your tricep dips are deeper than the Barre-bie next to you that you are having a tougher workout. Try to get deep into the pose to begin with, and make itty-bitty movements from there. The tiny isometric movements are what really get your muscles shaking. These super concentrated moves help to cultivate long lean muscles. Next time you’re in class, take the instructions “teeny tiny movements” to heart. You’ll feel the burn even more than usual.

Namaste y'all!

Kelly Hall
Studio South Social Media Guru
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"What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast"


Recently I listened to What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam. She discussed the three things successful people do before breakfast, one of which is taking time to "nurture yourself." The author's research concluded that people who work out in the mornings are more likely to stick with it. She also detailed how we only have a certain amount of willpower each day, and if we work out at night then we may run out of that willpower, or, more likely, something unexpected will come up that will prevent us from working out. On Monday, I went to the 6:30 am hot barre class at Studio South. Although waking up was difficult, once I was awake it was quite easy to find the willpower to head to class. At the end of the day, my mind often wanders during my workout to the tasks that I have yet to complete for the day. As the minutes tick by, I am acutely aware that time is running out to get what I need to do done. When I returned from my early morning class, however, I had the whole day to knock out my to do list. Working out first thing in the morning may not be for everyone, but I encourage you to try it. I'd be willing to bet it will change your life for the better.

Namaste Y'all!

Kelly Hall

Studio South Social Media Guru
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BarrePhilosophy



Barre is taking the nation by storm one pulse, burn, and inch at a time. One reason Barre-bies (our affectionate name for Barre students) love the workout is because of the accessibility of the sequence. I'm all for challenging but if rhythm is required then based on genetics, I'm out. BarrePhilosophy features the upbeat music that you would see in a dance class but the coordination of a ballerina on Broadway is not required. By sticking to simple, small movements that isometrically engage the body, BarrePhilosophy burns inches, increases strength, flexibility, and confidence. There is nothing more frustrating than being overwhelmed because you can't keep up. Barre allows you to do what you can, modify what you need to, and feel great at the end of it all! BarrePhilosophy offers a nonjudgmental atmosphere that allows you to do and feel your very best!

Namaste y'all!

Katy
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Thoughts on Generosity


In this season, we spend countless hours being generous with those we love. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the frenzy of it all. Don’t forget to be generous with yourself as well as others. As flight attendants remind us every time we board a plane, you must adjust your own oxygen mask before assisting others. In order for you to be able to genuinely be generous with your time, talents, and treasure this season, you must care for yourself as well. Take a break from the cooking, the cleaning, and the gift shopping and treat yourself to an hour of quiet at Studio South. I bet you’ll leave feeling more in tune with the true spirit of the holiday season.


Namaste y’all!


Kelly Hall

Studio South Social Media Guru
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Give Thanks

This week, everyone will be talking about giving thanks. Tis the season after all, but what if giving thanks lasted longer than this week? What if every week, you said little thank yous to the people in your life? To your instructors as you exit the studio. To your fellow Studio South members who showed up to share their practice with you. To your family for allowing you to take the time out of your day to take care of yourself. Giving thanks is easy, but we don't always focus on the things we are thankful for.


My challenge to you: begin to list the things you are grateful for in your head as you go to sleep. The next day, give thanks to those you were thinking about.



Happy Thanksgiving from your Studio South family. We are thankful for you.


Namaste y'all!


Kelly Hall

Studio South Social Media Guru
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No Matter Your Love Language, Yoga Is For You

Have you heard of the 5 Love Languages? They are five ways that people express and experience love.  If not, it’s worth taking a look at what love language you identify with, as well as which love language those around you do. Check out this website and discover your love language: https://www.5lovelanguages.com .  Once you’ve figured out your love language, keep reading for a reminder of why yoga is you showing that love language to yourself.



Words of Affirmation

During a yoga class, the instructor will give encouraging feedback, as well as sometimes saying mantras like “You are strong.” If your love language is words of affirmation, actually listen when the instructor says, say a thank you to yourself for getting yourself to your mat today. For you, those words affirming that what you’re doing is right are important.


Acts of Service

For those whose love language is acts of service, actions are what is important. The action of bringing yourself to the studio and the physical action of improving your mind and body through yoga are an act of service showing love to yourself.


Receiving Gifts

The mental and physical benefits from your practice are a gift you are giving yourself. If that’s not enough, Studio South is also a member of Perkville, so the more times you practice, the closer you get to receiving gifts from the studio :)


Quality Time

People who express and experience love through quality time relish undivided attention. A yoga practice is an hour (or longer) a day that you dedicate exclusively to yourself.


Physical Touch

Some people value physical touch most of all. This one may be the most obvious for yoga, but your practice improves your body from toning to flexibility through physical touch.


No matter which love language you identify with most, yoga can play a part in you expressing love for yourself.


Namaste y’all!


Kelly Hall

Studio South Social Media Guru
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Never Miss a Monday

Got a case of the Mondays? You’re not alone. Getting yourself up and ready for the first workout of the week can be a challenge, but it’s the essential first step to beginning your week on the right foot. Here’s why:


Mondays set the tone for the rest of the week.

If you make it to the studio on Monday, the rest of the week you’ll think, if I did it on Monday, I can do it today. Monday workouts get your momentum going for the week.


Mondays are a fresh start.

Every time you step on your mat, the instructor reminds you to leave everything outside of the studio behind. Let’s be honest, though, we all have baggage we bring to our workout. Mondays are a new beginning. Take this opportunity to intentionally focus on leaving the last week behind you.


And remember, just getting there is a success.


We have a new Monday class: 7:15 pm Flow & Sculpt. Meet us at your mat for a total body workout that will get your blood pumping!


Namaste y’all!


Kelly Hall

Studio South Social Media Guru


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How intentional is your intention?


It's that time of year again....the cool air begins to settle in....time for fires, warm coats, and toy catalogs!  Do you remember the old Sears Catalog?  I loved it's arrival...with it's heavy weight and smell of fresh paper.  I would circle every thing that I thought I remotely would like to see Santa deliver come Christmas morning.

Yesterday the Target Toy Catalog arrived and my children descended on it in similar fashion.  My daughter in very similar fashion to my own technique circled everything that did not move.  Anything pink, purple, or girlie!  My son on the other hand crossed out a ton, narrowed the field of toys down to a few, and then finally concluded that he just wanted this one particular robot.  I bet you know how this story goes....he'll get the robot.  He was precise.

Intentions are very similar to the toy lists.  When we are specific about our intention we are much more likely to see it come to fruition.  For instance....one intention may be that we want our focus to be contentment.  That's great and can come in lots of forms but we could be more precise by saying which areas of our lives we would like to see contentment.  Perhaps we would like to be content with our yoga practice or content with our relationship with food or another individual.  

What is your intention?  Are you circling it with a big red magic marker or flagging the entire catalog?
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The Importance Of Setting An Intention For Your Practice

If you’re like me, you attend yoga as much for the mental benefits as the physical ones. I’m a busy bee by nature. I spend most of the day devoting my time to someone or something other than myself. Yoga is my hour of freedom. One hour a day where I can truly relax.

Many yoga classes begin with the instructor giving you an invitation to set an intention for your practice. An intention can be anything you want. It can be a quote, to get yourself through the next sixty minutes, to send your positive energy to a loved one who needs it, to focus on stretch, strength, balance or your breathing, or even something like intentionally letting go of a situation that is worrying you. There is no “right” intention. Your intention is for you, and you alone.

When I first started doing yoga, I honestly wrote this part of class off. As I grew in my practice, however, I realized how rewarding setting an intention could be. Because I’m a worrier by nature, the hardest part of my practice is often shutting off my inner dialogue. Most often, my intention is to let go of all my worries for that hour. To “be a warrior, not a worrier.”


During my practice, every time the instructor says “return to your breath”, I repeat my intention. When it’s the toughest moment of the class, I repeat my intention. When my mind begins to stray from the task at hand, I repeat my intention. My intention keeps me in the present moment. It helps me hone in on what exactly it is I want to focus on during that hour.


Try setting a thoughtful intention and returning to it throughout your practice today. I promise, you’ll leave class feeling truly at peace.


Namaste y’all!


Kelly Hall

Studio South Social Media Guru
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