How Doing This One Thing Changed How I Feel About Streaming Fitness

As someone who has taken over 650 group fitness classes, I can easily say, at least for me, nothing feels as effective as working out in person with a professional instructor. And while streaming fitness is more popular than ever, I've always been hesitant to try it. But when the folks at Kopari Beauty invited me to a private Tone It Up barre class - so I could sweat it out in honor of launching the brand's new Coconut Oil Deodorant - I gladly signed up. I knew it would be interesting to see what taking a class designed for streaming would feel like in real life.

I knew it would be interesting to see what taking a class designed for streaming would feel like in real life.

Before taking the class, I knew very little about Tone It Up's workouts. Ironically, I'm obsessed with their absolutely delicious Chocolate Brownie Protein Bites and probably have a greater knowledge of their food line. Going in with zero expectations, I ended up being pleasantly surprised for a variety of reasons. First of all, to offer full disclosure, I'm recovering from a spinal fracture. At this point, my injury doesn't present too much of a challenge, and there are many workouts I'm perfectly capable of doing.

But then, I sprained my ankle just days before the class was scheduled and needed to wear an ankle support. (However, I would not advise others to try any fitness program while injured without getting permission from your doctor first.) That being said, what surprised me the most is that I was able to participate 100%. So, if you aren't where you want to be physically, don't hesitate to take one of Tone It Up's barre classes because they are truly accessible for people with different abilities and skill levels.

Tori Simone, who is one of the trainers on the app (and a former Clippers dancer), taught the class. Her teaching style was the perfect balance of disciplined friendliness mixed with enough "get in and get out" style motivation. The class was 30 minutes long, but really packed a lot of work into a short period of time. The choreography was very easy to nail down because I was familiar with all of the moves. Tori brought us through a routine of Crunches, Leg Lifts, Mountain Climbers, Planks and Hip Dips in addition to lots of different exercises that made my oblique muscles burn like crazy. The pace was quick but very doable.

Her teaching style was the perfect balance of disciplined friendliness mixed with enough "get in and get out" style motivation.

One element of the workout, which I took mental note of, is how little space it really required. I've always been hesitant to try steaming workouts because I don't really have extra space in my living room or bedroom. But, approximately 85% of the class was confined to the mat. My feet were placed just outside the mat for the rest of the time.

When the class was over, I felt sore and more accomplished than I had anticipated feeling. If I did this workout or a similar one every day, I'd probably have the body I really want. As I become even busier (especially with the holidays coming up), I might download the Tone It Up app.