Congratulations to our winning bari march madness teams! Let’s all cheers (with green juice, obviously) to each studio’s hard-working, sweat-drenched winners:

bari tribeca: #webariharderthanyouparty +#micromanagers (our first ever tie!)

bari newport beach: #webariharderthanyouparty

bari summit: #micromanagers

If you won, you received an email with your top secret (and super awesome, if we do say so ourselves) (sur)prize — we hope you love it!

To the rest of our incredibly hard-working teams, your sweat game was on point. And you still win because we all know the best sweat challenge prize is a #baribody.

We’re not through with you, sweat-loving Tribe! There’s still work to be done before summer comes around (we’re less than two months away from Memorial Day Weekend!), so check out the full details on our summer prep program, bari peel, and sign up!

It’s undeniable — spring is here and we’ve got to make some changes. It’s time to gut our closets, cut our hair and open the windows because we’re ready for a fresh start. We’re ready to shed that winter skin and step into the sun. We’re ready to baripeel.

Enter: a tried-and-true six week program to transform your body in time for summer (beach days, Summer Fridays and happy hours while there’s still daylight — we’re ready for ya!). Six weeks is all it takes to get your body energized, toned, and sculpted for summer — and thankfully we’re just in the nick of time. Our baripeel program puts you on track to shed whatever is holding you back so you can step into your best #baribody on the first day of summer. (Or the unofficial-but-more-important first day of summer, Memorial Day Weekend.)

Imagine what you can achieve with a program designed to deliver results on a deadline?

Here are some of the baripeel tools you’ll have at your disposal:

• A program designed to teach you how to define, strengthen, and slim down every part of your body starting with your heart health, working through your core and back, and even paying particular attention to how to sculpt your legs, butt, and arms.
• A team of experts who know what you need and tell you exactly how to get it.
• Two weeks of real food detoxing — we’ll be starting and ending baripeel with 5 day detoxes. We promise it will be delicious and leave you feeling lighter and more energized than ever.
• A way to identify and track your goals so you know when you’ve reached them.
• A bari experience to rock your world – new sequences, master classes, bari’s expert trainers bringing you a cardio and sculpting experience like never before.
• Advice on how to get the most out of your heart rate and calorie burn.
• Nutrition advice so you can you break your bad habits with the one-two punch of knowledge and excitement.
• The mind-body connection that’s necessary to keep you motivated and engaged.

baripeel has everything you need for a workout program to succeed — the only thing you have to do is sign up, show up and dive in.

Here’s how it works when you sign up:

• You’ll receive weekly prescriptions with program details, including sweat goals, nutrition advice and mind-body motivation.
• You’ll schedule two measurement sessions (at the beginning and end of the program; included in your peel participation fee).
• You’ll need to make sure you’re on the right class and privé package or membership so that you can follow your weekly workout prescriptions (which will have you sweating between 4 to 7 times per week).
• You’ll get access to exclusive baripeel perks, including special rates for master classes, private training, Bari coaching and nutrition throughout the baripeel program.

Check out the baripeel page to get all the program details and sign up.

Our favorite week of the challenge? The last week. Why? It brings out the fire in you, Tribe. We already know how amazing you are — but in the last week of any challenge, you take it up a notch. You know your why, set your sights on finishing strong and getting ‘er done.

If you want a few extra secrets on how to take the March Madness cake amazing prize, check it out:

• double up: If you’re already sweating, why stop? Doubling up builds on all the amazing sweat you’ve already thrown down over the past three weeks. And an object in motion stays in motion, so ya got physics on your side.

• don’t hold back: Let loose. Have fun. Dance your ass off, literally. If you were ever gonna nail your workouts, now’s the time. When you know a sequence, nail it. When you don’t know a sequence, nail it anyway. Push yourself to lay it all on the line.

• use your team: It’s a team challenge for a reason! Build each other up this week, schedule a team date at the end of the week to reward yourself for all the tallies you’ve put up on that wall and say thanks to every single person on your team for how they contributed to a greater sense of the bari community.

• check yo’self: With measurements. Prizes are great, but results are the bomb.com. Schedule an Rx consult so you can tally up your results just like you did with your classes.

• surprise yourself: Don’t assume it’s over until it’s over. Have one more burst in you for an extra class or two? Go for it! Sometimes we don’t even realize how much stronger we’ve gotten until we test ourselves, so this week try something new. Get in a morning class or a weekend class or a new kind of class. Let yourself be surprised by the strength you’ve built up over the past few weeks.

You’ve been nailing every day of #barimarchmadness. You’ve been tallying up and sweating like a boss. So as the initial adrenaline rush of starting a new challenge starts to give way to Life with a capital L, what’s a #baribody to do? The answer: Play smart.

It’s no time to give up or phone it in. The third week of every challenge we’ve done is historically the hardest. Why? Because Life, people. Because babysitters cancel and March is unexpectedly snowy sometimes and Daylight Freaking Savings. So many excuses creep up even as the end is in sight. But if you’re clever (and we know you are), taking the third week to start playing smart makes sure that the toughest week becomes the most fun. Winning isn’t about carelessly throwing your workouts away, it’s about owning them and opening yourself up to experience the rest of March Madness in a whole new way. Here’s how:

• give yourself a check in, Rx style: You’ve been working out for two weeks straight. Cash in on those new stats by booking an Rx with a bari coach and getting a new two week prescription to carry you through the end of the challenge.

• focus on your corrections in class: If your trainer gives you an adjustment, try to make it as fast as possible. Figure out how it changes your movements. Where does it feel different? How does it make it easier or harder? Remember those internal sensations and see if you can recreate them for yourself on the second side and in every class.

• know when to push and when to rest: You know by now that the only way your body can really work at its fullest potential is to make sure it’s being nourished and taking the rest it needs. Be smart about this third week, get 7 to 8 hours of Zzzzs, drink lots of water, sprinkle some meditation into your days. When you rest more, you can push more.

• take class like the champ: You don’t have to be perfect to be a champ, you just have to know what to do. And lucky you, here’s a mini-curation of our favorite tips to burn more calories, make plank your bitch, reduce cellulite, actually engage your abs and get rid of that last inch once and for all.

#FBOfficialWithBari

#WeBariHarderThanYouParty

#SkimmersAreMyBitch

#MyBariBringsAllTheBoysToTheYard

#MicroManagers

Dear #failproof fitness stars,

This week we’re going to ask you to get uncomfortable. You know the saying: change happens at the edge of your comfort zone. It’s a cliche because it’s true, Tribe. If you push slightly past what’s comfortable for you in class, you’ll expand what you’re capable of during each hour and get more burn out of every drop of sweat. And we’re asking you to do this by amping up your intensity. This week is not about how many times you nail Rodeo perfectly, it’s not about how much longer you can hold plank than your neighbor, it’s not about the depth of the sweat pool that has gathered beneath your head during a Scorpion Series. Nope. It’s all about your heart rate.

You’ve already focused on your form and endurance, now we’re going to change your intensity to change your body even more.

Failproofers: Check your inbox for this week’s barirx!

Fully ready to kick 2015’s ass (and my own), I’ll be documenting my #failproof2015 journey every other week. Follow along for motivation, fitspiration and a whole lot of real talk!

I don’t know about all of you, but I couldn’t be more excited that bari is giving us this opportunity to get back on track after the last two months just sort of happened. And by that, I mean got totally out of control between holiday parties, indulgent meals/desserts and wild weekend nights leading into Seamlessing Pick-A-Bagel’s breakfast platter special plus a blueberry bagel with extra cream cheese and contemplating your life choices in a dark room until it was time to go to work on Monday. (Wait, was that just me?) Needless to say, I’m ready for #failproof2015 and itching to feel healthy again.

My measurements last week were a huge wakeup call for me. Since my last check-in over the summer, I’ve gained seven pounds and five percent body fat. What was the culprit? Maybe I’d gotten a little lax with my workouts, but I’d still been coming a few times per week. I knew exactly what the change had been: diet! According to the measurements, my unruly eating habits (or lack thereof) had basically undone all my hard work in the past year.

But do I feel discouraged? Not at all. I’m ready to move forward and kick some serious ass. I decided to re-download the MyFitnessPal app to keep me on track. I got rid of it a couple years ago when I felt it was making me calorie obsessed, but I’m not getting wrapped up in that this time and really just using it as an accountability tool. This challenge is a bit different for me than when I started with bari a year ago because I now know what I should be eating; I just need to do it! I’m back to following the real food diet, and I already feel better.

For the six weeks of failproof, I’m working with the vivacious and uber motivating Sarah Hackwith. Based off my current fitness regimen and measurements, Sarah recommended that I take five classes a week with an emphasis on the cardio classes for at least the first half of the program — which seems like a ton, even for me! My main concern about taking this many classes a week was that every time I’ve gotten in the groove of going that much, I always end up hurting either my back or neck, putting me out of commission for at least a week. My rationale had been that I just need to take it easier- while Sarah explained to me that this most likely has to do with my form.

I can’t believe it took me over a year of being #bariddicted to sign up for a privé, but I could never justify spending the extra money. What I didn’t realize is that just one private class could give me the right tools to go into the group classes with a completely different mindset. Sarah was able to show me exactly what I was struggling with, and I have already noticed a difference in my classes. Still on the fence? Consider signing up with a friend. My bari BFF Laura and I took a privé2 together and scheduled one every other week with Sarah to keep checking in on our form and goals. Both Laura and I feel like the bari group classes are completely different (and harder!) now that we’re doing each exercise correctly. I have also felt more inclined to ask questions in group classes now just to make sure I understand the movement and all of the trainers have been so helpful. Since I’m now really aware of my form, I’m getting so much more out of the classes, resulting in an extremely sore bari body. But no pain! Which is really encouraging. Sarah also recommended that I switch up my cardio class routine. I LOVE bounce. There’s really no place I’d rather be than on a trampoline (or my bed). Sarah appreciated my enthusiasm, but prescribed I mix it up and work on some floor cardio classes. I switched two of my bounce classes to a macro and a hybrid, and it was actually really fun! I forgot I had calf muscles — oh hello, there you are.

So how did I do this week? I took five classes, reduced my caffeine, sugar and sodium intake, added in veggies whenever possible and took time to unwind and decompress from the work day each night. It was a struggle to take the morning classes this week with the freezing temperatures, but I did it! And obviously have had way too much fun with the failproof chart. Did I eat a bagel this Sunday? Yeah. That happened… But you know what? I’m focused on the power of today. Week two: here we go!

I’ll be sure to keep you all posted on my progress!

Dear Gonna-Take-My-Life-Into-My-Own-Hands Triber,

This is where it all begins. Say goodbye to last year, say goodbye to old habits, say goodbye to what used to hold you back. There’s nothing in front of you now except limitless possibilities and a built-for-you plan to help you meet them. So, first things first: Know where you’re starting.

So many times we don’t want to look at the scale, or we rationalize not taking a class on a cold day, or we use unhelpful strategies like “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” to get through a tough week. But not being realistic about where we’re starting from means we can’t really know where we’re going or when we’ve arrived there.

The number one way to start the year off right? Follow a plan based on where you are right now, and check off your first win of 2015 in six weeks.

Already signed up for failproof? Check your inbox for this week’s barirx. And if you’re not in on the failproof action yet, you can fix that here.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: we believe a happy life starts with choosing a healthy body. We’ve watched the transformation happen more times than we can count. Jen comes to bari because she’s sick of her current workout and wants to see real results. She discovers a workout she loves (really!) and looks forward to — and what do you know? A few weeks in and those sought after results are hers. As her body transforms, so does her lifestyle. She swaps late nights out for early morning alarms. She feels energized, positive and confident. There’s no going back — this is addictive. Why? Because she’s really damn happy. And once you unlock that, there’s no giving it up. Every time you choose health, you add a grain of salt to the happy salt shaker that is life. Poetic, right?

But, how do you choose health? It’s a nice theory — but putting it into action is not easy. Most of the time the more convenient, or more delicious, or more comfortable choice, is not health. It’s hitting your snooze button topped with a no-fucking-way-is-this-gluten-free brownie, plus a side of sweatpants.

So we’re here to help you and teach you how to choose health. The recipe is simple on paper:

1. you need to have a plan. Having a plan is the foundation for change. You can’t build a house without a blueprint. You can’t build a business without a business plan. And you can’t guess your way to a healthier body. You have to get clear on where you are versus where you want to go. Your barirx (a.k.a. a made-for-you plan to kick ass in your best year yet) gives you everything you need to stop guessing and start changing: accountability, a strategy, new habits, motivation, information, willpower and a clear way to track your accomplishments.

2. take it one day at a time. No one expects you to start where you’re going to end, so stop expecting that from yourself. Trust us. We’ve mastered the science and the strategy, so all you need to worry about is today. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Your healthiest body ever begins with the tiny choices you make today. Just get through the next 24 hours.

3. get uncomfortable. You know what they say: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Same goes for your workouts. We will ask you to get a little bit uncomfortable and to push past your normal routine because doing it a little bit differently is a recipe for manifesting a huge change. You won’t get to a new place following the same old path.

4. sweat smart. Your life evolves from day to day and week to week and your workout should, too. The thing that keeps us from making progress is ignoring the fact that what used to work for us might not work for us anymore. Friends come into town for a visit. You catch a winter cold. You have to stay late at work and miss your regular workouts. Things change in your life and having a customized prescription means that the strategy to accomplish your goals will change with them.

5. go big or go home. There’s a defining moment in every plan when you either give up or double down. Can you guess what you’ll be doing this week? With the help of your newly revamped bariRx, your expert coach and tons of tips from your #failproof2015 team, we’ll help you get the most out of each drop of sweat. We’ll give you the resources to reach past your limitations and dig up new enthusiasm. Hate planks? Not this week. Cringe over kale? Uh uh. Beating yourself up? Not gonna fly. We have a solution for every roadblock so that you’re not crawling toward the finish line, you’re sprinting past it.

6. make it a habit. Let’s be real. This hot new bod isn’t just about a tight ass or a non-bat wing arm. It’s about feeding your inner strength. It’s about your bigger purpose. This week, we’ll uncover your why. Why do you want to be healthy? Thigh gap is nice, but it’s not the whole story. This change works on the outside and inside, so let’s uncover why you do it and make this habit stick. Weeks one through five have given you all of the pieces to this habit puzzle — have a plan, take it one day at a time, push hard (and smart), enjoy the small wins — you’re well on your way to rocking a solidified, ain’t-going-nowhere habit.

Throughout this challenge we’ll break down this failproof recipe so it’s digestible, doable and achievable. You’ll walk away with a strong core - figuratively and literally - and ready to take on 2015 and make it your healthiest, happiest, and who are we kidding, hottest, year yet.

Ready to failproof your 2015? Sign up here.

Dear Tribe,

Bari March Madness 2014 has arrived. We’re not talking brackets and basketball — we’re talking about our annual team sweat challenge. Yes, we’re in this one together. During Bari March Madness, we team up with our Bari buddies to sweat towards our personal goals, a healthy lifestyle, and if we’re being totally transparent, bikini season. Working out as a team is always a great accountability plan, but this year you get an extra advantage. Each week, you’re going to get a healthy dose of love, strategy and motivation from your Bari Coach (yours truly).

As we bounce, sculpt and drip our way through March, I’m going to give you the ins and outs of what to focus on each week: what to work on in class, where you should be focusing on mentally and how to get the best results from this challenge. Think of me as your Fitness Fairy Godmother — here to make sure you are focused, inspired, and to make your success inevitable.

Step One: Set up an appointment for measurements.

I know that it’s sometimes scary to get down to facts and figures when it comes to your body, but it’s important for three reasons.
1) To truly get the results you crave, you need to know where you’re starting. These numbers are not where you’re going to end up; they are just your starting line. To really kill this challenge, you need to know what race you’re running.
2) Many, many, many times I see Tribers being too hard on themselves in a way that does not keep them revved up and committed to their goals. When you break down your numbers, you can see exactly how achievable your results are and lighten up on yourself. Isn’t that a novel idea?
3) Seeing those numbers change week to week will be your #1 motivator. When you know you’re achieving what you set out to achieve, the work becomes more fun every time.

Step Two: Define your goals.

Now that you know the specifics about where you are, it’s time to get specific about where you want to be. Sometimes it’s hard to articulate what that is, so couple the science of your measurements with how you want to feel. Once you’ve gotten really clear about what you want to achieve by the end of March, write it down. Put it on a post it. Tell your spouse. Tweet it. Email me! Get it out there in whatever way makes you comfortable so that you can’t ignore it.

Step Three: Pick a team. Any team.

Sign your name on the Bari Sweat Wall and get to know the other people who sign up. Get your Bari bestie’s name up there, too. Team challenges are the ULTIMATE smack down to bad habits and here’s why: You’re doing it together.

While every Triber will have completely different goals and methods to achieving those goals, you will be in the trenches together — having an understanding of what the other is accomplishing and knowing how to motivate each other. When you learn how to motivate another person and get inside their head, it’s harder to expect less from yourself. If you tell someone else they can do it, you have to believe you can, too. So think of this whole challenge as not just changing your habits for four weeks, but as re-creating your thought process for a whole lifestyle reboot. Sounds kind of awesome, right?

Remember, to be eligible for our awesome prizes, you have to sign up for the challenge below.

Step four: Book and burn.

Sign up for classes now based on your goals and your life-outside-of-Bari schedule. Here’s a handy little guide you can use.

If you want to drop your body fat percentage…

Class Prescription: 3 Cardio + 1 Toning

iQniter Focus: Head for the ORANGE. Average between 75%-85% intensity during classes.

Ideal Schedule: Start off your week strong with two cardio classes, give your heart a rest and put your muscles to work with your toning class, and finish out the week with your last cardio class.

If you want to sculpt and tone up…

Class Prescription: 2 Cardio + 2 Toning

iQniter Focus: Head for the YELLOW. Average between 75%-85% intensity during cardio; average between 65%-75% during toning.

Ideal Schedule: Alternate between cardio and toning throughout the week.

If you want to stay engaged all month…

Class Prescription: Hybrid, Bounce, Micro, Macro

iQniter Focus: Head for the ORANGE. Average between 75%-85% intensity during cardio; average between 65%-75% during toning.

Ideal Schedule: Take a variety of class times to keep your mind and body active during different parts of your day. Switch up your trainers, as well. New instructor? Never taken their X class before? Do it!

If you want to feel more energy…

Class Prescription: 2 Cardio + 2 Toning

iQniter Focus: Head for the ORANGE. Average between 75%-85% intensity during cardio; average between 65%-75% during toning.

Ideal Schedule: Try for morning classes if you can. If you’ve never worked out in the morning, try it just one time and notice how awake you could feel at 8am. It’s bananas.

Tribe, I know you have this one in the bag. Stay connected to each other, to your trainers, to the feeling that your goals will help you achieve. This is your month. Let’s get sweaty.

Love,
#coachcourt