Becoming Barre
Jessi Clemons, the owner of The Cornerstone Fitness, is opening up her new studio TOMORROW! She is bringing over 25 years of fitness and dance experience to a place to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit. “EVERY BODY” seems to be a good fit in her studio; even yours and mine ;-)
The Cornerstone Fitness I really can’t remember health, wellness, and fitness not being part of my life. I started my trainer/instructor journey several years ago with group fitness classes and individual training and for the past few years, felt a nudge to step away from the public education field and make fitness my full-time job. And here we are… finally, I am thankful to have a place not only I, but hopefully many in our community can call their fitness home!
Becoming Barre I was enrolled in my first dance class before I was even enrolled in school, so to say that I was born to do this, really isn’t far from the truth. Over the years I have been trained in various forms of movement, from ballet, tap, and modern to hip-hop and jazz.
Barre truly blends all of the elements of movement that I love together in one class.
While inspired by ballet, zero dance experience is required. We will use the barre as a prop for balance focus on isometric strength training as well as high reps of small range-of-motion movements.
Keeping Fitness Going at Home Just like keeping fitness going anywhere, I truly believe it is important to schedule a specific time and place for working out. Extend yourself some grace If workouts are missed or maybe don’t look like exactly like you would envision. Sometimes my workouts are in the Kitchen with my two-year-old or doing squats at the sink while brushing my teeth.
Staying Healthy Most might say motivation, but I find that commitment fizzles way before motivation does. It is going to take commitment, it is going to take time, it is going to take making a choice (i.e. not grab that hand full of chips, get that workout in when you don’t want to). This is why I love group fitness. It’s great accountability for most.
Something as simple as changing into workout clothes and not sitting on the couch as soon as you walk in the door can boost your chances of getting that workout in!
Favorite Dish to Cook Are we talking about a healthy dish? Hahaha! I’m a big fan of fresh, quick and easy ! If I can throw a few things in a crockpot or air fryer and have dinner fixed pretty much hands-free I am all for it! I became a Pampered Chef consultant this year and it is honestly rekindled my love for being in the kitchen. We love to do a taco bar at our house, complete with all the yummy fixings, and I also really enjoy baking! I have to brag on my hubby who is a pretty dang good cook and master of the charcoal grill! Here are a couple of my favorite recipes:
Local Eats Summertime patio dining at Impellezeri’s is hard to beat. And who doesn’t love some pizza? Of course, that is usually followed up with a treat from Dewster’s, a family favorite for sure!
Can’t Live Without Geeze, do I have to just pick one thing? Family, Friends, belly laughs, sense of humor, great conversation over a great meal, the feeling of helping women achieve health and wellness goals, grace (lots of it), and JESUS! This is the shortlist. Oh, and here lately, my hammock!
Self-Care Must M & Ms. Meditation and Massage! Also, I love a good Epsom salt bath as well as Yoga Tune Up massage balls for recovery.
Culture Fix As a momma of a toddler, most of my free time is spent playing outdoors, blowing bubbles, watching Frozen or Peppa Pig, reading books, or playing dress-up. To be honest, I am probably as far from in the know on the latest and greatest in fashion, great reads or latest released _________ you fill in the blank. I absolutely love a great concert or any live music, but that looks to be off-limits for a bit so singing in the shower will have to do for now. And, I will have to confess I do enjoy a good Dateline or 48 Hours episode.
Music that Gets You Moving This totally varies day to day. Music is truly a close second to oxygen for me. There aren’t many waking hours that I spend without music playing, sometimes if it is just me humming it in my head! :) Right now I am really in love with Andy Mineo’s You Can’t Stop Me. Look it up and tell me you don’t feel like conquering the world after taking a listen. I can honestly say that I spend hours on playlists trying to craft the perfect one to create the desired vibe for each barre class, which may range from P!NK and Janet Jackson to Toby Mac and Lauren Daigle.
Gym Bag Essentials Scrunchies...HAHA! Totally kidding. I’m thankful I haven’t had to use a hairbrush for years!
Honestly, I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to packing a gym bag, or any bag for that matter!
My must-haves would have to definitely be comfy leggings in a fun print, usually leopard or camo. I love to pair them with a flowy tank or pullover that can take me from barre to brunch.
Currently, totally in love with Ambre Blends Ahnu Essence roll-on fragrance for a little refresh after class.
Favorite Health Tip 1.Exercise isn’t a punishment.
If you spend every single second despising your workout your body simply will not respond positively. Find something you enjoy and DO IT!
2. Food isn’t a reward.
One workout isn’t going to maintain physical fitness, and neither is one healthy meal. If I want the pizza or dessert I will eat it, just not every single day.
We truly live in an instant gratification society where we want results yesterday. Health and wellness just doesn’t work that way. CONSISTENT, healthy choices surrounding food and exercise is the way to go!
Upcoming Super excited to start classes on June 1st!
YES! It is for EVERY BODY.
The beauty of barre is that it never gets easier, you just get stronger. Each class is crafted to be a total body strengthening experience, with some focused on specifics, i.e. CORE, CARDIO. A huge part will be training your mind to believe that you can hold a certain position for 8 more seconds or lower just one more inch to intensify the workout. Most classes use body weight or 2 lb. weights (yes I have had grown men drop them because they were too much!).
Book a class and get class descriptions here.
Location:
208 Peterson Drive
Elizabethtown, Ky 42701
Find The Cornerstone Fitness on Facebook and Instagram:
@thecornerstonefitness.
Photos by Elaina Janes. Check out her stunning photos on Instagram @elainajanes.