2015 in Review

What a year it has been. We've accomplished so much and are thrilled about how far we've come in the last 12 months. Looking back on 2015....WOW!!! It has been an incredible journey and we are thrilled to have all of you with us every step of the way. Without your support we would not be where we are today...so THANK YOU. Looking back we did some pretty amazing things this year...

We launch Body Barre in January 2015 and conducted our first training at Beachfit Baltimore

First Fabletics, Gundalow and KIND event at Beachfit with SB BodyBarre 

Spent a weekend at the American Aerobics Association International spreading the word about Barre and Body Barre

Taught a Body Barre class at Lululemon Harbor East

Our first outdoor Body Barre Event at Under Armour Performance Center was a huge success

Conducted multiple Barre and Body Barre Trainings at multiple studies including Under Armour, Gold's Gym, and Merritt Athletic Clubs

Club Fitness in Rehoboth Beach launched SB Body Barre over the summer

 

Networked at Startup Soiree

Did a little Barre and Brunch 

Started teaching SB Barre at Embody in Baltimore

We had an Instructor Spotlight series and got a sneak peak into their gym bag

Participated in some pre-Wine Fest Body Barre at Canton Waterfront

Empowered by Gundalow event with SB Body Barre at Beachfit

(This event raised money for Kennedy Krieger yoga program for children with special needs) 

SB Body Barre launched at Merritt Athletic Clubs in October and raised money for Breast Cancer

Did our first Body Barre photoshoot

Traveled to New York to do Body Barre demos

We were featured in Style Magazine

Oh and did I mention...we had A LOT of FUN!!!!

As you close another chapter and start a clean page tomorrow, 

remember....

Here's to an even better 2016!

Happy New Year friends!!

xoxo

SoulBody

Final Countdown of 2015 and a Sneak Peak at 2016

I hope that everyone had a fabulous holiday and was able to spend time with friends and family. I know that we enjoyed a little relaxation and taking time to refocus our energy. So after all of the cocktails and chocolate and cookies, I know that you all are ready to get back to the barre. Bring it 2016!! 

Speaking of 2016...

Kick off the NEW YEAR with SoulBody on January 1 at the following clubs:

Triple Toning (SB Body Barre/Bootcamp/Surfset): 9:30am Beachfit Baltimore 

SB Body Barre: 12pm at Merritt Fort Avenue

I will be teaching the SB Body Barre at Beachfit at 9:30am as part of the Triple Toning. Trust me...you won't want to miss this. Your workout will be done by 10:30am which means plenty of time in the day for brunch and a nap!! Click here to register!

New choreography will be launched on January 1 so keep an eye out for great music, new moves and be ready to feel the burn. Merritt Athletic Clubs will launch the last weekend in January so be sure to get that date on your calendar and get to a class. 

Ann Marie will be doing a sneak peak of the new Body Barre release on Tuesday, January 5 at Beachfit Baltimore at 6pm. You can sign up here. New Choreo...New Year!!

Do you want to join the SoulBody Team of amazing instructors? The first training of 2016 will be held at American University. Here are the details:

January 9th - 9am to 4pm

January 10th - 9am to 1pm

American University

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20016

Register here.

Looking for a new tank to sport in the new year? You can now purchase SoulBody UnderArmour tanks. They are $30.00 and you can purchase one here.

Check back for a full recap of 2015 later this week.




Let's have a great rest of the week and a wonderful start to 2016!

Emily

Staying Healthy and Fit This Holiday Season

WOW...How is Christmas only 2 days away?!?! I feel like it was Thanksgiving like last week. Although can we talk about this weather and the fact that it is going to be in the 70's on Christmas Day! Anyone else excited about getting some outdoor workouts in?





Speaking of workouts, there are only 8 days left in 2015. Keep going...you got this!

Here are some ways you can stay on track and have a healthier holiday:

1. Stay Active  - I know this time of year you have holiday parties, shopping, and baking to do, but don't mistake being busy for being active. Don't make excuses. There are plenty of short workouts that you can squeeze in between all of the hustle and bustle. Check out this no-weight, at-home glute workout from Happy Food Healthy Life. 

2. Try Healthier Recipes - Pinterest and blogs are the best places to search for healthy recipes. Check out these Chocolate Protein Bites from one of my earlier posts. 

3. Stay Organized - Remember that post about planners and making lists? Keep a list of errands, groceries and gifts. The less time you spend running around the more time you'll have for yourself (which means getting to the gym).

4. Get More Steps - Returning or exchanging those unwanted gifts? Park far-away to increase your steps, get more exercise and burn off all those sweets.

5. Vitamin D - Take advantage of this unseasonably warm weather and get some sun. You'll feel better and increase your energy levels during, what can be, a stressful time of year. 

6. Stay Healthy - It's that time of year where cold and flu season strikes. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer to avoid getting sick and missing out on all the holiday fun.

7. Say No - Just because everyone else is stuffing their face with cookies, cake and pie doesn't mean you have to. Everything in moderation. You can reduce the amount of calories by cutting portion sizes down and eating bite-sized pieces.

8. Bring a Healthy Dish - If heading out to a party, make a healthy dish that you can eat in case there isn't a healthy option. 

9. Start a New Tradition - Take a walk, go to the park, or maybe volunteer at a soup kitchen to help those in need.

10. Rest Up - Sleep!!!! Don't skimp on resting during the holidays. Sleep in, plan your days so you can still get a good 8 hours of sleep.

11. Water - Yes...drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Don't forget to drink water between all of the wine, cocktails, beer and eggnog. 

12. De-Stress - Stay calm and relaxed. Meditate, journal, exercise and focus on your goals for the upcoming year.

13. Set Goals - Let's be honest...how many of us actually stick to resolutions? Try and make lifestyle changes that you can stick to all year long not just January - March. 

14. Stay Positive - Don't get upset if you miss a workout or have too many glasses of wine. Just get back on track and keep a positive attitude. 

15. Take Time For You - It's easy to think about everyone else this time of year, but I encourage all of you to take some time for yourself even if it's just a couple hours a week. Take a bubble bath, go to yoga, meditate, hit up a coffee shop for some reading and maybe sneak in a Sunday afternoon nap.

Cheers to a Healthy Holiday!!

Emily

Sunday Spotlight with Nicole Doenges

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and got all of their last minute shopping done. Christmas in 5 days!?!?! Crazy right?!?!  There are still a ton of opportunities to get in some workouts this week before traveling, cookie eating and wine drinking. Since you all have worked so hard this year, join me this week (Monday 5pm Barre at Merritt Canton and Tuesday night 5pm Body Barre at Merritt Canton) for special treats...because...well...you are #KINDAwesome!

#STRONGandKIND

Now time for our Instructor Spotlight....

SB Barre instructor Nicole Doenges

Where do you teach and when?

Monday mornings at Fort Ave Merritt, Monday evening at the Under Armour Performance Center, Wednesday evening at Fort Ave Merritt and again on Friday morning at UAPC

A tip for staying motivated during the holidays.

It’s leggings season! Motivation enough! I like to remind myself there’s rarely ever a time I regret working out, so just go and get it done.

As an instructor, what is your favorite part about teaching?

So many things! I love having new people in class and seeing them come back for more. Also love seeing my regulars, especially in the 5:45am classes!

Any tips for first timers taking barre?

Don’t be shy! Come hang out up front so you can see what’s going on. Ask questions– there are no silly questions in barre – I promise! When I first started taking SB Barre, I wondered why my standing leg was burning during barre exercises – I finally asked if that was normal and Hillary [hey girl!] told me – uh yes! Keep it up!

Favorite snacks for traveling

Pre-workout meal/snack:


I drink lemon water before the morning workouts; if I have a workout later in the day, I’ll just make sure to eat Greek yogurt with fruit or some almond butter with half an apple for a little fuel.

Yummy Honey Bee Acai Bowl from Pure Raw Juice

Favorite recovery meal/snack:


All the protein. Either a shake, eggs, oatmeal, or at dinner time, a grilled piece of

chicken with some sweet potatoes..mm..









You never leave home without_______:

My “china go-bag”  a little kit I started packing for my trips to China for work. It keeps EVERYTHING. Advil, chapstick, extra earbuds, hand sanitizer, lavender face oil, shout wipes…anything I need in a pinch!



What’s in your gym bag? 

Must must must have my dry shampoo and sea salt spray. Obsessed with Oribe texturizing spray – smells amazing. I keep a curling iron in there too for beach waves, body/face wipes, water bottles and extras of everything. I’m one of those people that buys duplicates and keep all the extras stashed in go-bags so I can’t get caught off guard!


Favorite workout gear, water bottle, etc.:

I am lucky to work for Under Armour – currently obsessed with our StudioLux Artsy leggings and any of our graphic tanks. I’m going through a phase where when I’m not wearing a UA tank, I’m sporting a fun random tee with the neck cut and sleeves ripped off.

Favorite barre move:

Pretzels! Standing, sitting… they’re the best.

Favorite quote:

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they worked on it every day.”

When you’re not at the barre, where may we find you?

Working, traveling – either for work or fun, running, or making some crazy food or craft somewhere with friends. Latest crazes – chunky knit blankets, DIY limoncello and kombucha. I’m so random.

Share something fun/interesting about yourself:

I make shoes for a living! I always thought I wanted to be an architect, but hated math and was scared I’d make a building collapse if I screwed up a drawing by 5 inches, so in high school decided I’d be a graphic designer instead. I eventually made my way over into product at UA, and now I take the designers’ vision and figure out how we’re going to actually build it. Ironically, I’m kind of a shoe architect now!


Don't forget to share your favorite workouts, events and what you loved about 2015 for an upcoming post. You can also share what you'd like to see in 2016. 

Happy Holidays!

Emily

A SOULful Community

My heart is so full after a fun night celebrating the holidays with the SoulBody Team. I just wanted to take a moment to thank Stacey and Ann Marie for putting together such a fun night at Wit and Wisdom. 

We are all truly blessed to be a part of the SoulBody community and can't say enough about all of the amazing things from 2015. 

Group shot of all the instructors from Merritt Athletics Clubs, Embody Baltimore, Beachfit Baltimore, and Under Armour Performance Studios.

Holiday cheer and no releve required.

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us" - Hal Borland

Cheers to 2016!!

Plan for 2016

I'm back! As you all know this time of year is rather hectic and I apologize for not getting a post up sooner. I promise over the next couple of weeks there will be some good things coming your way as we wind down the year and focus our efforts on 2016. I'm excited and I hope you are too. 2015 was an awesome year for SoulBody and we anticipate even more growth in 2016 (with your help).

I hope all of you took the time to follow Shauna Harrison on Instagram for her #SweatMas #SweatADay Challenge that just took place. You can read the blog post here. I posted some videos on Instagram and here is the picture of the final day.

12 Jacks a Jumping 

11 Plank Wipers Wiping

10 Frogs a Leaping

9 Lunges Switching 

8 Legs a Lowering

7 Squats a Sitting

6 High Knees a Running

5 UpDown Planks 

4 Crawling Bears

3 Bench Hops 

2 Hurdle Jumps

& A set of 10 burpees! 

Speaking of 2016, I wanted to share two of my favorite journals that have been a huge help over the past year.  I'm still one to write things down. I make lists and use post-it-notes to make sure nothing is forgotten between work, teaching class, blogging and just life stuff.

I love my Passion Planner and I never leave home without it. The planner was created to help people break down their long and short term goals into more actionable steps and give you a place to incorporate the steps into your daily life. 

If you are looking for a training journal to record all of your workouts...the Believe Training Journal is perfect for you. I couldn't imagine going through my last training cycle without it. I asked Santa for it last year and it made it back to the top of the list this year. It is a year long workbook, training log and how-to manual that was created by professional runners Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas. It will help you push harder, inspire you to set, stick to and achieve your goals, and increase your self-awareness so you learn what works for YOU.  Using this journal will help you to keep track of your workouts so you can keep track of your progress and reflect at the end of each week. And remember, you don't have to be a runner to use this. I'd recommend it for everyone!!

Check out some of these other awesome planners:

Erin Condren's Life Planner

The Life Coach In-A Book

What type of planner do you use?

Do you write down your workouts?

Emily

Sunshine Vibes at Beachfit and Why We Love Group Fitness

The thought of winter and the holiday have you feeling down? Definitely come check out Beachfit Baltimore where they are always rocking sunshine. They just opened a brand-new studio space where SB Body Barre will be launching. I'll be teaching there on Thursday nights at 6pm and would love to see some new faces so definitely come check it out. I promise I'll bring you sunshine, a good burn and of course FUN!  You can check out their updated schedule here.

The girls rocking SB Body Barre in the new studio. 

Who says you can't have fun while doing barre?!?!  Remember...working out should be fun and it's always better with friends!!!

Here are few tips from Merritt Athletic Clubs on why you should take Group Fitness classes: 

You make friends:  Meeting new people and building friendships with others in a group makes working out more fun! 

Accountability:  Texting a friend or telling them after class that you'll see them next week makes it easier for you to show up. At November Project, we strive on accountability. If you drop a #verbal, you better be there!!!

Makes Use of Time:  Group fitness classes range anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. You'll work your entire body without taking breaks making use of your time and helping you get a better workout.

Push it To The Limit:  You are more likely to push yourself harder when in a group class. You will build more confidence and increase your chances of building a fitter physique

There are only a few more weeks left in 2015 (hard to believe I know). I encourage all of you to take some time this weekend to write down your goals for the remainder of this year and begin to focus on 2016. 

Good habits are much better than resolutions...and YOU ARE WORTH IT.

The Perfect Snack

We are six days into December and I hope everyone is taking full advantage of the fall-like weather that continues to stick around. It seems like everyone took advantage and spent some time putting up decorations in preparation for the holidays. I saw some people even baking this weekend....way to go!!


As you know I am a huge fan of food prep. I had some down time this weekend and I took full advantage. I spent some time looking through recipes, mainly on Pinterest and blogs, to come up with a good list of quick, easy dishes that I can prep over the next couple of weeks. If you stick with your normal routine it will be much easier for you to stay on track with your health and fitness goals. You all know how tempting those cookies and chocolate are this time year, well I found these energy bites that are healthy and will satisfy all those cravings. Double the recipe and keep extra in the fridge so when the craving strikes, you have plenty on hand.

The Perfect Protein Energy Balls

Recipe By: Monika, owner of My Food & Happiness


I modified the recipe slightly:

• mixture of almonds and cashews 
• VegaSport Vanilla protein powder
• I also soaked the dates prior to tossing them into the Vitamix                                      

    They were delicious!!

I also stumbled across this recipe from Angela, blogger at Oh She Glows - an award winning recipe blog featuring over 500 recipes (and still growing). I pinned these and plan to make them in the very near future...

You can view the full recipe here.

If you try these let me know what you think and if you've ever made something similar I'd love to try those too. 

Remember...it's a new week so set your intentions and be ready to take on whatever comes your way.

What healthy treats are you making for the holidays? 

Do you participate in a cookie exchange?

See you this week!!

Emily

#SweatADay and #SweatMas

Hello December. So I know that many of you love fall (I mean I love fall too), but let's be honest, December is a great month. Everything from Christmas music, holiday parties, ugly sweaters and presents to snow (only a little), lots of peppermint, cookies, time with friends and family and much much more. OH and just wait until you see what fun holiday things I have planned this month on the blog. 

Ready or not....the holidays are here and I hope you are just as excited as I am. 

 Between all of the running around over the holidays there is often little (or no) time to workout. Let's make this year different. Don't let this time of year be stressful and get you run down. My challenge for you is to MAKE TIME over these next couple of weeks. Don't be like everyone else and wait until January 1. One hour is only 4% of your day so no excuses this year.

Because we all need a little motivation, I figured that I would share this awesome December Sweat A Day Calendar from Shauna Harrison, sweat junkie and Under Armour Athlete. Shauna is the founder of #SweatADay, a daily Instagram challenge, and I encourage all of you to jump on board for this years #SweatMas. Each day you do that day and all of the previous days workouts. You'll continue to build all month long, so on Christmas you'll be doing all 25 workouts. Go on to Instagram and you can watch videos of all of the workouts in case you need a quick preview. You can also follow her on Twitter and the #SweatADay blog for more daily inspiration. She is awesome!!

Post your videos and pictures on social media. You will be able to connect with tons of people across the country all participating in this #SweatADay challenge. 

Tags: #sweataday #sweatmas @underarmourwomen @shauna_harrison @soulbodybarre @emily_noele 

We are only a day behind, so plenty of time to catch up. I mean, come on, it's only 10 burpees and you can do that on your lunch break. Ready...set...go!!

Remember...the holidays are about spending time with friends, family, but also about making time for yourself. Take advantage of this amazing SoulBody community to stay fit and sweat all December long!! Who's in?!?!?

"it's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be." - Paul Arden