February, 2019 | mostefinitely

February 21, 2019February 21, 2019

These are a few of my favorite barre things

It’s truly no secret to anyone who knows me or follows my Instagram that I’m a bit of a barre-obsessed individual lately. Going to The Barre Code in East Lansing is something that has changed my life for the better. I am within five classes of hitting 100 total, which has been a major goal of mine ever since I started back in September.

As one might imagine, going to classes four to five times a week has helped to make a major change in my mental and physical health. I have also made friends with women who are just as crazy as I am when it comes to dutifully and enthusiastically waking up for 6am classes. But going to classes that often has meant something else: a lot of laundry.

I go through my barre clothes so quickly throughout the week that I find myself running a load of laundry at least once a week, if not twice. More often than not, I have pairs of barre socks air drying on top of the washing machine. And, as it usually happens, there are those favorite workout clothes that you wish you could just buy in bulk and wear every single time. Nothing ruins my experience exercising more than being uncomfortable, or tugging up my pants, or pulling down at my shirt.

But lately, I’ve settled into a groove now that I have discovered my desert-island must-have favorite barre clothes. Thankfully, the things I’m loving lately are as reasonably priced as they are fun to wear.

February 13, 2019February 13, 2019

Interview: Chatting about covers, touring, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Morgan James

This Valentine’s Day weekend, Wharton Center audiences will be treated to the final performance of The Best of Bernstein’s Broadway, a collaboration between singer/songwriter Morgan James and acclaimed conductor Teddy Abrams. The show, set for February 16th, will feature selections of Leonard Bernstein’s Broadway works in celebration of the 2018 centennial.

I spoke with Morgan James about the upcoming show, her experiences on Broadway, and her ambitious cover album projects.

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019

Interview: Regina Carter bringing “Simply Ella” home to Michigan

The spirit of Ella Fitzgerald will come to life later this month, when the Wharton Center welcomes Grammy Award-nominated jazz violinist Regina Carter. The Detroit native is bringing her new Simply Ella show to East Lansing on Friday, February 22. Carter, considered one of the world’s best jazz violinists, was awarded the prestigious fellowship “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation in 2006.

I spoke with her about her 2019 Grammy nomination, the role of music in her life since childhood, and what she would ask Ella Fitzgerald if she had ever been given the chance.

February 5, 2019February 5, 2019

When change happens at a snail’s pace

This past weekend, the Barre Code wrapped up its Resolution Remix challenge for the month of January. The goal was to use a bingo card filled with challenges to mix things up, from trying new formats and class times to completing a one-minute plank or 20 burpees. I knew with the right amount of planning, I could accomplish my goal of blacking out my bingo card.

I was so excited when I finished up the challenge with over a week to spare, filling in all of the spaces by January 23rd. I was the second client at our studio to get it done, and by this weekend, there were 19 of us who accomplished this goal.

This challenge helped push me into a new gear for the beginning of 2019. I’ve been a faithful Barre Code client since hitting the ground running (or tucking, or squatting, or pulsing, rather) in September 2018, but the Resolution Remix challenge was just the thing I needed to tap into that New Year Motivation mood.

Then, this past Super Bowl Sunday, Zack and I also participated in a 5k with his boss, Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Governor Whitmer’s goal for 2019 is to complete one 5k a month, and she just so happened to be signed up for one not too far from our house. When Zack said he had volunteered to help staff the governor and needed to do the 5k, I decided to sign up at the last minute. While my shins are really feeling it a couple of days later, it was so great to do something new and unexpected to mix up my routine.

Getting to that finish line with the governor

These accomplishments are helping to distract me from the fact that while I’m transforming in some ways, other things aren’t changing as quickly. The big one is the number on the scale.

That darn scale. No matter how often I try to avoid using it all together, or try to focus on the strength I have gained over these last several months, I can’t help but let a part of me focus on the fact that this is one tangible change I’m not seeing yet. The number, though lower now than it was in September, is moving at a snail’s pace.