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"    Photo: Courtesy of Pure Yoga   Barre-based fitness class Figure 4 at Pure Yoga, a boutique studio chain owned by Equinox, blends ballet, yoga, and free weights to help lengthen and tone muscles. As a former ballerina and musical theater actress, Kate Albarelli used her dance background to develop this high-energy, body-sculpting workout (which actually includes exercises done on a ballet bar). The result: A shapely physique and major muscle tone. &amp;quot;I created Figure 4 because I felt a need for a more alignment-based, scientific-based, and hardcore barre class,&amp;quot; said Albarelli. &amp;quot;I felt that it was time to get rid of antiquated and unnecessary exercises and focus on what really works.&amp;quot;  Here, she shares an unexpected tip to get you out the door and into the studio, and just how fast barre workouts can change your body. Don&amp;#039;t tote your tutu, but get ready to pli\u00E9.    ELLE: To get leaner for spring and warm-weather vacations, what kind of exercise do you suggest? Kate Albarelli: Weight-bearing exercise mixed with some light cardio is the best way to get lean. I recommend barre classes three times a week and fast walking for 45 minutes for two days. ELLE: Any tips for lengthening limbs that may have bulked up with muscle after other fitness classes or barre-method workouts? KA: First of all, your muscles should not be bulking up from barre classes unless your form or alignment is off. For other types of exercise that may have bulked you up, barre classes actually help reduce that. Weight-bearing exercise with small and large ranges of motion, isometric movement, and stretching help bring those muscles into a longer and leaner appearance. ELLE: What are some quick poses we can do at home to strengthen our cores? KA: Plank will help core strength. I also love laying on your back, hooking your hands underneath a sofa behind you, raising the legs up to the ceiling, and doing slow tucks (lifting your pelvis up and down) to pull your abdominal [muscles] taut. ELLE: What&amp;#039;s the most important thing to keep in mind before doing your first barre class? KA: Tell the teacher if you have any injuries, make sure you stand in front of a mirror, and be sure to listen to every cue so that your alignment remains intact. Also, bring water! ELLE: What differences will we notice after doing barre classes for a few weeks regularly? KA: I love teaching the class, because I see the changes in my students in front of my eyes. The dedication, empowerment, and strength of my clients are what keep me loving my job. After doing it only three times a week for two weeks, you will notice your pants may fit differently, and you will feel a sense of overall strength. You may also notice some shape to your arms. After three weeks, your friends will start to notice. ELLE: Nutrition-wise, what can we eat or avoid to enhance the effects of this type of workout? KA: Be careful not to eat heavily after 7:30 p.m., when your metabolism slows down. Also, drink loads of water. Often when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty. Last, be mindful of extra calories: soda, wine, beer, ice cream. They are unnecessary and will undo the hard work. ELLE: Should any other exercise be combined with barre-method classes for a full-body and varied workout? KA: I like light cardio, if anything. Figure 4 achieves interval cardio. The heart rate moves into a fat-burning zone, however, fast walking or elliptical workouts for 45 minutes a couple times a week can help shed excess calories and expedite the process. ELLE: What advice would you give someone either just starting a fitness regimen or returning to exercise after a long break? KA: Be kind to yourself. Don&amp;#039;t compare yourself to anyone else and understand that this is a lifestyle journey so try to enjoy the way it makes you feel in the moment and focus less on how you want to look or feel in the future. ELLE: Sometimes, just getting yourself out the door is tough. What&amp;#039;s your best advice for getting motivated? KA: Stand completely naked in front of the mirror. Gets me every time! Click here for live updates on the latest breaking beauty news. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/news/a22798/beauty-chat-kate-albarelli-figure-four-barre/>