Just the combination of words “core barre workout” is enough to send most people’s muscles a-quivering. But don’t worry, because in this episode of Trainer of the Month Club, Kelsey Lindell, a personal trainer and disability advocate, is here to walk you through a core barre workout that she says is “great for all levels and all accessibilities.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I am missing half of my left arm. And I’ve heard that’s not super common. So I plan these workouts for you and not for me, there will be times when we’re going to be doing different things,” says Lindell at the beginning of the video. There are two different things I want you to remember: This is your workout, so you need to do whatever feels best for your body; And if you ever get lost, follow what my right arm is doing.
Experts In This Article
- Kelsey Lindell, Kelsey Lindell is a Minneapolis-based fitness instructor, the founder of Shape Society Collective, and an advocate for people with disabilities. She has taught yoga sculpt, barre, HIIT, Vinyasa, Warrior Sculpt, and more at boutique and national fitness studios all around Minneapolis including CorePower Yoga and LifeTime Fitness. She has partnered with Nike, Lululemon, and Athleta to combine the power of sweat to bring awareness and funds to causes she cares about. Over the course of her teaching career, she has taught more than 3,500 students and has raised over $30k for social justice and disability-focused organizations.
As you go into the workout, don’t be afraid to modify movements. “Modifications are not a sign that you can’t do the workout, it means that you’re listening to your body,” Lindell says. “The best workout is the one that you can do. So whenever you need a modification, take one. That’s how you’re going to get stronger.”
She also emphasizes that it’s okay to take breaks. “If you’re not used to holding a long plank, that’s really, really normal,” she says. And get ready, because you’re going to plank a lot in the workout. In addition to your standard plank, the workout is filled with movements that build off of the plank position, like mountain climbers.
Lindell shares a stellar tip for improving your plank form: “Here’s the secret sauce,” she says. “I want you to squeeze your butt cheeks really, really tight like you’ve got a penny in between them. And if you don’t drop that penny throughout the workout, you’re gonna win a million dollars.”
Ready to get moving? Follow along with the video above.
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