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Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: Lifestyle

Fitness Series: The Barre Workout – What is it?

If you read my recent Surgical Series you’ll know that I’ve been blighted by a spell of inactivity which has led to weight gain, loss of muscle mass and a total loss of motivation.  See that’s the thing with forced recuperation, you don’t have a choice but to sit still.

Now, you know that I’m an avid gym goer, it’s my happy place, and I really do mean that.  However just like we learned from Spider-Man, with hibernation comes laziness and complacency.  I’m not sure that’s quite right but you get the gist….

So, you’ve heard me waxing lyrical about the benefits of being active, from playing roller derby to competing in boxing bouts, training in the Mineral House Gym and my sanctuary, The Barre; you know I’m a go-getter and someone who not only loves the thrill of competitive sport, but also the journey to get fighting fit.  But what happens when you lose that drive?  I’m somebody who in a year has gone from getting up and hitting the gym or the barre, first thing, then revisiting on an evening after my working day is done, to someone who says ‘tomorrow’ knowing that tomorrow doesn’t exist.

After my most recent round of surgery and during my recovery, I met up with one of my longest standing friends Natalie Catlah for our monthly coffee catch up and man did I go in hard with the whingeing.  I was tired, lazy, fat, gross and many other words I called myself, which could all be summed up by one defining category: Defeated.  Now if there’s one thing that Natalie and I have in common, it’s that we’re straight talkers.  She’s a person I go to when I need to give myself a shake, she pulls no punches with me, but also respects the boundaries enforced by restrictions such as surgery and she knew that I was on the verge of being broken, and largely that I had done this to myself.  In a nutshell, I had become complacent, where once was motivation was now laziness and that had to change.

The Barre workout Instructor in an Arabesque position in a fitness studio fashion voyeur blog

You might have heard me talk about Nat in my posts before (she’s who I go to when I need to wheel out the big guns) she’s the owner, creator and ultimate matriarch of The Barre in Newcastle.  Starting to sound familiar?  If you follow me on social media you’ll have most definitely seen my posts about the benefits of training at The Barre.  If you’re not familiar with the concept then let me fill you in, you’ll most definitely not be forgiven for thinking we flounce around in a posh dance studio….

Neon B sign at The Barre Fashion Voyeur Blog

WHAT IS BARRE?

Barre is hard.  It’s definitely not for the faint hearted.  Yes it takes it’s name and its basis from ballet but the commonalities end there.  The Barre Workout is derivative, it takes the very base mechanics of ballet and turns them into a booty sculpting, thigh honing workout with no dance whatsoever.  That was your first barrier right?  The fact that you’re not a dancer?  Eliminate that, this is a workout for anybody of any shape and any fitness level.

real Clients in a 2nd position plie at The Barre fashion voyeur blog

WHAT DO YOU GUYS DO IN BARRE?

Plies.  Lots of them.  We take the basic ballet plie (it means “to bend”) and we exercise them in various different positions based on the ballet spectrum.  Think lots of tiny, controlled squats that burn out the biggest fat burning muscles in the body and you’re on the right track.  What’s different about The Barre is that each round of exercises has been stripped back and built back up by Nat to magnify the benefits for fitness, rather than dance.  Take for example a First Position Plie, in Barre, the heels are clamped firmly together to close the chain of exercise and increase the body’s own resistance.  Clever right?  She wasn’t a ballerina for nowt this one, she’s got some skills.

Nat Catlah The Barre Fashion Voyeur

I’M SCARED, WHAT IF I’M CRAP?

Well you gotta start somewhere.  Listen, I’m uncoordinated and messy but the great thing about The Barre is that it’s slow, controlled and above all else, regimented.  The classes follow a set path and your instructor will spend time talking you through and demonstrating the set up of each exercise along with positioning, and you simply follow those instructions.  The best way of knowing you’re doing it right is when those muscles start to shake, no Barre Newbie escapes the Barre Burn, it’s mandatory.

HOW LONG IS A CLASS?

One hour.  Like with the Star Wars movies, there’s a specific order in which you attack the Barre schedule.  Never done it before?  Start with First Barre (if you’re a new client you get your first two classes for the price of one), there are lots of these on the schedule to choose from and the schedule switches seasonally depending on demand.  Once you’ve found your feet, check with your Instructor and she’ll tell you if you’re ready to move up to Open Barre.  Open Barre is a class of mixed ability so you’ll see Wonder Women in there as well as people brand new to the class but don’t panic, The Barre has a community spirit like no other workout I’ve done.  These women (and the odd few men) support and encourage each other in and out of class and if you get something wrong in class, even if someone spots it, they’ll pretend they didn’t so you don’t feel crap.

Nat Catlah at The Barre in an arabesque position Fashion Voyeur Blog

Once you’ve mastered the roster of moves you’ll be able to navigate the schedule of classes a little more freely.  When you’re confident at Open Barre level you can try 2nd Barre, the rising to 3rd Barre.  In addition to the classes which made the studio famous, there’s a selection of Power (45 min) and Express (30 min) classes.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO THERE?

Well, if you’re getting a taste for the place then try a Barrdio class – from the Power Class menu.  This 45 minute fat blaster takes it’s name from the much loved Cardio barre classes in the States and follows the same format.  Getting the heart rate up a lot higher with faster, but still controlled movements.

Brawl is another Power Class that’s dedicated to honing the upper body.  Want arms like Michelle Obama?  Then you’d better be prepared to work for it, this is 45 minutes of upper body exercise with small, precise movements that target not just the larger muscles but the accessory muscles too.

There’s a full suite of 30 minute Express Classes that cram a lot into your lunch break.  Each one targets a specific thing:  Re-Ab (abs), Re-Flex (flexibility) and Rear-Arrange (booty).

WHAT DO I WEAR?

2nd Position plies on demi pointe at the barre

Regular gym gear.  leggings, shorts, vests, tees, anything goes and as The Barre has their own range of Barre Threads, you’ll be able to spot the die-hards by their kit.  Shameless plug alert: I’ve just switched sponsors from Nike to Pro-Skins so you’ll see me flashing my wares in there too.

WHERE IS IT?

The Barre is in Newcastle on the Quayside, it’s right opposite the Copthorne Hotel and whilst it doesn’t have its own dedicated parking lot, there’s ample parking nearby.  Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to an evening class as the Quayside approach from Forth Banks can be crazy busy at rush hour.

HOW DO I GET MYSELF A PLACE?

Now that’s easy, download The Barre Workout app from the app store and there’s an option for a 2-4-1 starter class.  After that, the world is literally your oyster.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

It’s not cheap, I won’t lie.  The Barre is a lifestyle and to tap in and be a part of that will cost you £14 per class if you buy them individually.  Like with any fitness studio classes bought in ‘packs’ are cheaper and once you’ve decided it’s right for you there’s an option of a monthly membership package that gives you access to 26 classes each rolling month at a cost of £125 per month – that’s the option I choose and have done for a number of years now as the classes work out cheapest.  Obviously you know you’re own starting point, financially and in terms of your goals so select a package that fits with your current lifestyle.

I’m charting my recovery and my journey back to fitness.  I put on three stone after having three surgical procedures back to back and being unable to exercise so I’ll be there as much as possible in the coming months.  I’m aiming for six classes per week which equates to one for each day The Barre is open in a week, keep your eyes on my social media for instant updates or subscribe here for regular posts on my endeavours.  Better still, sign up for a class and come join me!

See you at The Barre!

Pixie xo

Categories: Lifestyle

Another Day in Sparadise

Tucked away in the basement of the busy Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, you’ll find the Mineral House.  An inner city sanctuary I’ve come to know and love over the past six months, the Mineral House is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle.  With its basement corridor bathed in flickering candlelight and the scent of lemongrass, it really is a treat for the senses.

In a nutshell the Mineral House comprises a gym, pool and treatment spa.  As far as hotel facilities go, this is pretty damn good.  The gym is larger than the average hotel gym and it has everything you’d expect from an unmanned facility.  Sure you won’t find a huge selection of free weights and Olympic bars, but let’s not forget, this is a fitness suite largely populated by hotel guests who use it with the sole purpose of preventing stagnation during their stay.  It’s very well equipped (for what it is) and has a good balance of cardio machines, cable machines, kettlebells and dumbbells – and if my numerous requests for a punchbag are noted then who knows, we may even see that as an addition for 2017.  The Mineral House offers personal training to clients on request and recently extended its hours to offer 24 hour access so now there’s no excuse not to train.

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The pool area is gorgeous, accented with soft purple light; the swimming pool is accompanied by a large whirlpool spa and steam room, perfect for unwinding after a workout and there are several loungers poolside for those who just want to chill and be immersed in the cool ambience.

The Mineral House treatment spa is manned by the best Therapists in the business, during the build the recruitment drive was fierce and only the creme de la creme were selected (a massage from Roberta is otherworldly, I can vouch).  The treatment menu is huge, offering a range of spa treatments with a focus on eastern aromatic spices and warm pindas to encourage deep relaxation within the muscles.  Locker room chat is always about how awesome the deep tissue massage is.

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As such, the team is a tight knit band of industry pros always willing to help out, I’m often offered a person to work with me on boxing pad work in the gym with me when it’s quiet.

In it’s entirety, the Mineral House is a place I’ve come to rely on to escape real world shiz, it’s where I go to get my head in gear and when I’m lacking motivation I can rely on staff there to gee me up with some inspiring words.  I primarily use the Mineral House for the gym, it’s somewhere you can get your head down and get a serious workout in without judgement, or people staring.  With the influx of no frills gyms in the city, the Mineral House offers a refreshing change from the stereotypical functional gym goer.

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My favourite thing about the Mineral House is the convenience.  The location is easy, it’s easy to get in and out of Newcastle from the Crowne Plaza, the parking is free and you’re given towels on arrival.  Seriously Voyeurs, it’s the little details that make the biggest differences: think hot showers with shampoo and shower gel provided, large lockers, separate restrooms and TVs with subtitles so you have someone to watch whilst you train.  Yes, it’s small, we’ve established that, but it’s perfectly formed.

Fancy trying it out for yourself?  Get in touch, they’re a friendly bunch and offer a free trial so you can get to grips with everything on offer and decide whether it’s for you.  With a range of memberships to suit different needs, there’s bound to be something you can work with.  Don’t fancy a long term commitment?  The Mineral House offers two hours exclusive use of incorporated facilities with every treatment booked, spa day sessions are also available.

For a hotel facility I’m really impressed with the Mineral House, whether it’s the cool, calming environment, or the uber friendly staff, it’s a place you’ll feel welcome in from your first visit.  I’m a member and I’ve got to say Voyeurs, I’m hooked, in fact, I’m heading there right now to get my workout on.  If you’re thinking about joining, or checking the place out for a free trial, be sure to tell them Pixie sent you and maybe I’ll see you there some time.

Pixie xo

Categories: Beauty, Lifestyle

Face Facts: Beasting Beauty

I like make-up, and I love working out, but let’s be clear; the two should never, ever meet.  Make-up in the gym, that’s a big no-no right?  And I’m not alone in that opinion…

In preparation for this article, knowing that it would get (some) peoples backs up I surveyed women of various ages and abilities about their opinions on wearing make-up in the gym and a staggering 88% cam back with a resounding “Hell no, that’s just cray” and I consider myself firmly in that camp.

First of all, it’s crazy bad for your skin, clogging pores and interfering with the body’s cooling system and it serves no purpose other than to make us look better than we do without it.  That’s nothing you didn’t already know, yet despite this, and the survey results, everywhere I look in the gym, there are women wearing make-up – and lots of it.

I work out a lot, in fact I’m a Boxer and when I’m in the gym I sweat, a lot.  I don’t look pretty and I get red faced, it’s just what happens when you work out and that’s ok, but to cover all that in make up?  Come on girls, aren’t we better than that?  The recent #ThisGirlCan national campaign certainly seems to think so, with a TV commercial celebrating women of all shapes, sizes and abilities working out and looking proud (and knackered) it’s a revelation – women don’t look great in the gym and why the hell should they?  After all if you’re not sweating and panting after a workout, you’re not doing it right.

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What we need are more icons working up a sweat without make-up – the Kardashian’s recently endorsed a brand of make-up specifically for the gym, claiming to be sweat proof and are regularly pictured leaving Barry’s Bootcamp in Calabasas wearing more than a slick of lipgloss.  It’s things like this that make women feel like they need to, or that it’s ok to wear make up in the gym.  It’s like saying, women should look their best at all times, everywhere they are.  Fuck that, if I want to get my sweat on, I’ll get my sweat on properly and keep my face where it is instead of all over my towel.

So, You know it’s bad for your skin, experts say it can lead to *shock horror* acne due to penetrated pores and lets be honest, it looks gross after a workout but if you absolutely can’t give up face whilst you’re in the gym, at least switch to mineral make up, I don’t know if it’s actually any better for your skin in reality under gym conditions but it sounds like it is….

Make up in the gym: it’s a no from me, but hey, who am I?  I’m just a girl who likes to work out.  Without make up.

Pixie x

Published in NELove Magazine May 2016

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Categories: Lifestyle

This Girl Can Campaign

It’s no secret that I’m into health, fitness and sport in a big way, I’ve was brought up on sport and being active and throughout my school life, if I wasn’t rowing in the National Championships, I was throwing a javelin for the County Athletics Team.

I’ve always been competitive and I’ve always enjoyed sport, even now as an adult, competitive boxing, roller derby and weight lifting are my weapons of choice when it comes to sport and an active lifestyle and I train fiercely, as often as I can.

My profile, love of sport and being active, have allowed me the privilege of taking part in an amazing campaign which I’m firmly backing, and if you’re reading this then you should absolutely get behind This Girl Can too.

No doubt you’ve seen the commercials on TV, the billboards, or maybe you’ve seen the #ThisGirlCan hashtag on various social media platforms, if you haven’t then you really should check it out, and here’s why….

This Girl Can is a national campaign developed by Sport England and a wide range of partnership organisations. It’s a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets.

This Girl Can is more than a campaign, it’s a movement.  It’s a celebration of women in sport and fitness no matter what their shape, size, level of competition or age.  This, Voyeurs, is about getting in the game, getting active and getting your sweat on regardless of absolutely anything else.

I’m super psyched to be a part of the campaign and an Ambassador for This Girl Can, with a hectic lifestyle, sport gives me much needed headspace, something that’s incredibly important to me.  More over, I’m ecstatic to reveal my campaign poster!

So, if you want to get involved, check out the website, pick up the #ThisGirlCan hashtag on Twitter and Instagram and share your stories.  If you’re looking for a new activity then the website is packed with suggestions for indoor and outdoor sports depending on your goals and has a handy guide on cost / equipment required etc.  you can also make your own #ThisGirlCan poster and share it across social media platforms with your friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get up, get active, get sweaty and share your story with #ThisGirlCan.

Pixie x

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Categories: Fashion, Uncategorized

Karlie Kloss for Kurt Geiger SS16

Karlie Kloss is everywhere these days; if she’s not strutting down a runway or giving good face on the cover of your favourite glossy, then she’s in the gym honing her now infamous physique.

Having hung up her Victoria’s Secret wings for good in 2014, Kloss announced that she was going back to school and became a poster girl for Women in Coding everywhere, however 2016 looks set to be the year that Kloss invades the high street.  With a campaign already unveiled for Topshop, Kloss is out to prove that just because the truly amazing haircut that sent her career stratospheric is gone, it doesn’t mean that the girl underneath it is.

Enter British shoe mecca Kurt Geiger…..

Kurt Geiger: Hey Karlie, we think you’re gorgeous and would love to have you front our latest Everything But the Dress campaign, what do you think?

Karlie Kloss: Well that sounds cool but since the whole Victoria’s Secret thing I’m really known for my Kookies and my endless gym shots so we’d have to work one of those into the theme somewhere….

KG: Hmmm, Kookies and shoes sounds messy, how about we go with the fitness theme?

KK: Sounds great. How much are you paying me?

KG: Like, a gazillion dollars

KK: I’m in.

…. I’m speculating, maybe that’s how it went.

The official line on the casting from the brand themselves is this: “Kurt Geiger unveil Karlie Kloss as the face of the Spring Summer 16 campaign. Shot by Erik Torstensson, the mood of the collection is energetic sports-luxe, where fashion pumps iron to powerful effect.”  And there’s no denying that the images are beautiful, if a little contrived and you already know that I’m a huge Karlie Kloss fan.  However, it does feel a little like Kloss’s love of fitness has been shoehorned into the campaign just to give her an identity – one she absolutely doesn’t need.

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On shooting the campaign, Kloss said “I loved being part of the Kurt Geiger spring/summer campaign. I’ve always been a fan of this iconic brand not only for being a perfect red carpet look, but also, now, for every day running from the gym to work and everything in between! Rebecca’s vision for this collection brilliantly works for women who do it all.”  Again, there’s that casual reference to fitness.  Let’s remember people that Kurt Geiger is a brand synonymous with glamour in Britain and not known for it’s gym shoes or sneakers.

The collection itself looks pretty slick, casual cool, made using flexible materials and comprising effortless swimwear, sport sandal hybrids, sneakers in soft snake-cut leathers and frilly flatforms are made for fashion on the go.  Contemporary yet simple, the flatform sandals and leather espadrilles will make for SS16 holiday essentials however it’s unlikely we’ll see any of them in the gym any time soon.  Unless you’re Karlie Kloss, and even then it’s pretty unlikely.

“The campaign is about fashion designed for real life.” Says Creative Director, Rebecca Farrar-Hockley. Having known Erik Tortensson for over 12 years, the duo have worked together many times. Finding their inspiration from each other and the product, they continue to create fresh, innovative campaigns.

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People will stare, make it worth their while

Pixie Tenenbaum

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