Belles: What can you tell us about yourself and how you got started in the fitness industry?
Andrea: I was a student of Pilates while dancing professionally but it wasn’t until after my college graduation that I started to discover classical Pilates in more depth. I feel in love with this genius method of movement and wanted to learn more. With my dance background, Pilates just made sense to me – how the body was engaged and the mind/body element was very attractive. After becoming certified as a comprehensive Pilates instructor I knew I found the right career.
Belles: Barre workouts and studios are taking the country by storm; to what do you credit the instant popularity?
Andrea: It’s all about the results! Unlike traditional weight lifting or even Pilates, Xtend Barre does not focus on isolating one muscle group at a time; our weight-bearing positions provide a total body workout… without adding bulk. In addition to these benefits, the workout is simply fun! Most women want to look like a dancer or at least feel graceful like one, with Xtend Barre you don’t have to be a dancer or have any dance experience to see results. No tutus required! The results of Xtend Barre benefit the entire body. Individuals sweat and burn calories in addition to sculpting and toning their bodies. Our clients rave about how long and lean they look (and feel). The results are real and usually fast, especially in combination with Pilates, it is the ideal routine. The class is fast paced yet focused and the clients never get bored.
Belles: XTend Barre: Lean and Chiseled is your first workout on DVD. How would you describe your first experience creating a DVD? Do you plan to release more workouts on DVD?
Andrea: Creating the Xtend Barre DVD was both a joy and a challenge. My team and I strived to create a workout that was unique and fun with continued results for the user. Absolutely, we plan to release additional Xtend Barre DVDs in the the near future!
Belles: You are the mother of a young child. What advice do you have for women who say it is impossible to find time for exercise or get their pre-baby body back?
Andrea: I tell new moms to do a little each day so it doesn’t seem unattainable. You can always squeeze in 10 or 15 min and this can be very helpful to accomplishing your goals. One great element of the Xtend Barre workout is you can do many of the moves around the house… I like to use my couch as my “ballet barre” and do a few exercises as I wait for the baby bottle to warm up! Or I will hold my baby and focus on pulling my abs in and up to support my back and strengthen my core. It’s about taking the workout and implementing it into your everyday routine.
Belles: You created Xtend Barre in an effort to provide cross training and seek better results for your clients. We also love cross training. What benefits are offered by “mixing up” our fitness routines?
Andrea: You never want your body to reach a plateau so it’s important to mix things up and prevent your muscles from being over worked. In the Xtend Barre program we teach many different exercises and have a strong continued education program for our teachers… so no two classes are every the same. We also encourage our clients to mix other exercise disciplines with their Xtend Barre training!
Belles: Do you also cross train with other fitness genres or are you strictly a “barre girl”
Andrea: I am a barre and Pilates girl at heart but I enjoy any activity outdoors, especially with my family!
For more information about Andrea Rogers and Xtend Barre visit:
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