Fitness Instructor, Brooke Tigh Shares All Her Amazing Tips

Brooke Tigh had me at bunghole.

No really. I went to take her Studio Barre class & she had me laughing while I was in a happy baby ( AKA ‘spread eagle’ ) pose. She was just checking to make sure ‘our bungholes were facing the mirror.’ HA!

I was hooked to her sense of humor + her amazing class. Every Friday at noon you can find me tucking away with Brooke. She’s a real gem. Read on, lovaz. You’ll fall in love with her too!

+ Tell us about yourself.

Brooke Tigh: I’m graceful, strong, and coordinated-yet still somehow very accident prone.

I’m energetic, confident and silly-but when it’s time to wind down, I’ve been known to turn into a “womouch” ( part woman, part couch ). Even though I love to joke around, I CAN be serious and focused. It’s all about balance.

Teaching fitness and living a healthy, active lifestyle is my passion! A perfect day consists of: Studio Barre, yoga, lunch with friends ( & adult beverages ), massage, nap, dog park w/ my pup, more adult beverages, delicious dinner, dance party ( duh ), a nice sleep in my glorious cal king ‘cloud bed!’

+ Why is Studio Barre amazing?

BT: Studio Barre is so fantabulous ( yes that’s a word- cause I said so! ) because not only is it a kick ass workout that will literally change the shape of your body for the better…but it’s a place to come and be surrounded by glorious people & great energy. There’s something magical that happens when you walk into the doors of Studio Barre; you smile, you laugh, you bond with all the other ( mostly women ) ‘tucker’s.’ Everybody is so supportive of one another, there’s no cattiness or bitchy-ness like other boutique style studios sometimes have.

+ Favie Studio Barre move?

BT: Why, the ‘tuck’ of course! What is a ‘tuck’, you ask? It’s simple. Just squeeze your bootie & pull your belly button in to your spine. It’s like a little air hump. It tightens everything from your ass all the way up & goes through your entire core. It lengthens your low back, while strengthening your belly muscles. As we say, “keep calm and tuck on!”

I’m also a big fan of our ‘cardio snack’, which happens about halfway into class, gets your heart pumping, & helps you find your last push of energy to take it to the end of class.

+ Quick skinny tips?

BT: To slim down, cut out booze, refined sugar, & carbs. I know, it sounds freaking terrible. But you will see a change in like a week, I swear! Try & do this for two full weeks to see the most difference. Or if you can’t tone it, tan it! Get a spray tan & you may possibly look five pounds lighter!

Put on those stilettos, girl. The higher the better for long, lean, luxurious legs!!! Also, invest in Spanx. You will be amazed!

+ Weekly workout schedule?

BT: Right now, I’m on the books to teach three yoga classes & nine Studio Barre classes a week…& I usually sub a few classes on top of that.

Since my voice is pretty much the only thing that gets a workout while teaching, I like to kick my own ass in these ways:

– At least three Studio Barre classes…

– At least three yoga classes…

BT: I’m the worst at cardio! It has to be disguised for me in classes like Zumba, Cardio Dance, & Step. I usually go to Frog’s Gym in Encinitas. Also, I have a Labradoodle named Piper who has tons of energy, so lots of walks with her count as part of my routine!

+ Favorite go-to healthy food?

BT: I try to always have a Larabar with me…cashew cookie and peanut butter cookie are my faves. An organic banana with some crunchy, unsalted almond butter & organic, raw trail mix= life saver!

+ Cocktail of choice?

BT: Kettle One vodka & water ( not soda water ) with three lemon slices. Delicious & refreshing!

+ Motivation to stay in shape?

BT: I’ve always been active through dance, sports, & working out. I’m motivated by the simple fact that I know for sure that I’m going to feel better afterwards. If that’s not enough, living in San Diego & embracing the beach lifestyle requires a shorts, tank top, & a bikini ready body during all seasons!

+ World’s best beauty product?

BT: My Clarisonic Sonic skin cleansing brush & facial dermaplane treatments. This magical combo makes your skin super über soft, so that all your products go on fabulously!

+ Natural beauty remedy that you do?

– Lots of naps, sex, and wine!

– If you’re rested, you’re not cranky- & that’s beautiful!

– If you have a lot of sex-you have that glow ( it’s scientifically proven, people! )…& that’s beautiful!

– If you drink enough wine, not only are you getting those powerful antioxidants, you’re not stressed out…& that’s beautiful!

+ Quick, easy recipe?

“Beanwah” ( beans+quinoa )

1 cup tri color quinoa

2 cups low sodium vegetable stock

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon red or yellow curry sauce ( or any yummy flavorful sauce you have )

1 big handful of raw kale ( they sell it in bags all cut and trimmed, way easier than buying the whole stalk & doing it yourself )

Organic black beans ( canned & whole is fine-I get mine at Trader Joe’s )

+ Directions: Put all ingredients except for beans in a rice cooker. Be sure to rinse your quinoa, it has a bitter outer shell that’s no bueno. Once cooked, fluff rice cooker stuff w/ a fork. Heat beans ( nuke ’em in the micro! ). Mix together, salt and pepper to taste, and WALA! BEANWAH!

* Sauteed tempeh or tofu is a good add-on, or some freshly steamed veggies too!