The BOG- Bare Barre On the Go

One year ago today, I asked AI to describe me.

At the time, it saw me as a barre instructor, nutritionist, and fitness professional.

This year, the description was different.

It described me as a movement educator, advocate, and steward of barre—someone focused not just on teaching exercises, but on preserving the roots of barre, raising standards in the industry, and helping people move well for life.

What struck me most wasn’t the mention of certifications, businesses, or programs. It was the recognition that my work has become more about education.

I’m passionate about strength, longevity, function, and accessibility. I care about helping people understand why movement matters, not just what to do.

Whether through Barre On the Go, the Barre Fitness Alliance, Bare Barre™, or the classes I teach every week, my mission remains the same: helping people build a stronger foundation for life through movement.

It’s interesting to see how an outside perspective changes over time. Looking back, I think this version feels a little more like me. And I can see just how much I have evolved.

What would AI say has changed about you over the last year?

The perfect complement to Bare Barre™️! Coming soon, a Feet First kit to pair with your barre classes and life away from the barre. Discover toe spacers, fascia massage ball, and self-massage for better foot health.
These are the tools and practices that I personally use to keep my foundation, and the rest of what is built above it, functioning at its best.

As someone who teaches in-person, livestream, and on-demand classes, I genuinely believe that each format has its own strengths. I won’t disparage any of them because I’ve seen firsthand how effective each can be when taught well.

In fact, I’d rather take an exceptional on-demand class than a mediocre in-person or livestream class.

A knowledgeable, experienced, and engaging instructor can make an on-demand workout feel amazingly personal and connected. Without those qualities, even an in-person class can feel uninspired.

When evaluating an on-demand class, look for strong musicality, precise cueing, and instruction that creates the feeling of both verbal and hands-on corrections. Pay attention to the instructor’s movement quality and form as well.

Great teaching is great teaching—regardless of the format.

Heel height can make a difference in a barre class. Most of the time, I find myself encouraging participants to lift their heels higher. More importantly, I want them to maintain heel height and not have the heels lower and lift (particularly seen when bending the knees, usually in pulses).
Occasionally, I will see heels lift too high. Yes. This can be as problematic as what I like to call a semi-demi (aka a kitten heel). Achilles tendon and calf strain. Ankle instability. Toe and foot strain.
The lower heel can work in V position as the heels are pressed together, offering support.
And there is no shame in bringing heels all the way down.

Sweat Is Not a Detox Plan

Hot classes and “sweat it out” workouts are often marketed as a way to detox your body. But sweat isn’t a detox mechanism—it’s your body’s cooling system.

Your liver and kidneys are responsible for detoxification, and they’re working around the clock whether you’re sweating or not. Most healthy people don’t need a special detox. And if someone’s body truly needs medical detoxification support, that’s a healthcare issue—not a fitness class issue.

Are there any benefits to exercising in a warmer environment? Possibly. Some people enjoy the feeling of warmth, may experience temporary increases in flexibility, or simply prefer the atmosphere. But those potential benefits don’t outweigh the risks when heat becomes excessive.

A fitness environment that is too hot can increase the risk of:
• Dehydration
• Dizziness and fainting
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke (a medical emergency)
• Elevated heart rate and cardiovascular strain
• Impaired exercise performance and coordination
• Headaches and nausea
• Increased risk of injury due to fatigue and poor decision-making
• Electrolyte imbalances from excessive fluid loss

The amount you sweat is not a measure of how hard you worked, how many calories you burned, or how “clean” your body became. It’s largely a reflection of your body’s attempt to keep your temperature under control.

A great workout should challenge your muscles, your cardiovascular system, and your movement skills—not your body’s ability to avoid overheating.

Strength. Mobility. Endurance. Function.
Those are meaningful fitness outcomes.

Sweat is just a side effect. 💦💪