FITNESS IS ABOUT so much more than executing a perfect lunge, logging an hour in the gym or getting that heart rate up to its max: a good workout leaves you feeling confident and ready to take on the world! And when entering an exercise class or training session, we know the instructor can definitely make or break your experience. We’ve scoured the scene for our favorite fitness pros and asked them to fill us in on their secrets for sweat-proof success!
Michelle Parra’s classes at Bar Method locations across Los Angeles are some of the toughest and most joyful experiences we’ve ever sweated through. Check out her fit tips, must-haves and the secret weapon that keeps her fit long after she leaves the studio. Fit-spiration, coming right up!
Class In Session With Michelle Parra Of Bar Method
Studio:
Bar Method in West Hollywood and Brentwood.
My specialty:
Bar Method and TRX
Favorite class to teach:
My Level 2 Bar Method posse bring it every time – I am constantly impressed and inspired!
Favorite class to take:
Flywheel Spin with Adam Goldstein
Moment I fell in love with fitness:
I started dancing at an early age, however it wasn’t until I was fifteen when I started to really explore fitness. My family planned a backpacking trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to hike my way out, so I did something about it. Growing up with parents who were constantly trying new sports and activities made it easy for me to keep moving.
When you leave my class you feel...
Energized. I like to challenge my students not only physically but mentally. I remind my students constantly to be present in class, to forget about their personal life for one hour, focus on just themselves, and most importantly, to have fun and not take everything so seriously. Bar Method is a full body workout – and the series of exercises are intense – so there is without doubt a feeling of triumph at the end of every class!
My secret weapon:
My eating habits. Last year I took a nutritional blood test with Precision Food Works and it changed my life. I stopped eating foods I was allergic to, foods that were making me feel tired and bloated. Dairy, soy and I had a bad break-up, but it was for the best. I now make smarter choices, but I love food and sometimes a girl needs a cupcake or two!
Go-to workout gear:
It is so cliché, but I love training in my Lululemon. I need “wicking power,” and Lulu delivers. I also love Onzie’s leggings for their vivid prints, which can perk me up, no matter what kind of mood I am in.
In my gym bag:
Glutamine, pineapple juice, almonds and chapstick. A girl’s got to stay energized and moisturized!
Favorite workout move:
Pushups! They are a total bodyweight exercise that can be done just about anywhere with a ton of variations.
Biggest inspiration:
The amazing high I get when I am feeling good in my own skin (and my second skin – my Lulus!).
When I'm not in the studio, I'm:
Riding my motorcycle up PCH, seeking out new restaurants in town, or working on my hosting reel. If I could only host a talk show while riding my bike from restaurant to restaurant, I’d be set for life!
Favorite post-workout fuel:
I live off of oatmeal with protein powder, nuts and fresh blueberries.
Favorite way to hydrate:
Greens 2 or Strawberry Apple Coconut from Pressed Juicery. The Bar Method Brentwood location is right near PJ’s original storefront, so I always pop by pre-class to stock up. Mmmm!
Fave quick workout outside the studio:
TRX. All core, all the time.
Latest healthy obsession:
Drinking a glass of lemon water before I eat breakfast, and my humidifier.
Current mantra:
Don’t be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams (an old proverb). And always bring your own sunshine!
