They just “Get It”

Although I just turned 30, but my joints feel older. Home girl CANNOT exercise on hardwood floors. Just NO. Some barre classes cover the floor with a pretty new carpet, minus one thing: the padding. Ladies and gents, the carpet at the Bar Method is “hella” padded. And for this, I’ll be forever grateful. For those of you with tender wrists, or delicate knees, I can assure you that you’ll be comfortable throughout pushups and while kneeling at the bar. Lastly, feet are weird. Socks that cover your entire foot are required to take class. Thanks for nipping that in the butt!

Targets All Muscle Groups

I like to say that my muscles are always confused. Just when I think I’m used to the exercise sequence, I’m sore the next day. Simply put, one does not plateau from The Bar Method. Rather, the more familiar you become with the exercises, the better your form gets. I wish I had a picture of old me attempting fold-over (five years ago) versus now. Or maybe I don’t! Regardless, it is precisely the reason students of TBM all have that coveted “bar bod.” Strong arms, rock hard abs, and a lifted seat – check!

Instructors are Rigorously Trained

The instructors have to earn the right to teach. There is no such thing as a “weekend certification” program at The Bar Method. It is only after three to six months of anatomy tests, hands-on adjustments, evaluations, etc., that they are given the green light to lead their first class. It sounds strict but it’s all for the clients’ benefit. And whether or not there is a section in the official Bar Method instructor handbook, they all have a special ability to learn names freakishly fast. No joke, five minutes into the workout and they know the class roster up and down. This personalized instruction guarantees a safe and effective workout at an individual basis.

Strengthens Mind-body Connection

I am not a very spiritual person. I have never experienced a moment of “zen.” I’m way too hyper to meditate, but The Bar Method has singlehandedly strengthened my mind-body connection. It is here where I retreat to, to let go of all the stressors and workday chaos. In fact, some of my most inspiring blog posts have “come to me” right in the middle of my workout. If that is not a good enough reason to take class every day, I don’t know what is!

Alleviates Joint Pain

Five years ago I was relying too much on Aleve. My knee pain was consistently bad. I guess that’s what happens when you play field hockey competitively most of your life. Aside from the health repercussions of taking NSAIDs regularly, I was fed up with feeling physically restricted. After several months of attending class three to five times per week, my knee pain SIGNIFICANTLY improved. Fast forward to 2018 and my knee pain is 90% better. My insurance company should probably be reimbursing me for my monthly membership fee! It is no secret that TBM exercises work to strengthen the muscles around your joints, and I’m a walking testimonial as to how advantageous this can be.

In case it was not obvious enough, I genuinely look forward to taking class at the Marina Studio Monday-Friday. In fact, my body craves it. To me, The Bar Method is so much more than a full body workout – it is a lifestyle. Here I am at the start of 2018, and I am the strongest version of myself. For that I give kudos to TBM! If you want to become the most fit version of yourself, click here to find one of the 114 studios across the US near you. But don’t forget to take advantage of the new client special! For a limited time only, RECEIVE TWO WEEKS FREE when you sign up for an introductory offer! Click here for the details. San Francisco marina chicks, join me at The Bar Method Marina for six weeks of unlimited classes for a whopping $49. What else can you get for less than $50?! One salad at Blue Barn costs $25…race you there!

Shop the Post:

Striped Pants c/o K-DEER | Tank (similar) | Sneakers (similar)

The post 5 Reasons I Love The Bar Method appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

There is nothing like starting the weekend with a whooping bang. And when a 60 minute workout involves master teacher Jen (left), and former Raiderette star, Kathleen (right), that is what you’re going to get. It was an absolute honor and privilege to introduce my fav bloggers and babes to the other kind of bar. The bar responsible for transforming my twigs for arms to guns, and my push-up ability from zero to 50. But more about the workout later. So how does one throw a birthday bash at the bar? With all of the obligatory party sweets and eats, goodie bags, and a theme of course!

 
Toasty, the finest establishment for avocado toast, fed my guests post workout grub. The spread included traditional avo toast and my personal favorite, the bruschetta “toasty.” A refreshing item was also on the menu – acai bowls. Aka the, “California Classic.” But it would not be a birthday party without cake. Sift Dessert Bar put together the most delicious assortment of mini cupcakes and macarons. They were adorned with rose gold and all the glitter to match the theme of the party! Never have I ever laid eyes on a more gorgeous edible creation.

In an effort to show my guests some love, I partnered with my go-to companies to secure nifty raffle items. K-DEER is my NUMBER ONE brand in activewear, and we collaborated to give one lucky winner a $100 gift card! Jonathan donated a 10 week supply of Latisse. Who doesn’t covet longer lashes?! Cover FX provided a raffle basket and awesome goodie bag swag. Sorry to say it, but if you have not yet tried the Perfect Setting Powder, your face is missing out. Last but not least, everyone got a taste of my favorite nutritious snack, courtesy of RXBAR.

But none of this would have been possible without the generosity of The Bar Method. Thank you Heather for helping my vision become reality. Together we created a very “rosey” party scene with balloons and all the sparkling fixings (literally and figuratively). To throw an unforgettable rose gold themed birthday bash at the bar, shop the party decor here:

Table Runner | Garland | Party Tub | Napkins | Buffet Cards | Cupcake Stand (similar) | Confetti | Beverage Dispenser | Straws | Champagne Flutes

Outfitted by K-DEER | Toast c/o Toasty | Sweets c/o Sift Dessert Bar | Goodie bags c/o Cover FX & RX BAR | Raffle Prizes c/o Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery, K-DEER, & Cover FX

A special thanks Christine Hanks for photographing my Birthday Bash at the Bar.

The post Birthday Bash at the Bar Method appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I love Emi Jay tees because they are comfy and lightweight. The one size fits all design is great because you can wear it long or short, and the dropped armholes ensure awesome ventilation. I opted for a shorter fit and tied it to the side, and added a pop of color with an orange sports bra. I happen to be wearing the Free to Be bra by lululemon – my favorite sports bras of all time. They provide moderate support without the suffocating affect. I paired these two with my go-to cropped pants also from lululemon. The Pace Rival Crop bottoms are reliable and basic. Featuring 4-way stretch and mesh paneling, these pants are suitable for the barre, the bike, or bootcamp.

Although we work out in socks at the Bar Method, an exercise outfit is not complete without a pair of sneakers! These leopard beauts are what I refer to as “walking shoes,” and for only $34.99, you’ll be strolling to the studio in fierce style. No I do not recommend jogging long distances in these kicks, but they are totally adequate to and fro and will effortlessly spice up your look. Who knew H&M carried such things.

If you’re ready to become the belle of the barre, in this fab muscle tank, shop this post here:

Tank | Pants | Bra | Sneakers

The post Muscle Tank for the Barre Goer appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Hair care:

Ladies and gentleman alike rave about the Red Chair Salon. This gem of a salon is located on Union Street at Octavia. If high-end and full service both sound good to you, then this is your place. Book an appointment online and go see Kristin for a cut, color, style, or blow out. Although her sis, Lindsey, gives a bomb blowout too! I have never felt more at home at a hair salon or had more fun getting beautified. Not to mention I have never been happier with my luscious locks! These girls are young, smart, and up to date on the latest and greatest in hair care. If you didn’t think it could get any better, here’s one for you: dog-friendly!

Eyebrow shaping:

Your brows say a lot about you. Well-groomed brows can make you appear more well-rested and effortlessly primped. The place to go is Flourish San Francisco. Conveniently located on the corner of Union Street and Laguna, book your appointment online hassle free. Felicia is my girl, although every technician there is reliable. A brow day is always a good day!

Nail care:

For the best mani/pedi, go to Sydney Nail Spa. This is coming from someone who has had many…one of those little girls getting mani/pedis with her mom at age four. Jen makes sure you are pampered head to toe and even offers you complimentary tea, and sweet treats. Whether you go for shellac, or traditional nail color, the results are equally impressive. I am hard on my hands so I use gel nail colors. Aside from the color lasting two full weeks with no signs of chipping, I have never received more compliments on my fingernails. I have proof – 275 people liked my latest #manimonday post on Instagram. They’re THAT good. And GG is allowed…SOLD!

Botox/CoolSculpting:

You have probably noticed my affection with establishments who offer online booking. It’s not like I am anti-social and do not enjoy talking to people on the phone, but when you are one who often works on the go, it is so much easier to book online. Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery, your home to the best Botox treatments in the city, proudly offers online booking! Whether you’re ready to tackle those unwanted wrinkles or freeze away some stubborn fat, this is the place to do it all! From the friendly staff to the view of Pacific Heights, to the in-house aesthetician (hello facials!), you’ll leave here feeling good and looking great!
 

Working out:

After a very active childhood and young adult life on the playing field, exercising is in my blood. On a whim three years ago, in Baton Rouge, LA, I took my first Bar Method class. Long story short, I was immediately hooked and was excited to learn that my new city (back in June 2013) was not only home to the first ever Bar Method studio, but The Bar Method HQ! I take class 3-5 times per week and have never been happier with my body. If you want a long, lean, and toned bod, the Bar Method will help get you there, and the community at the Marina studio will become your extended family. Embrace the shake (this will make sense after your first set of thigh) and take your first of many classes today!

Full Disclosure: My husband is in private practice at Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

The post Where to Go in San Francisco: The Beauty and Fitness Edition appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.