Journey Through the Election

Babes,

The countdown - 1 week to go

It's really getting down to it in this election race. I know many of us can't wait for it to be over, but I'm personally rather terrified of the outcome so I beseech you, intelligent, thinking, righteous women and men of barre and dance: go vote next Tuesday. Make it your top priority. It matters now more than ever. There's simply too much on the line not to.

In the meantime, dedicate some of your good vibes to a positive outcome for our country. When I'm feeling scared or angry, or that strange mix of both I've been feeling so often recently in the presence of "repeal the 19th amendment" crazies and blatantly racist Trump supporters (no use sugar coating it, babes, you know where I stand), I try to channel those energies into tough workouts, into change-the-status-quo intentions, into all the evidence around us (here in NYC at least) of what is good and right in the world. Each time we focus on our movement, energy or thoughts, we shift the vibration of all our cells towards something new and different. For me, that means I am dedicating my focus to a Democratic victory next Tuesday. 

I realize it may seem a little odd to hear politics from your fitness instructor, but it freaking MATTERS!

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Election Eve

So much energy swirling around today! So much on the line - the future of the free world, women's rights, the steps made towards equality and fairness in the past eight years - I'm practically vibrating with nerves and anticipation for the election results. But all we can do now is wait... and WORK OUT!

For one, there's no better way to focus than a solid sweat fest, and anytime I need release, calm, or good vibes, exercise is the first place I turn. It pretty much never fails to raise my vibration, soothe my worries, and I believe that the good energy we work up in class creates more good energy for the world. Practice radical self care and be the change, babes! Maybe this sounds like fitness hippie speak to you, but you can't argue with the notion that working on one's self, at the very least, doesn't suck. Especially when you get to do it in a studio full of beautiful, creative, intelligent, strong & like-minded babes, like we do :)

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The Fallout

It's hard to believe that it's only been a week since I last wrote you. My hopeful, albeit nervous, tone on the eve of the election makes it feel like it has been much longer than just a week that we've spent in grief, worry and anger. Heaven knows we have difficult and uncertain days ahead of us as well, and I don't have any answers to what we, collectively and individually, face.

All I know is that it has been the ultimate comfort and strength for me to get to work out and dance and move and sweat in the same room with you, my barrebabes, this past week. I am so very grateful to know all of you and share your energy each week. You make me feel hopeful, confident in the good in the world, and very proud to be a forward-thinking woman. I know we are stronger together and our workouts contribute something positive to the world, and this motivates me so much.

So... thank you.

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Reproductive Health PSA

One of the most pressing news items for us predominantly female barrebabes is the threat posed by the incoming administration to our reproductive rights, including access to birth control (evidenced by the mad dash for IUDs reported in the news last week). I wanted to add my two cents to the topic of staying in control of our bodies and their capacity to create life. Please do not read this as anti-contraception or anything of the sort, nor should this be taken as medical advice for obvious reasons, but rather as another tool for us to stay empowered, to stay healthy, and to stay in control. 

Whether you're trying to prevent pregnancy, trying to get pregnant, or simply wish to understand your body better, Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler is the answer. This book changed my life. I went on birth control when I was sixteen to help with irregular periods, and even though I went through the ringer with it for the next eight years, I never questioned that it was the best way for me to protect myself and stay healthy. It was expensive and my insurance wouldn't always cover it, and, among other things, I didn't realize how crappy I felt on it until I went off when I discovered a genetic mutation that predisposes me to blood clots when taking hormonal contraceptives. With no more Pill, what was a girl to do? Luckily, a friend recommended TCOYF and I've been safe, happy, and in touch with my body ever since. I love that I know when I'm ovulating and understand my cycle of changes every month. I'm not saying to quit your NuvaRing if it works for you, just that if it doesn't, or if it becomes too expensive/unavailable due to healthcare or nonsense in the White House, you have options that are completely natural and that WORK, whether you're trying to or trying not to.

So there's my PSA for you, babes :)

 With love and planks,

Annie