Dallas, TX – Page 2 – GRIT By Brit

GRIT Fitness Featured in Dallas Morning News

June 8, 2015 No Comments

Image: Maria, Annabel and Me after Maria’s Friday morning Flexin’ Flow class

Hey Hey Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was full of b-day celebrations – 4 of my closest friends have birthdays this week which means my calendar was full of pool time and partying – yippee! (Shout out to Jen Kelm, Melissa Bass, Cerise Manns and Leslie Jerome – I LOVE YOU ALL) As icing on the cake my fitness studio, GRIT Fitness, was featured in the Dallas Morning News. We are moving on up! Here’s a quick run down of my weekend shenanigans…

On Friday morning, I woke up bright and early to take Maria’s Flexin’ Flow class. I always encourage the instructors at my studio to take each others’ classes as it helps us grow as teachers and makes our team feel cohesive and supported. Me and Annabel (who teaches Dance Club Cardio and Turbo Kick) thoroughly enjoyed Maria’s Friday morning class and all 3 of us posed for a little post workout photo 🙂

On Friday night, I celebrated the b-day of my childhood best friend, Leslie. She lives in Memphis right now with her husband BUT they are moving back to Texas next month. I’m so excited! If you recall, I was a bridesmaid in Leslie’s beautiful Southern Charm wedding a few months ago. She and I had a blast at dinner and drinks on Friday night.

Me and Leslie at HG Supply in Lower Greenville, Dallas, TX

On Saturday morning I taught my usual Flexin’ Flow class at the W Dallas Hotel on the 16th floor wet deck. It was super hot and sweaty but tons of fun. We had a huge crowd on Saturday, over 90 people. Afterwards of a few of my friends from the Junior League stayed on the wet deck and we enjoyed post-workout mimosas at the pool bar. Check out this awesome review from D Town Sweat from Saturday’s class.

Miranda, Maria, Coral and Me about to enjoy post-workout mimosas

Sunday morning started with a chill trip to Starbucks where I grabbed the Sunday paper to check out our feature. I was so pumped to see that our article made the front page of the Health section! CLICK HERE to read the full article by Special Contributor Kimber Westphall (Twitter @fit_trip_Kimber). I’m so grateful that Kimber chose to reach out to me and put the spotlight on my new little business. She and I also made a cool video together which you can view below…

The b-day festivities continued on Sunday afternoon with Melissa’s birthday pool party. Melissa and I met last summer when she attended my Flexin Flow class at the W hotel. Overtime we became friends and now she teaches Flexin’ Flow at GRIT fitness. It’s great to see her grow into an amazing yoga and fitness instructor. We spent the whole day chillin’ outside, jammin’ to good music and drinking delicious cocktails. It felt good to truly refrain from working all day and just enjoy some fun in the sun!

Melissa posing with her birthday cake! Happy 28th

Coral, Melissa, Maria and Me enjoying the party…hanging out in something other than workout clothes for once!

Today I’m back to the grind. I’m writing this blog post from my favorite coffee shop, MudSmith, as I enjoy an egg/avocado sandwich and prepare for my classes this week. This weekend was awesome and I’m looking forward to an even more amazing week ahead. I wish you the same. xoxo, Brit

Cardio, Dallas, TX, Total Body

Spring Shape Up Circuit: Running & Strength Interval Workout

March 30, 2015 No Comments

Hello friends! Spring has officially sprung here in Dallas, TX. We enjoyed a gorgeous weekend of sunshine and 75 degree weather. Some of my friends even enjoyed time by the pool. I’m so glad that Winter is over and cannot wait to spend more time outside, especially partaking in outdoor workouts. This week I plan to hit up the Katy Trail and knock out this running and strength training circuit. I made the perfect 40 minute playlist to energize my sweat session – you should too!

In addition, my friends from Studio Hop and Lorna Jane NorthPark and I just finished planning the premier fitness event of the season! We are hosting a free outdoor workout at NorthPark center on Saturday, April 11th at 10:30am. If you live in Dallas, you should DEFINITELY join the party! There will be a lot of sweat, a lot of shopping and a lot of smiles! What’s not to like? So grab your yoga mat and a friend and join the party. CLICK HERE to RSVP at the Facebook event page.

Spring into shape! xoxo, Brit

Dallas, TX, Workout Reviews & Ratings

Flexin’ Flow™ : The Hottest New Yoga-Pilates-Bootcamp Hybrid Workout

March 16, 2015 No Comments

Hello friends! I hope your week is off to an amazing start! I just finished teaching my 6am Flexin’ Flow™ class and I feel very accomplished! Flexin’ Flow™ is a new total body strength, stretching and intensity interval class that I designed and launched last month. If you like the idea of Vinyasa Power Yoga, but have a really short attention span and a deep love for hip hop music, this is the class for you! Here’s the official class description:

If yoga, pilates and boot camp had a baby, it would be Flexin’ Flow™! Our signature, total body workout is designed to build strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Enjoy the unique combination of vinyasa power yoga sequences, core stability exercises, leg toning circuits and intensity intervals all while jammin’ to upbeat music! Prepare to tone your entire body and leave class super sweaty. Bring your yoga mat! Bare feet; 55 minutes

So here’s a quick overview of how the 55 minute class is structured…

We start off by connecting to our breath and generating heat in the body with a series of arm circles, squats, lunges and chair twists. Keep in mind that the beats are bumpin’ right from the start so we move at a fast pace and stay on beat with the music.

After warming up, we complete a series of Sun A salutations and plank variations to begin generating heat in the core. The goal of this section is to ensure everybody has worked up a sweat – wink wink!

Brit Teaching Flexin’ Flow at Lorna Jane Dallas Active Living Room – Warm Up

Then we REALLY get the party started with an intense, energetic set of leg toning sequences. Think pile’ squats, heel raises and every kind of lunge you can possible imagine. YEAH – sexy legs please!

Brit Teaching Flexin’ Flow at Lorna Jane Dallas Active Living Room – Leg Sequence

The leg series is following by an active recovery of vinyasa flows to stretch and tone the body. I like to include lots of Warrior 1, 2 and 3 variations, push ups, side angles, Goddess poses and more.

Brit Teaching Flexin’ Flow at Lorna Jane Dallas Active Living Room – Vinyasa Flow

After we’ve caught our breath and stretched our bodies, it’s time to increase the intensity again with our calorie blasting “power series.” This is when we knock out some old school burpees, mountain climbers, plyo lunges and other “boot camp style” drills.

We wrap up the workout with hardcore glute exercises, core stability sequences and lower back strengthening moves.

Brit Teaching Flexin’ Flow at Lorna Jane Dallas Active Living Room – Booty Work

Once we’ve reached our max, we enjoy a nice cool down with deep stretches and then take it home. WARNING: If you’re looking for an amazing shavasana, you’ve come to the WRONG place. There’s no time to chill in Flexin Flow – just keepin’ it real. After class expect to feel energized, sweaty and accomplished!

Flexin’ Flow class participants flash sweaty smile post class!

Everyone enjoyed their Flexin’ Flow workout – way to FLEX for the camera!

If you live in Dallas, come take a Flexin’ Flow™ class at my studio, GRIT Fitness – CLICK HERE to view our schedule and register! In only one month, Flexin’ Flow received several raving reviews including this awesome write-up from D Town Sweat, check it out! AND starting May 2, my team an I will teach FREE weekly Flexin’ Flow classes on the W Dallas Hotel Wetdeck – SO FUN! Mark your calendars because it’s GDFR (goin’ down for real) 🙂

Have an amazing week! xoxo, Brit

Dallas, TX, Lifestyle

Dallas Grit Fitness Studio Photos & Grand Opening Festivities! January 17-24

December 29, 2014 4 Comments

Image: Me and Turner (Owner of Dallas Fit Body Boot Camp – our neighbor gym)

Happy Monday Y’all! I hope you enjoyed a nice long post-Christmas weekend. I totally feel the vibes of everyone getting ready for 2015. This morning I subbed a 5:45 spin class at BEYOND Pedaling and the energy was through the roof. I love it when my class comes the the studio ready to work!

I’m spending the rest of the my day at my own fitness studio, GRIT Fitness. It’s so surreal to actually have my “own fitness studio.” A dream come true! Now we are really in the home stretch – only 3 weeks until our grand opening. Yay!

I auditioned and hired 1 more Power Flow instructor this morning which means GRIT Fitness will open with a fun, fierce team of 11 fabulous instructors (including me)!

Here’s a quick run down of the recent progress that me and my family made over the Christmas break…

Hung the door sign and hot pink vinyl lettering the windows

Finished decorating the lobby and hanging signs. Also, got a cool chalk board to keep clients up to date on what’s happenin’

Created a press/media wall to show off all of the cool features we’ve received to date

Stocked the studio with equipment – weights, yoga mats, etc.

Last but not least, I’m spending most of my time this week preparing for our Launch Party and grand opening festivities. If you live in Dallas, I really hope you can join us. The party is on Saturday, Jan. 17th from 1-4pm. Our friends from Lorna Jane will be in the house with some goodies! I’ll be sure to do my part and provide the mimosas and a jammin’ playlist 🙂 After the party, we are offering a free week of classes to the Dallas Community. This is your chance to to check out our rockstar team of instructors, break a sweat a bust a move. Visit our Mind Body site to reserve your spot in a class!

Well, that’s all for now. I’ll bring you some “detox” ideas later this week to get your New Year started off right. Have a wonderful week. xoxo, Brit

Dallas, TX

Fitness Studio Review: The Barre Code Dallas, TX

November 19, 2014 No Comments

Image: From left to right, my friends Ashley, Julie (instructor), me and Andria after our Brawl workout. I was happy to rock my Fire Cracker capris from Lorna Jane!

Hey friends – happy workout Wednesday! I hope your week is going well. I’m working away at my new studio, Dallas Grit Fitness. We are in full swing decorating and getting ready to welcome our fierce, fabulous instructors for orientation in 2 weeks. I’m excited and honored to have the most energetic dancers, trainers and yoga instructors join my team!

In honor of workout Wednesday, I wanted to share some insights from my recent visit to The Barre Code Dallas, Design District. Turns out The Barre Code Dallas Master Trainer, Julie, was actually the Group X Manager of 24 Hour Fitness who auditioned me for my very first fitness instructor position! When I walked into the class and saw that she was teaching, I totally freaked out. Such a small world!

While The Barre Code offers several barre formats my friends and I decided to try out the “Brawl” class because it seemed the most intense. “Brawl, which has been recognized by SELF magazine as one of the best workouts in the country, is an intense class that combines cardio kickboxing sequences with strengthening work for the thighs and glutes.” As a Turbo Kick fanatic, of course this is right yup my alley!

Here’s a quick run down of my experience…

The Class – Brawl is a 50 minutes, high intensity cardio kickboxing class. We did the whole class in socks – no sneakers! Fortunately the floors are a soft rubber that you can bounce on. About half way through the class, we got down on the ground and did 10 minutes of core, thighs and booty toning exercises. Then we ended class with one final cardio push and a cool down.
The Instructor – So I may be biased because I know Julie and personally like her style, but she was awesome! I always appreciate fitness instructors who actually do the workout with the class and practice what they teach. Julie rocked it out!
Music – We kicked, punched and jumped around to a mash-up of Top 40 music. It was remixed into a continuous flow that synced well with the moves. The sound system was great – I could feel the beat!
Who was there – Barre Code is a women’s only gym. Most of the ladies in our class were in their 20’s and 30’s and all dressed in super cute activewear.
Loved – The high energy of the class. We never stopped moving!
Hated – I didn’t bring a towel and had to creatively wipe my sweat on my clothes.
Final Verdict – After class I was drenched in sweat, my thighs were on fire and I had a smile on my face – the 3 signs of an effective workout! I highly recommend.

My friend Ashley, invited us along for the day. She’s a regular at The Barre Code

Ladies checking in at the front desk for Brawl class!

The studio was perfectly accented with thematic fitness equipment – gotta love pink kettle bells 🙂

Afterwards we were sweaty and tired so we treated ourselves to a yummy dinner at Ascension

Dallas, TX, Workout Reviews & Ratings

Precision Running at Equinox: Finally a Fun Treadmill Workout

November 5, 2014 No Comments

Happy Hump Day Gang! A few weeks ago I met Maggie, the General Manager of Equinox Preston Hollow, at a Girl’s Night Out event hosted by Trunk Club Dallas. Her energy immediately drew me in and next thing I knew I was making plans to come try out one of Equinox’s hottest new group fitness classes. I had a such a great experience, I wanted to share all the details…

The Class: Precision Running is the newest group fitness class at Equinox. It’s a 45-minute treadmill workout with “precisely designed intervals to hit every muscle in your body.” I’ve read several positive reviews, but I wanted try to the class for myself. So I grabbed my friend Nena and headed to Equinox!

The Method: The class is built on the Balanced Interval Training Experience (BITE) method, which strikes a middle ground between High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and aerobic endurance training (e.g. long distance jogging). There are varieties of interval routines so you can expect a different 45-minute treadmill workout each class.

The Space: Unlike most group fitness classes, Precision Running doesn’t take place inside the group fitness classroom. We were actually on the treadmills in the open gym floor.

The Crowd: Approximately 15 women and men between the ages of 30-50. Nena and I attended a 9:30 AM class, which may explain the more mature crowd. Everyone was dressed in trendy activewear and seemed happy to be there.

The Experience: First off, I have to admit that I hate running on the treadmill. Though I was excited about trying a new class, I was secretly dreading being on the treadmill for 45 minutes. Fortunately, I got a pleasant surprise with Precision Running and here’s why…

Warm up – As class was bout to start, we hopped onto our treadmills making one long line of class participants. Our instructor paced back and forth in front of us as we kicked off a slow jog to warm up. During this time, she coached our running form, breathing and proper foot contact with the treadmill. The warm up lasted about 3 minutes and then we moved on to the first interval series.
Interval Series 1 – For 20 minutes, we jogged, ran and sprinted through a variety of 30 second and 1-minute speed intervals on very low incline. My endorphins flowed and my heart rate elevated!
Interval Series 2 – We got about 3 minutes of transition/recovery time until we started the next interval series. It also 20 minutes but had more of a “strength” focus. We continuously increased the treadmill incline but maintained a moderate, steady pace. I could feel my quads, calves and hamstrings very much engaged as the incline got steeper and steeper.
Cool Down – Following the 2^nd series, the instructor led us through short cool down jog/walk and then ended the class. I was impressed with her ability to keep the class lively by simultaneously motivating, coaching and changing up the intervals.

Loved: The number of calories I blasted – 469 at the 43-minute mark. Woo Hoo!

Hated: I forgot to bring my own headphones so I didn’t have any music to energize my stride.

Intensity Level: Moderate-High intensity. Fortunately, if you’re still building your fitness, you can run at a slower pace and not feel like a slacker nor stand out from the class.

Afterwards: Can we say drenched in sweat? About 3 minutes after the class ended, I cooled down and could feel the after burn. While my leg muscles were tight, surprisingly I didn’t feel knee pain. I guess running with proper form pays off!

Our instructor taught a 30-minute Dynamic Strength class directly after Precision Running so Nena and I hit that up for some body sculpting action. It was the perfect compliment to our treadmill workout. Nena and I were completely exhausted and ready to inhale a yummy lunch.

Final Verdict: Simply put, if you looking for cardio conditioning, look no further. I give Precision Running the official “gritty two thumbs up.” Dallas crew, be sure to check out a class for yourself – hit up Equinox Preston Hollow and ask for Gabby. ENJOY!

Dallas, TX

CFX Core Fusion Extreme at Exhale Spa (Class Review)

October 8, 2014 No Comments

Happy Humpday! So first order of business, today I’m announcing the winner of my 2nd GRIT tank top giveaway – Congrats JanellMarie! Here’s what GRIT means to her, “Grit is the result of feeling my innermost, deeply seeded, pit-in-the-stomach raison d’etre. Grit means respecting and taking care of myself as a complex, accomplished woman who is rising up to the occasion of life. When I feel that grit, I know I’m centered and overflowing with love and drive.” I thought JanellMarie’s definition was very eloquent and compelling. It made me wanna get up and get after it! Thanks for sharing girl – email your mailing address to [email protected] and your tank top is on its way.

Moving on to today’s post… On Monday night I had the awesome opportunity to preview a new group fitness format called Core Fusion Extreme (CFX) at Exhale Spa . Exhale historically specializes in mind-body fitness formats like yoga and barre. However, with CFX they are spicing it up and adding High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to the mix.

To celebrate the launch Exhale hosted a fabulous party in partnership with great sponsors including Honest Tea, Kind Bars and Luke’s Locker (our local sporting goods store). We also jammed to music from a live DJ, free hair styling from a local salon, snacks, wine spritzers and product giveaways. Most importantly there was a step and repeat banner for photo shoots – YES! You guys know I love to be in front of the camera 🙂 Needless to say, I enjoyed myself before my workout.

Enjoying giveaways, music, and great company during the CFX Dallas launch party!

When class time arrived, I joined the long line of girls (and 2 guys) as we filed into the intimate barre studio which is now equippd with TRX ropes, boxes, medicine balls, heavy weights and gliders. Our instructor, beaming with energy, welcomed us to CFX and explained the method. Essentially this workout is an high intensity interval circuit that rotates you through 5 workout stations. At each station, you complete 2 different exercises for 40 seconds each. The instructor builds in 2 active recovery segments between stations during which you do core stability and flexibility training. After going around to each station twice, we wrapped up the class with ~5 minutes of lying ab work. Then we cooled downed with a quick stretching sequence. The entire workout is 1 hour and I would estimate that you burn 500-700 calories if you go all out. I heard that the stations (and the overall workout) are the same for the entire month then change at the start of the next month.

(left) Showing my GRIT on the TRX doing pistol exercises. (right) in the back corner doing plank work with floor gliders

So as certified fitness instructor (and your friend), here’s my “real talk” about CFX:

Pros

Pleasant overall experience – beautiful studio/facility/equipment
Great variety of fitness equipment and unique exercises that you wouldn’t typically do in a gym or group fitness class
Well informed, energetic instructors
Effective workout that gives you a lot of benefit for 1 hour of your time. Note: HIIT provides both cardio and strength training simultaneously AND blasts calories
You sweat a lot – good things come to those who sweat 🙂

Cons

You have to sign up early or you will be on a long waiting list for a spot in class
The workout can seem a little redundant because you have to complete each station twice, but the energetic instructors and good music make the time fly by!

Overall, I was very satisfied with my CFX experience and I know I got a good workout because my quads are still sore. If you live in Dallas, Exhale is offering free classes for the rest of the week! If you don’t live in Dallas, CFX should launch in your city pretty soon. Hopefully you get to take a class. If so, feel free to post a comment and let us know how you like it!

Posing after class with my energetic CFX instructors!

Wishing you an EXTREMEly excellent day!

Lots of luv, Brit

Dallas, TX, Just for Fun, Lifestyle

PiYo at W Hotel #wetdeck is back! #WPiyo Summer 2014

May 8, 2014 No Comments

Hooray – it’s that time of year again! I’ll start teaching PiYo classes at the W Dallas – Victory hotel on Saturday May 31, 2014. Classes are held on the beautiful 16th floor beside the infnity pool of the W hotel. We start at 9:00am sharp each and every Saturday throughout the Summer. BREAKING NEWS: Classes have been extended through September 20th!

PiYo is one of my all time favorite fitness formats. It’s a fun, effective fusion of Pilates and Yoga set to upbeat music. If traditional yoga classes bore you, this is the class for you! And the best part is that we can enjoy the best view in Dallas while getting our tummy toning and bun burning on.

Thanks to the W Hotel, PiYo on the #wetdeck is completely FREE and open to everybody – no sign up needed. You must bring your own yoga mat to participate. We also recommend you bring water and a towel.

If you have any questions, shoot me an email at [email protected].

Dallas, TX, Workout Reviews & Ratings

Fitness Studio Review: BEYOND Pedaling – Dallas, TX

January 28, 2014 No Comments

Over the Winter Break I enjoyed some time away from my full-time Management Consulting job and spent a couple of weeks at home chilling with family, shopping and visiting new fitness studios in Dallas. While we have several fitness gems in the Big D, my favorite discovery is Beyond Pedaling Studio.

Beyond Studios - Snider Dallas, TX — Beyond Studios – Snider Dallas, TX

You guys already know that I’m an indoor cycling fan. I teach indoor cycling at 24 Hour Fitness in Dallas and enjoying reviewing the hottest cycling studios – SoulCycle, FlyWheel, Crank and The Handle Bar to name a few. Unfortunately, most of these studios are not located in Dallas (my hometown). So they are great to visit while I’m traveling, but I hate not having an indoor cycling studio to call “home.” This is no longer the case. BEYOND Pedaling has one my heart and here’s why…..

So first, the studio is located in the adorable Snider Plaza of Dallas’s upscale Highland Park neighborhood. I was expecting the BEYOND staff to be a little “snooty.” But to my surprise, I received a warm welcome (by name) from these two bright shining faces – talk about “knowing your customer.”

Studio Director Kelsey (left) and Instructor Elissa (left) — Studio Director Kelsey (left) and Instructor Elissa (right)

Then I bask in the studio’s inspiring atmosphere and vibrant decor – love the bold yellow color scheme (although strikingly similar to Soul Cycle). I especially love this quote posted above the lockers – totally inspired!

Beyond Pedaling Studios - Dallas #inspired — Beyond Pedaling Studios – Dallas #inspired

There’s also local fitness apparel designers being featured each week so I can get my shopping on before or after class. Most importantly, they sell really cool headbands – YES!

Chillin' in the Beyond Studio lobby before our workout — Chillin’ in the Beyond Studio lobby before our workout

During the actual class, we rode on high-quality Keiser spin bikes that have a digital displays to track time, calories, average power and RPM (revolutions per minute). Flywheel has the awesome “Torque” board which is similar in functionality, but most of the other music-driven cycling studios don’t have these displays. I appreciate the ability to keep track of my effort and exertion.

Keiser bikes at Beyond Pedaling Studio - Dallas, TX — Keiser bikes at Beyond Pedaling Studio – Dallas, TX

Several of the instructors regularly take classes as well as instruct. This helps pump up the energy level and keep the class motivated and in sync. Also, the studio was packed! Empty fitness classes totally depress me. Fortunately class attendance is nothing worry about at BEYOND (especially in Elissa’s classes). Most importantly, the sound system is amazing and the music clearly blasts through the speakers. I felt the beat – the beat was good!

The class itself is a standard, 45 minute indoor cycling ride which includes resistance and speed intervals. Like most of the newer cycling studios, there’s a ~5 minute arm circuit at the end of the ride that utilizes light dumbbells. Overall, there’s nothing revolutionary about the actual workout, but it’s a great sweat nonetheless. A little on the pricier side, $30 per class, Beyond is the most expensive cycling studio in Dallas. However, I think it’s worth the money if you’re looking for a fun, hip, music-driven cycling workout. You’re only other option is FlyWheel on Oak Lawn, but it’s a little more competitive and the music isn’t as good – definitely depends on your personal preference. At the end of the day, BEYOND gets the Grit by Brit “2 thumbs up” – hope see some of the Dallas crew in a class!

Go BEYOND! xoxo, Brit

Dallas, TX

PiYo all Summer long at W Dallas – Victory

May 7, 2013 6 Comments

Show your body and your self some love this Summer by joining me for FREE PiYo classes! In case you’ve never heard of PiYo, it’s a Pilates / Yoga fusion workout. Click here to learn more about it.

I’ve partnered up with the amazing W Dallas Hotel – Victory Park to bring this free fitness gift to you. It’s going down every Saturday morning at 8:30 am on the glorious 16th floor Wet Deck – breathtaking views are in abundance!

So grab your yoga mat and a friend and be ready to sweat. I guarantee this is the BEST fitness class Dallas has to offer. See you on Saturday! (All details are in the flyer below)