Our focus here at Veg Bar is to help everyday folks incorporate more fresh, nutrient rich goodness into their lives. We all know that it is important to nourish ouirselves from the inside out, and here at Veg Bar, we are passionate about helping improve the health of our community by providing easy access to nourishing meals to help do so. Staying physically active is just as equally important in creating a healthy thriving community, so when we heard about a new boutique studio, Xtend Barre in Rosny, we were so excited! We wanted to find out a little more about their gorgoues new space, so we sat down with studio manager, Meagan, to chat more about all things fitness!

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself, your role in the business and how long you have been involved in group fitness?

Having always been an advocate for health and wellbeing, I decided recently to take my passion for fitness to the next level. I have always loved group fitness and I tried so many classes and variations of studio fitness - but when I tried Xtend Barre, I knew I was hooked! I can't wait to further my education and expand into different types of XB workouts.

Q. What is a unique aspect of Xtend barre that you feel sets you apart from other forms of fitness?

My favourite part of XB is the instant gratification you get from the classes, that dull ache in all your muscles, proving you have really worked all aspects of your body and pushed yourself to you limits. The movements are relatively simple, but they are SO effective and not only strengthen and tone but also promote better posture. I leave each class feeling like I've put in the work, and I'm standing taller than ever. It's addictive!

Q. Why is physical fitness so important?

We live in such a 'throw away' society - I think it's so important to remind ourselves that our bodies are the only thing that are TRULY with us for life. A body that has been cared for and respected will take you so much further than one that has been neglected.

Q. What's your favourite go-to nourish meal?

I love a healthy burrito bowl, and to be honest, the VegBar Mexicali Bowl is the best I've found in Hobart, it's just so yum and filling!

Q. What inspired you to become an instructor?

The idea that I could be an instructor began when I found myself in a job which was desk-based and I wasn't inspired to be a healthy and happy version of myself. I did a bit of 'soul searching' for lack of a better term, and realised that I am happiest moving and working as a dynamic team with others. I have always loved encouraging others on their goals and am so happy I've decided to make a lifestyle out of it. I really get SO much out of job and that feeds into all aspects of my life.

Q. Do you need to be super fit to participate in a class?

I get this question A LOT! The answer is simple, you don't have to be fit, all you need is an open mind and to listen to what your body is saying during the workout. The best results come from clients who do the work while slightly challenging their limits, finding their comfortable range of motion and just pushing an inch further to help sculpt, lengthen and strengthen their body.

Q. How important is the role of healthy eating in ones fitness journey?

We fall short when we are not nourishing our bodies, so a fitness journey should always have equal focus on workouts and nutrition. I am such a believer in "you are what you eat" and I try to be thoughtful with what I chose to fill my body with. I think that the golden rule for those looking to make a change in their diet is to have everything in moderation. Crazy strict diets often set us up for failure, but moderation and exercise is a lifestyle that is attainable and realistic. Making better, healthier choices will begin to come naturally to those who are consistently mindful that their food is their fuel.

Q. Favourite health quote?

'The greatest wealth is health' - it's short and sweet, but undeniably true. So long as you constantly strive for greater health, no matter what your interpretation of health is, the world is your oyster. Adapting and listening to your body - nurturing and loving yourself, that's worth more than all the wealth in the world. At the end of the day the only thing that is certain is that your body is your vessel - money, people, possessions, they can all come and go - so love your body and your brain.

Q. How can people join up?

Anyone interested can contact us in the studio by popping in, calling us at 0402 413 532 or sending us an email rosnypark@xtendbarre.com.au

Q. What's your favourite class and why?

I love our trademark Xtend Barre class the most. It's a perfect blend of exercises which incorporate cardio, sculpting and strengthening and you can feel them working straight away to tone up those tricky to train areas. After a class I feel like I stand taller and leaner and I feel so much stronger. It's fun and engaging and because it's gentle on the body (low to no impact) I can do more classes during the week then I would do with a more HIIT style class. I love that it's all ages and fitness level too, because you really wind up challenging YOURSELF rather than measuring against everyone in the room.

Let's get physical!