1 Hotel Residency Extended!
Exciting News: Barre Series Residency Extended at 1 Hotel Mayfair!
We’re thrilled to announce that our partnership with 1 Hotel Mayfair is continuing! Our barre and Pilates residency, originally scheduled to run until December 2024, is now extended into February 2025! This means more opportunities to experience our exclusive in-person classes every Saturday and Sunday. This blog is your go-to resource for exploring Mayfair, finding your local barre and Pilates classes (Barre Series), and our suggested wellness reads whether you’re traveling to Mayfair or commuting from class. Plus, don’t miss our top tips for staying active on the go!
The Benefits of Barre and Pilates: Why They’re the Perfect Low-Impact Workouts and Ideal Travel Companions
Barre and Pilates offer a unique blend of strength training, flexibility, and core work, making them highly versatile and effective exercises. Both are perfect wellness partners when travelling, helping you stay active without the need for extensive equipment or space. Here’s why barre and Pilates are beloved by fitness enthusiasts worldwide and why they’re ideal for your on-the-go lifestyle:
- Improves Posture: Both barre and Pilates strengthen your core, improving posture and balance—especially helpful after long periods of travel.
- Increases Flexibility: By incorporating elements of ballet and Pilates, these workouts help lengthen and tone muscles, keeping you flexible and mobile, even after sitting for hours.
- Strengthens Muscles: Barre and Pilates target small, often overlooked muscle groups through controlled, isometric movements, building strength without adding bulk. This makes them perfect for staying fit wherever you are.
- Low-Impact: Gentle on the joints, barre and Pilates offer low-intensity, rejuvenating workouts that leave you energised—not exhausted—so you’re ready for a full day of exploring London.
Barre and Pilates are the ultimate travel-friendly fitness companions, providing effective, low-impact workouts you can enjoy anytime, anywhere—even from the comfort of your hotel room.
Top Blogs from Barre Series
Looking to unwind with a good read, whether outdoors or in the comfort of your hotel room? If you’re in the mood for insightful wellness content, we’ve got you covered. At Barre Series, we regularly post wellness blogs, and we’ve curated a condensed list of our must-read articles tailored to your current surroundings. Take a moment to relax and enjoy!
At Barre Series, wellness extends beyond movement to nurturing the mind and body. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight a favorite product of our founder, Catie Miller: “I Am Focused” by Phyto Nectars. This brain-boosting spiced chocolate drink combines the natural power of Lion’s Mane, maitake, cordyceps mushrooms, and adaptogens like ashwagandha to support mental clarity and sustained energy without a crash.
Founded by wellness expert Katia and herbalist Michael, Phyto Nectars blends traditional plant wisdom with cutting-edge science to create products that enhance daily well-being. With a commitment to quality and nature, their offerings are crafted to integrate seamlessly into modern routines.
Available at the café downstairs at 1 Hotel Mayfair or online with code CatieMiller24, “I Am Focused” is a delicious way to unlock nature’s benefits and support your holistic wellness journey.
To participate in the 5-minute Postural Reset video, click here!
Start your day with confidence and grace with our 5-minute Postural Reset Workout! This beginner-friendly video focuses on improving posture, form, and alignment—perfect for refining technique or energizing your morning.
Good posture involves more than standing tall; it’s a balance of muscles, breath, and mental focus. Barre fitness is particularly effective for posture improvement, offering full-body exercises that engage muscle groups harmoniously. Incorporating 3-4 barre sessions weekly can deliver visible posture improvements and toning after just a few workouts.
Accessible to all fitness levels, barre builds strength, reduces fat, and enhances lean muscle mass, supporting both physical and mental well-being. Try the Postural Reset Workout here to start your journey to a healthier posture!
Finding joy in movement is key to sustaining a fitness routine. If high-impact activities like running aren’t for you, soft workouts offer a joint-friendly, adaptable alternative. These low-impact exercises, including barre and Pilates, provide a comprehensive workout tailored to your fitness level.
Benefits of Soft Workouts
Soft workouts enhance flexibility, build balanced strength, and incorporate mindfulness techniques to reduce stress. They support weight management by building lean muscle and offer a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.
Getting Started
Start small, focus on how you want to feel, and celebrate progress. Sharing your journey with a workout buddy or trying cold plunges can boost motivation and overall health.
Try Catie Miller’s Low-Impact Barre Workout
Founder of Barre Series, Catie Miller, has designed a low-impact routine that strengthens muscles and improves balance without stressing joints. Exercises like pliés, curtsy lunges, and tricep kickbacks can be adapted for any fitness level, making them perfect for beginners or seasoned enthusiasts.
Soft workouts combine effectiveness with ease, proving that fitness doesn’t have to be hard on your body to be impactful.
Elevate your fitness routine with six effective leg-toning exercises. These movements, including barre staples like pliés and calf raises, are designed to strengthen and sculpt while improving balance and coordination.
Key Exercises for Toned Legs:
- Calf Raises – Boost circulation and tone calves with 3 sets of 16 controlled reps.
- Pliés and External Rotation – Strengthen glutes and thighs with 3 sets of 16 reps. Add backward pulses for a challenge.
- Reverse Lunges – Build balance and coordination with alternating lunges, aiming for 3 sets of 16 reps.
- Glute Bridges – Engage glutes and hamstrings with 3 sets of 16 reps, focusing on controlled movement.
- Squats – Improve lower body strength and mobility with 3 sets of 10-12 reps.
- Side Leg Lifts – Target hip abductors for stability with 3 sets of 16 reps on each side.
Incorporate these exercises into your routine for leaner, stronger legs. Adjust intensity as needed to suit your fitness level, and get ready to feel the burn!
Maintaining focus amidst constant distractions is a crucial skill for success. These strategies, inspired by interviews conducted by Bridget Arsenault with successful women, offer actionable steps to sharpen your focus:
Create a Distraction-Free Space: Marie Soliman, Founder of Bergman Design House, advocates for clear goals and a clutter-free environment. Write down your vision and display it prominently to keep objectives in sight.
Practice Mindfulness and Time Blocking: Anjhe Mules, Co-CEO of Lucas Hugh, recommends two-hour focused work sessions with breaks and using music or podcasts during creative tasks. Consistent start times can help anchor your routine.
Limit Notifications and Embrace Challenges: Reduce digital interruptions by checking emails only twice daily. Reframe challenges as opportunities, a perspective endorsed by both Anjhe and Marie.
Set Goals and Celebrate Achievements: Adria Wu, Founder of Maple & Co, stresses writing and displaying daily and long-term goals in your workspace. Celebrating small wins fuels motivation and keeps you grounded.
Stay Hydrated and Rested: Louise Bailey, Founder of Beauty Club London, highlights the importance of hydration, nutrition, and quality sleep for optimal mental clarity.
Connect with a Supportive Community: Engaging with like-minded communities, like Barre Series, can provide accountability and encouragement to stay focused.
These insights remind us that focus is a trainable skill. With deliberate effort and the right strategies, you can cut through distractions and maximise your potential.
City Guide: Exploring Mayfair
While you’re here, take the opportunity to explore the incomparable Mayfair area. Arguably the most elegant neighbourhood in London. Known for its beautiful parks, chic cafes, and world-class restaurants, Mayfair offers a balance of luxury and relaxation.
Outdoor Activities
- Green Park: Located just a short walk from 1 Hotel Mayfair, Green Park is one of London’s renowned Royal Parks. It’s the perfect spot for a morning stroll or post-class mindfulness.
- Hyde Park: One of the largest parks in London, Hyde Park is just a stone’s throw from Mayfair. It features beautiful walking trails, the serene Serpentine lake, and a variety of recreational activities, including boating, cycling, and horse riding. The park is also home to the famous Speakers’ Corner, where you can hear diverse viewpoints on various topics.
- St. James’s Park: Adjacent to Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park is a picturesque area known for its stunning flower gardens. Take a leisurely walk along the scenic paths that provide breathtaking views of the palace and the iconic London Eye.
Must-See Sights
- Buckingham Palace: A 10-minute walk from Mayfair, this iconic royal residence is a must-see for any visitor to London.
- The Royal Academy of Arts: Visit this renowned institution to immerse yourself in inspiring exhibitions. Engage your mind with art and culture while enjoying the calming ambiance of this historic venue.
Shopping
- Oxford Street: If shopping is on your agenda, take a leisurely stroll down Oxford Street. This bustling street is home to over 300 shops, including high-street favourites and flagship stores.
- Burlington Arcade: A beautiful covered shopping arcade, Burlington Arcade is famous for its luxury boutiques and charming atmosphere. Browse high-end brands and unique shops while enjoying the elegant surroundings.
- Royal Arcade: Known for its stunning Victorian architecture, Royal Arcade features a selection of luxury retailers and artisanal shops, making it a delightful place to discover unique gifts and fashion.
- Piccadilly Arcade: Connecting Piccadilly Circus to Jermyn Street, Piccadilly Arcade offers a range of shops specialising in men’s fashion, accessories, and bespoke items. Its charming atmosphere and beautiful architecture make for an enjoyable shopping experience.
Barre Series: Join Us for In-Person Classes
No visit to 1 Hotel Mayfair is complete without joining one of our exclusive in-person barre and pilates classes, held every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30am within 1 Hotel Mayfair. Led by the remarkable Barre Series Founder, Catie Miller, these classes will give you the full Barre Series experience in the heart of London. This exclusive residency is for a limited time only between October and December 2024. So be sure to reserve your spot today down at reception!
A wonderful alternative to our exclusive residency at 1 Hotel Mayfair is our in-person classes at our nearby Mayfair studio, just a short walk away. You can easily book these classes through our website, and the full Mayfair timetable is available here!
Thank you for joining us at 1 Hotel Mayfair and we are excited to continue to welcome you to Barre Series. Whether you’re exploring the city or improving your strength and flexibility with us, we’re here to support your journey to wellness. Enjoy your stay and we hope to see you in class!
