This month we’re highlighting Balance Body as our Class of the Month! Balance Body combines barbell complexes and tabata intervals to help you build strength and burn fat in the most efficient way possible. This week, our Balance Body instructors gave their best tips for the class and how to get the most out of your workout:

• My best advice for new students is that great form is the foundation for a great workout! start with lighter weights to perfect your form, then build your way up from there! For regulars – slow it down during the strength sets and check your technique with the instructor every few weeks to ensure you are on the right track! – Christina, Foggy Bottom

• If you are new, don’t get intimidated by the barbell. The moves can seem so foreign, but you will get used to them in no time. To make this class more challenging, go up in weight! Participants get scared to put more weight on the bar, but there is no better way to make you sweat and crank up that heart rate.  – Cassia, Foggy Bottom

• Introduce yourself to the instructor and to the person next to you and go at your own pace. Do a couple of classes to get the hang of it before you load up your barbell! – Kacie, Glover Park

• Bring extra weights to your mat if you aren’t sure what to expect. For any veteran looking to make it more challenging – load that bar up! If your bar is maxed out then ask your instructor for more challenging variations. Bring a water bottle! – Gabe, Capitol Hill

• Try it! Even if you only have 30 minutes, you’ll still get in a great workout. – Ariel, Thomas Circle