Fitness devotees know, ballet-inspired barre workout classes are a great way to tone, sculpt, and lengthen the body. So we were thrilled to have fitness instructor Lauren Arps take over our Instagram to teach a (virtual) 45-minute class! Founder of The Graceful Strength Method, Lauren's classes are designed to build strong, lean muscle while strengthening your foundation with balance, stability, and breath.
Click here to watch the saved IGTV video!
Plus, we caught up with Lauren to learn more about her fitness journey, favorite workouts, and how she's staying positive right now!
READ THE Q&A:
Tell us a little more about yourself! Where are you from & what do you do?
I’m from CT but have lived in Los Angeles for the last 7 years with my husband and little girly it baby Charlie. I am a barre, yoga and dance fitness teacher and have been teaching and developing my own method of ballet dance fitness called The Graceful Strength Method for the past 5 years.
Have you always had an interest in health & fitness?
I have always been a lover of dance and movement. I come from a ballet background and absolutely love the grace and strength that come with it. When I began teaching in 2015, it was barre that caught my attention first because of the ballet aspect of it. Then as I progressed as a teacher, the incredible relationship formed from the community I made from teaching became my driving force! So, I think it started from a love of movement and dance that developed into a passion for health and fitness.
What’s your favorite type of workout and why?
My favorite type of workouts combine high energy with weight and cardio and can be done on a beat! I would say barre, dance fitness and Barry’s are my top 3. Great music is so important for a high energy workout, it allows you to escape into your own world and push through challenges in the right mindset.
What’s your favorite go-to healthy meal?
My favorite go to healthy meal is 100% a seared tuna steak, seasoned brown rice and a small Mediterranean salad on the side. I never get tired of this meal, it’s so delicious and is perfectly balanced!
What do you love most about the fitness community you’ve built?
I love the genuine strong relationships that I have built. It’s like having a second family.
What’s one random fact about you that most people don’t know?
One random fact - I'm obsessed with The Golden Girls. I’ve probably watched every episode a thousand times, I just think those little old ladies are hilarious.
Leggings + sneakers, or dress + heels?
Definitely leggings and sneakers 1,000%. I feel like such a bad ass when I have a new athleisure outfit!
What are you binge watching on Netflix right now?
Santa Clarita Diet. Sooo funny!
Favorite travel destination?
Hands down my favorite destination is Bali. I went there in January this year in a solo trip and stayed for 2 and a half months. It’s heaven on earth.
Bikini or one piece?
Love a high-waist bikini!
What’s your “L” right now?
My L right now is love. It pushing me to carry on during the difficult that our world is going through. Love for my career pushes me to keep finding new ways for me to continue teaching. Love for my fellow human pushes me to continue to fight for brighter better days.
You can follow Lauren on IG here!
And check out The Graceful Strength Method here!