Barre with Justine

Graceful fitness for real, busy lives.

Fitness inspired by ballet, Pilates, and yoga — and lifestyle tips from a mom of three who knows what it’s like to have no time!

● Latest posts
  • observations from 3 weeks without coffee!

    observations from 3 weeks without coffee!

    Ever since the beginning of dance competition season, coupled with extra work, I had been using coffee to really boost my focus in the mornings.…

  • the weight of words

    the weight of words

    “Words are small shapes in the gorgeous chaos of the world. But they are shapes, they bring the world into focus, they corral ideas, they…

  • “Life Hacked” Out

    “If you are always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in?” Nanette Mathews During the early and uncertain days of…

  • why I love barre…the science and the emotion!

    It can be difficult to describe barre to someone who has never tried the workout before. Not only is it hard to articulate what we…

● About Me

I’m Justine, the creator of this blog and a full-time academic librarian, with a passion for fitness.

I believe that everyone deserves to feel valued and strong in their own body. My love of movement started in ballet, where I learned that strength and grace aren’t opposites — and my life as a busy, working mom of three taught me that self-care has to be realistic to matter. I bring both of those things into every class: grace, positivity, and the belief that you are worthy of feeling good.

One of the highlights of being on here was meeting @mandy_neale - she’s been my IG friend for several years now and one of the brightest lights for me and I know many others too, especially when I’m feeling down or need some jnspiration. 💗 Were you also shocked that today is September?! It was DARK when I left the gym tonight 😭 ✨Heavy weights are not the only way to get strong - time under tension, mindful movement, and consistency will take you there. Barre will challenge your muscles in so many ways AND you can feel like a dancer while you work out 🩰 Monday nights are for stretching 🧘‍♀️ 🧑‍🩰this is my youngest daughter’s favourite song - and it makes a great Balletone song too! 🩰 ✨always be kind - that’s the one thing I want my kids to always remember! 🫢Confession: there are weeks when my body feels burned out, with no desire to work out. ✨Will I miss the squabbling? Probably not 😀 ✨I hesitated to post this because I do have mixed feelings about portion control and measuring food. If you disagree with my take, I get it! But at the same time, tracking my portions has really helped me find balance over the years - including a gruelling second round of IVF.