Performing sets for strength, and saving time for fun, we train movement and strength to compliment our healthy active lifestyle. Even though the branding and banners have changed, LIFT is still integral to our belief’s and business operations. In it’s simplest form, most time to LIFT means — Lauryn. Ian. Fitness. Training. However this time it stood for Lauryn and Ian have a Flat Tire…
Read MoreWhen we arrived at home, the oven started to preheat, and we lined tortilla strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (cheese doesn’t stick to parchment the way it may to foil or a bare sheet). The night before, I made a fresh tomato salsa and after a few minutes the cheese had melted upon warmed nachos and it was time to then garnish the stripped- chips with last night’s Latin inspired leftovers.
Read MoreIn preparation for our two wheeled adventures this summer, last month our bikes went in for an expedited Speed River service. Our chains were replaced, broken spokes were repaired, and new grips were installed for comfort and control on the ride. Now that our seasonal bike-maintenance basics have been addressed, it is time to get our bodies reacquainted with our refurbished, pedal powered machines.
Read MoreOne particular handbook that I revisited, and repositioned amongst my possessions, was an edition of Reader’s Digest “How to Keep Fit — for Life” published in 1977. The sepia toned cover discloses its age, and nearly fifty years later, the contents of its pages are consistent with the tone and ambitions we aim to share through our Barres and Bells practice.
Read MoreI scrolled through Kijiji and Lauryn looked over my shoulder to see what I was on the hunt for this time. “Another guitar — to keep at the studio” I said. After weeks of searching L was now caught up to speed, and a few nights later I found the sleek rosewood coloured six-string that I wanted to purchase.
Read MoreLast week, our ballet class went by so fast even though it was an hour and forty-five minutes long. On Monday, Lauryn and I hosted an instructor in the studio who’s passion and expertise will continue our education in movement while simultaneously managing and balancing our egos. Irina shared warm ups, refinements, themes and cues first shared to us by our favourite and former teachers.
Read MoreHonestly, it has been over 5 years since we last hit balls at the driving range, or on the links. However, sharing our weekly links of a different type with you, we continue to draw inspiration from sports and movement of all kinds. We want to build connection to the favourite activities of our members…
Read MoreWith one hand or two, Hardstyle kettlebell swings are one of our favourite conditioning exercises. Before the swing, we start with our breath and mirror the movement with bodyweight drills. Towards the middle of our practice, the progressions of our sets and reps combine and increase the stress on the systems of our bodies. The physical output and emotion is intense and after a short series of intervals, we are finished.
Read MoreAs members returned to in studio sessions this week, there was a certain word that slipped into almost every conversation. Starting with a “B” and ending with an “E”, it isn’t not a five letter word that you could use Wordle, and many people slide right past training this skill — until it’s too late. Avoid falling behind and enhance your capacity to move by training and maintaining — balance.
Read MoreEveryday, we need fresh air to breathe, and clean water to drink. It is important to take care of the environment for the health of ourselves and the longevity our favourite communities. Despite alliterative slogans and our best collective efforts — every now and then, air quality advisories arise, and forest fires ignite.
Read MoreOne of the most beneficial attributes of our local lifestyle is the ability to walk home for lunch. Enjoying a warm meal on a winter day with reimagined leftover ingredients, helps to restore, recover and prepare our bodies for the challenges of the season ahead. Below is an excerpt from a text conversation we shared the other day.
Read MoreStraining your powers of strength, mobility and endurance — training the mind and body are trying pursuits. However, trying as it may be, what are the differences between the attempts to try, versus the pursuits of training?
Read MoreSquats and groans will strengthen bones and the words we use may help — or hurt us. Words and the choice to use them has the capacity to guide our perceptions of self and how we effectively share and communicate with others. This belief was shared to us first by our parents, and has become further entrenched in our exercise and learning experiences with teachers from around the world.
Read MoreWhen traveling around the world, or just around the block, Lauryn and I are mesmerized by big equipment and ambitious infrastructure projects like the TRICAR condo development on Wyndham street in our hometown of Guelph. Little jobs, big drills, tall cranes and the mammoth effort of a coordinated team continue to make steady progress on the job site.
Read MoreOur time spent in front of the camera reel has added invaluable sets and repetitions to the development of our body awareness in exercise and how we move in real life. When we practise in the studio or hang-out in the back yard, we look for the ways to challenge the body and connect with the mind with new experiences or refining the standards.
Read MorePrior to our name and business Barres and Bells, we trained under the banner LIFT Guelph. With lawyers offices below, I used to joke that “only LIFT was above the law”. Putting aside my bias for pull ups, pliés and puns — we continue to experience the interactions of the scientific and philosophic laws at our practice online, outside and in the studio.This week get physical and move with Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion. Learn how to apply them
Read MoreIn international news — Andrew, my brother bought a kettlebell! He swings, presses and conditions his body for both the bike, and the beach. Here in Guelph, and across the world, strength training for our favourite lifestyle activities continues to inspire and connect us with our family and friends.
Read MoreLauryn likes to keep her runs to herself. I on the other hand, seem to frequently think and share about a skill that do not practice around the block or on the mill. In all seasons, Lauryn prioritizes both her exercise sessions and her runs, but is steadfast that they are different. “I don’t run to exercise. I run because I like the way it makes me feel.” Now that the sidewalks are clear of snow, winter maintenance season is over, and the season for speed starts soon.
Read MoreIn the final months leading up to the end of the lease we committed to not renewing or replacing our vehicle. After 5 years in business and working local, we started to plan and live locally without a car. We are a year and a half into our pedestrian experiment and consequently have walked hundreds of kilometres.
Read MoreLife has changed, and like many local and global businesses we have experienced severe adjustments to our immediate operations and are navigating through the unknown future of our industry. Gym and exercise halls were part of many cultures for thousands of years and they too, have evolved.
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