Barre fitness works booty and core
N ancy Griffin and her workout programs are known throughout the South Hills. Griffin is celebrating 11 years as a certified personal trainer and 15 as a Pilates instructor. She is also a golf fitness coach.
Her accomplishments include creating her own DVD and iHOOPilates and Kettlelates fitness programs, writing a golf book and hosting/producing a TV exercise show. Also, as a staff trainer and aquatics instructor at the Center for Wellness, Griffin’s efforts have gone into helping people deal with injuries and rehab. Her motto is: “exercise that is tough on muscles and easy on joints.”
Griffin founded Scoop on Pilates, taught everything from golf fitness to Hula Hoops, authored “Secrets to Better Golf” and created Skinny Jeans Forever.
She is always looking for what’s new and affective to share her passion for fitness.
An avid unicyclist, having competed nationally and around the world, Griffin suffered a knee injury during the 800-meter race at Unicycle Nationals last year in Italy. After two knee surgeries and months of rehab, she has jumped into Booty Barre training with both feet.
Griffin is now partnered with Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Rereation & Outreach Center in Upper St. Clair. Two ballet bars 26- and 29-feet have been installed for the fitness program based on the Booty Barre method. Built on fitness versatility from Pilates, dance, yoga and athletic intervals, the program focuses on techniques for a safe and fun class for any fitness level. The energetic class builds strength and flexibility with an added cardiovascular endurance element. This total body workout lifts sagging buttocks, reduces cellulite and flattens bellies.
“Students are surprised at the level of intensity that the Barre workout delivers and how they get their heart rate up with sweeping movements of the foot and plies at the bar along with low-impact cardio and resistance work,” said Griffin. “Fitness has given me a heart for people who struggle with pain. I have chronic pain, but I have tons of energy and conviction that exercise heals what ails us.”
According to Griffin, women, ages 28-71, love the workout. She is so convinced that Barre is the future that she’s installing a 12-foot ballet bar in her North Strabane studio for private and small group training. “My challenge with every class is to create a fun experience where laughter and friendship are the keys to maintaining a commitment to build a stronger body,” she said.
The strategy is working.
“What I love about Booty Barre is the combination of dance and Pilates. It really works your booty and core,” said Tara Morrow of Canonsburg. “Nancy makes the workout so much fun with her choreography. You just want to keep on dancing.”
Barre workout classes meet 9 a.m. Wednesdays and 7 p.m. Thursdays, through Dec. 18-19. Another class will be starting Oct. 28 at 8:30 a.m. Stop by for a Barre technique tryout for $16 a class.
Registrations are being taken for 2014. Classes are set for 8:30 a.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. Wednesdays and 7 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 6-Feb. 27.
Register at www.wroc.westminster-church.org or call Kathy Long at 412-835-6630. Learn more about Nancy and her fitness programs at www.skinnyjeansforever.com.
Created in the 1930s, Booty Barre is an invigorating ballet-inspired workout, tops on the fitness scene across the United States and around the world.