As a professional dancer and choreographer since the age of 18, Andrea Rogers has always had dance as a part of her identity. Wanting to take her passion for movement and combine it with her love of fitness, she created Xtend Barre. A killer combination of Pilates and ballet, the 15 to 40-minute cardio classes are said to sculpt strong, “dancer-like” physiques. 

Today, twelve years after launching, Rogers has over 40 studio locations, a thriving online community, and a client roster ranging from beginners to professional athletes. 

While she’s all about a killer workout, the barre star is against obsessive eating restrictions. “I don’t diet…I  focus on eating clean, whole foods 80 percent of the time, and then mindfully indulge the other 20 percent,” she tells Nutritious Life.

Rogers shares the beneficial side of being home, the food she eats every single day, and her relaxing nighttime routine that will inspire us.

How have things changed for you since COVID-19 hit? The biggest challenge has been having my two daughters home full time. I am a single mom running an international business while also being a homeschool teacher.  It has also been difficult being isolated and finding ways to stay motivated and encouraged. I don’t have family near me, so I haven’t been able to escape the city or be outdoors as much as I would like.

What are some of your tips to stay focused…especially now? I recommend creating a schedule each day, and try to stick to a routine. With routine comes consistency, followed by results and motivation. The more you can create a routine and stick to it, the more you can stay focused and purposeful in your goals.

What is your fitness philosophy? My fitness philosophy is a consistent, full-out effort. You have to show up on a consistent basis, and give it your all every single rep.

Do you prefer to work out in the morning or evening? I do both. I typically will do one power session in the morning, and a 15-minute express workout with stretching in the evening .

How often do you exercise, and what’s your workout of choice? I work out daily and do Xtend Barre and Pilates. All of my workouts can be found on the Openfit app.

How do you motivate yourself (and your clients) to work out? I think about how good I am going to feel after the workout—the sense of pride I feel after pushing myself.  I try to lean into the after effect when I am feeling a little less inclined to press play on my workout.

Has it been hard to stay on track with your nutrition while in quarantine? No. It’s actually been easier because I’m at home and have more control…I can plan my meals more often.

What’s your go-to breakfast? I wake up and have a protein shake, work out, and then a late breakfast meal—2 eggs, Ezekiel toast, and avocado.

Your go-to workday lunch?  I am a big fan of sushi, specifically tuna. I love a light lunch packed with protein and vegetables!

What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? I always have eggs. I eat eggs every single day.

Your favorite food indulgence? I love doughnuts and Newman’s organic oreo cookies.

Other than water, what do you sip regularly? Mostly just water, but I’ll occasionally have a matcha latte.

What causes you stress? Trying to achieve work-life balance is a stress inducer. I try to be consistent with my schedule so that I can easily manage and lean into a routine. It helps me feel more in control and organized with my day.

How do you pamper yourself when you need it? I love having a self-indulgence day. I will pamper myself with a face mask, bio-oil bath, dry brushing, and a lymphatic drainage massage. 

How do you express and spread love? I express love by showing support and by helping others to show up for themselves so they can take action to crush their goals and feel their best. 

What is your evening routine to wind down at the end of the day? I am a big fan of stretching at night, either in the living room or in my bed. To unwind, I focus on my breath, gratitude, and relax into my body.

(photo credit: Xtend Barre)