Imagine you just signed the lease for the commercial space where you’re going to operate your business out of, or you’re two weeks into opening the doors to your new business when a global pandemic forces people indoors. Launching a new business is tough enough, but add to that a nationwide shutdown and you are put in an even more challenging position.
I reached out to three different entrepreneurs to get their take on what it was like to be launching a barre business amidst the shutdown. Among them, a franchisee, an independent contractor and a boutique fitness studio owner. Despite the pressure they were under, these three women persevered to make sure their plans stayed on track.
On the cusp of opening and then COVID-19 happened!
Ashleigh Volk of HIIT Barre Turlock was looking forward to operating out of Victorious Fitness beginning in early April but just as she was about to open, the state of California announced a shelter in place order. “When the shutdown was announced I was disappointed because I finally felt like I was achieving my goal of owning my own barre business,” Ashleigh says. “However, I knew it was a necessary step in keeping everyone safe.”
Source: instagram.com/hiitbarre
Victoria Sands, owner of Vibe Barre in Mesa, Arizona had just signed the lease on her commercial space when the shutdown happened. “I signed my lease on March 8th of this year after 3 weeks of negotiations,” she explains. “At first, I was terrified and I was seriously considering giving up on my dream of opening a studio. I definitely started second-guessing my decision, but after re-reading my business plan, I focused on my “why” and knew I had to do everything I could to make my dreams a reality.”
Jessie Morgan Gerace had been working on a plan to open a NEIGHBORHOOD barre in Baton Rouge since late 2019 when the shutdown happened. “We were planning to open in April before all of the COVID-19 drastically shifted my plans to open. The week before the stay at home orders went into place is when we started negotiations on our lease,” Jessie recalls.
NEIGHBORHOOD barre Baton Rouge’s Jessie Morgan Gerace in the studio during construction. Source: Jenn Ocken Photography
When life gives you lemons, you pivot
Unsure of what to do, Ashleigh started creating content for her Instagram account. “I started noticing so many fitness instructors were holding live classes and starting virtual businesses. This is when I decided I needed to do something, and I took my business virtual,” Ashleigh says.”
Being thrown into the deep end, when forced to figure out how to go online quickly has become a shared experience among many in the boutique fitness community.
It took about 1-2 weeks to get up and running, once Ashleigh decided to take her business online. “I thought to myself, ok all I need is a website and some way for clients to access videos, this shouldn’t be too difficult,” admits Ashleigh. “Well, I had no experience making a website or setting up videos online so there were definitely points of frustration. However, miraculously I got through it and felt very satisfied I was able to set up this virtual business on my own.”
Ashleigh Volk of HIIT Barre Turlock. Source: instagram.com/hiitbarre
Victoria of Vibe Barre also saw social media as an opportunity to connect with potential clients but admitted that growing her following was put on hold to focus on training instructors and planning out her studio build. “Unfortunately, I hadn’t invested much into my marketing, so I hadn’t grown a large enough following to gain a lot of new clients,” she says. “Marketing was put on hold because I felt that it was more important to focus on what I could control which was finishing my studio and training my instructors. It also made me realize the importance of offering digital classes and other online resources.”
Inside Vibe Barre during construction. Source: instagram.com/vibe_barre
Jessie Morgan Gerace of NEIGHBORHOOD barre Baton Rouge in the studio during construction. Source: Jenn Ocken Photography
Being able to pivot and adapt to new and unexpected circumstances is most certainly going to be part of the entrepreneurial journey but learning to navigate these tricky situations early on could be a blessing in disguise.
Jessie at NEIGHBORHOOD barre Baton Rouge believes that streaming classes online to prospective members and involving them in the buildout process helped to establish a bond with clients that they wouldn’t have had before. “As a franchise, we were able to pivot and stay relevant by offering Live Stream classes from all our studios. I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of this transition.”
“At first, like most, I believed that this would pass in a couple of weeks and we would continue on with our plans to open on track,” says Jessie. “However, I quickly realized that this was not the case and this was going to be a long journey to opening.”
Silver linings make it all worthwhile
Despite the additional hiccups that these women endured, there are always silver linings. For Ashleigh of HIIT Barre Turlock, she was able to work out her in-person jitters, as she describes, which has made her feel more prepared to teach in-person classes. “As any new instructor, I was very nervous to teach my first in-person class. So, the virtual world let me do that without the pressure of people watching me in real-time. I have been able to work on perfecting my ‘teacher’ voice as well as learning to keep count and give direction at the same time, which can be tricky.”
For Victoria of Vibe Barre, she was able to be more hands-on during the build-out phase, especially when it came to training staff. “My instructors are beyond ready to lead a class because they had plenty of time to focus on our manual. We had in-depth anatomy training and daily 1:1 training via Zoom.”
The Vibe Barre crew pose for a photo during a pre-opening celebration. Source: instagram.com/vibe_barre
After Jessie got over the initial panic, she was able to gain a new perspective on things. “I was able to take the time I needed to come up with a solid grand opening plan, spend more time on working with my instructors, and overall be more prepared.”
Growing pains are all part of the journey
Whatever doesn’t kill you as a business owner, makes you stronger when you come out on the other side. Kudos to anyone who is persevering through these entrepreneurial hardships. Regardless of the current situation, launching and maintaining a new business is tough at the best of times, so I’m in awe of anyone who navigates the road to ownership.
“Starting a business is always a gamble,” Victoria says “but it’s worth it!”
“There will always be challenges when owning a business. Some of them will be small and some will be life-changing. It is all in how you handle these changes that define you as a person and a small business owner,” says Jessie. “The lessons I learned from COVID-19 will forever help me as a business owner.”
“No matter the outcome of this small business I started during a pandemic, I have had so much fun putting it together and producing videos for my HIIT Barre community,” says Ashleigh. “Regardless of the shift in plans, I am happy to have been able to follow my dream.”
We’ve all seen the wave of anti-racism and anti-police brutality protests in recent weeks, which have spurred efforts – in the United States and elsewhere – to increasingly support Black communities and the Black Lives Matter movement. I’m committed to making a positive impact in this community and beyond. If you’d like to read about what I plan to do, you can read the open letter I wrote to the community here.
Over the last couple of days, I’ve done more in-depth research into Black-owned businesses that I hadn’t covered to this extent in the past. I’ve put together a (by no means exhaustive) list of Black-owned barre brands and influencers who you should have on your radar if you aren’t following already.
Mindset & movement expert | health and wellness coach | media personality Instagram:@nadiamurdock
Nadia’s approach to health and wellness focuses as much on the mind as the body. Meditation is woven into all of her workouts, which she offers through nadiamurdockfit.com, among other platforms. When she’s not recording episodes for her podcast, the NMFIT Mind & Body podcast, you can catch her being frequently cited in major outlets like E!, Life & Style, SELF.com and NBC.
Hailing from sunny San Diego by way of the Bay Area, this Studio Barre instructor and media personality is a ray of sunshine, just like the state she lives in. Her infectious energy is often captured for Studio Barre’s Mission Hills and Bird Rock accounts, where she divides her time. When she’s not at the barre, Hallie, who has a background in dance creates content for her YouTube account Balance Belle, where she talks about everything from DIY projects to balancing your time, and healthy habits, among other things.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Lauren loves helping people get physically and financially fit. When she’s not helping clients organize their finances through her coaching services, she can be found teaching a variety of barre and HIIT classes, as well as bootcamps. She is also an advocate for accessible fitness options. Check out the database of anti-oppressive virtual fitness resources on her website.
Owner Jillian Carter who is a former pointe ballerina saw a gap in the market when she started taking barre classes in the DC area. Picking up on the fact that she didn’t see much in the way of diversity among clientele and instructors at mainstream studios, she decided to open up Sidebarre, a Black-owned barre company that hosts classes all around DC and Maryland.
They’re currently hosting live stream classes in lieu of being able to hold classes in person.
Barre studio owner | Personal Trainer | Pre and Postnatal Instructor Instagram:@badtothebarre
Cambridge-based Personal Trainer Jess Perkins has one of the best-sounding and punniest barre studio names around. Bad to the Barre has a number of full-body workouts with a special focus on pre and postnatal workouts. Her extensive training includes an Exhale Barre Certification under the direction of Fred Devito, AFFA, IDEA and ACE designations, as well as being certified in Zumba, Pound, Pre and Postnatal fitness and Basi Mat Pilates among other accomplishments. Oh yeah, she’s also an Exercise Science major!
Dance artist | Fitness instructor | Creator Instagram:@chilucchetta
Self-proclaimed modern bohemian Chiara Lucchetta is an artist in every sense of the word. Her dance training was the catalyst for her artistic endeavours which include: instructing barre and other fitness classes, interviewing and collaborating with Toronto’s artistic movers and shakers and co-founding Purple Glow Mag, an online space for artists to connect and collaborate with one another.
Eye-catching name isn’t it? Nude Barre was created when founder Erin Carpenter couldn’t find flesh tone hosiery in her shade. A former New York Knicks dancer, she spent hours spray painting and dying beige leggings and shoes to match her skin colour. Out of frustration for not being able to find darker-coloured items on the market, she decided to create her own label of eco-friendly intimates, made in 12 shades of nude to match every skin tone.
Leah is a dancer, fitness instructor and founding artistic director of ModArts Dance Collective (MADC), which celebrates female choreographers of colour while building a safe, sustainable community of artists. She also happened to be my instructor when I went to Physique 57 for the first time.
Fitness instructor | CEO & Co-founder Instagram:@theetiffmarie
Tiffany is an expert in all things bounce fitness, as Founder and Owner of TrampolineTRIM, a virtual training program for high-intensity, low-impact trampoline workouts. Catch her live workout classes on both the TrampolineTRIM’s online portal and on her personal Instagram.
Source: instagram.com/theetiffmarie
Teressa Cee
Fitness Instructor | Former NBA Miami HEAT Dancer
Instagram: @teressacee
You’ll find this fitness phenom instructing barre at Exhale in Miami or at Rise Nation Miami where she is the lead instructor. From her days as a Miami HEAT dancer to her time as a backup dancer, her exciting dance career has taken her all over the world. Check out her Instagram highlights for a sample of her work at home and abroad.
Source: @jabbarwhitephoto via instagram.com/teressacee
Shadae is a yoga and barre teacher at Exhale in Bermuda, which is located within the idyllic Hamilton Princess & Beach Club hotel. She’s also a 305 Fitness-certified dance instructor. I love watching her impressive moves on Instagram, which include power flow movements, barre exercises, and balancing on her hands, among other things.
Ciji believes in balance over being busy and talks about time management on both her blog and podcast, Being Balanced. When she’s not coaching clients or hosting workshops, you’ll find her at Pure Barre where she is an instructor.
Beloved Pure Barre Portland instructor Britany Williams has amassed a following for her in-depth knowledge of barre and personable updates that give us insight into what it’s like to teach at a Pure Barre. She frequently updates her Instagram account with technique tips, and motivational updates to help inspire others to keep pushing forward in their own fitness journey.
This Ohio-based barre studio was created with the goal of providing clients with an inclusive space where they can feel empowered. Owner, Rodrianna Alsip and her team offer primarily barre workouts with a mix of HIIT.
Erica hails from Gainesville, Florida by way of the Tampa Bay area, where she was born and raised. She is currently an instructor at AUXO Fitness. When she’s not at the barre, you can find her on the University of Florida campus, where she is an Associate Professor & School Director of Special Education.
Sasha is a Florida native who fell in love with barre after taking classes at AUXO Fitness, where she is now an instructor. You can tell she loves the community aspect of the barre studio where she teaches. She is often seen celebrating her clients’ class milestones and birthdays via her Instagram. Outside of the studio, she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
You can catch Melanie, a busy group fitness instructor on the mic at Washington Sports Clubs, among other venues. She is a highly trained health and wellness advocate and avid Pure Barre lover (350 classes in), who is often seen teaching among other things, Zumba and cycling (spinning). When she’s not teaching classes, you’ll often find her documenting her own fitness journey. Give her a follow on Instagram so you can see all of the rad lifestyle-related content that she frequently posts about.
Just like the relevé is an exercise that means to rise to your tiptoes, Rachel helps clients rise to their fullest potential through movement. You can catch her teach IRL at a number of studios and gyms throughout Boston, and online through her Instagram.
Axela Brand founder Daniella LeCointe is no stranger to this blog. She wrote about her fitness journey to 100 barre classes awhile back. She is now venturing into the apparel market with a brand new venture called Axela Brand, a plus-size activewear line, that is surely to make an impact in the field. Follow her Instagram for updates on the brand’s journey, and sign up for email alerts on the website to be informed of when it launches!
Website | Blog | Online courses/classes | Shop Instagram:@jacqueline_marrow
Faith-based fitness instructor, artist and blogger Jacqueline Marrow provides dance classes via her site Soul Theory. These classes incorporate Hip Hop, House, and Afro-Latin dance moves to create a fun cardio workout that focuses on flexibility and muscle endurance training. Jacqueline is also a talented artist. Check out her online store that sells items featuring her beautiful illustrations.
Studio Manager | Fitness instructor | Nutrition coach
Instagram: @portia.boston
Portia fell in love with teaching fitness after she graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in musical theatre. She is now Studio Manager of New York’s community-minded yoga-barre SHAKTIBARRE. Among other tasks, she’s currently working on a SWOT analysis of the brand’s cultural sensitivity so that the findings can eventually be used for a course called “Empowered Inclusion for Boutique Fitness Studios.” Cool!
Barre Fitness and Meditation Coach
Instagram: @healing_barre
Whitley, a multi-certified fitness and meditation coach is the founder of Healing Barre – a barre fitness brand that combines fitness with meditation and other holistic remedies to heal the mind, body, spirit and soul. Thanks to her 16 years of ballet training, she uses her knowledge of dance with her training in pilates, yoga and weight training to create the perfect barre fitness workout for her clients.
Source: Instagram.com/healing_barre
If you know of someone who should be on this list, write a comment below.
Dear readers of the blog, it’s time to have a long-overdue conversation.
Before I begin, I’d like to recognize that whenever I refer to Black with a capital B, I am referring to people of the African diaspora. It’s not common to capitalize Black and White in writing, therefore if you would like a detailed explanation of why I chose to do so, you can read this here. I will also be using the acronym BIPOC, which stands for ‘Black, Indigenous, People of Colour.’
Let me start by sharing an anecdote. Six years ago the movie Selma was released. It was Ava DuVernay’s biggest theatrical film at the time and starred David Oyelowo, brilliantly portraying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I remember it well because I was working at the Toronto International Film Festival at the time and our staff were treated to a preview screening and talk with the director and star.
I was moved by the film and so were my colleagues who rightfully gave it a standing ovation. I thought to myself, this is a Best Picture-worthy film and deserves all the accolades it can get.
When the nominations for the 2015 Oscars were announced, I was shocked that Ava had been left out of the Best Directing category and David out of Best Actor despite the 4 Golden Globe nominations it received, and a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was nominated for two Oscars including Best Picture and Best Writing for an Original Song of which it won the latter, but in my opinion, the film was snubbed.
I recently learned that while doing press for the film, the cast and crew wore “I can’t breathe” shirts to show support for Eric Garner whose death had taken place a few months earlier. In a recent interview, David Oyelowo spoke about how members of the Academy called the studio and the film’s producers to say, “how dare they, why are they stirring up s**t.” In his words “they used their privilege to deny a film on the basis of what they valued in the world.” For reference, only 8% of the Academy voting body at the time was made up of BIPOC. Today it’s not much better at 16%.
He continued to say that when the Academy called the film’s producers they felt that “we are not going to vote for that film because we believe it’s not their place to do that.” He concluded that “it’s part of why the film didn’t get everything that people feel it should have got and it birthed #oscarssowhite.”
George Floyd’s last words spoken on earth were “I can’t breathe,” the same words that were uttered by Eric Garner six years ago. I bring this anecdote up because it reminds me that not much progress has been made since the Black Lives Matter movement started in 2013. Despite seven years to get educated, to stand up, and to show that Black lives matter, the peaceful protests up to this point have largely been ignored by the White majority and people in power. It wasn’t until the video surfaced of George Floyd’s murder that we really woke up to the atrocities that were taking place.
Now more than I realize then, systemic racism goes beyond police brutality and political inaction. It permeates all aspects of our culture and the idea that the political action of Selma‘s cast could result in the film being blackballed by an overwhelmingly White academy is just as racist as a police force that targets and discriminates against African Americans. It has got me thinking a lot lately about the barre community and what examples of systemic racism toward Black people exist. Are we willing to have a hard look at what the community is and isn’t?
We’re at a turning point in history where we can no longer stand on the sidelines waiting for change to happen. We must demand it and proactively take a stand against racism.
I’ll start by speaking to our Black readers. I understand how extremely tense, emotional, triggering, and traumatic this week has been. I see you, I stand with you, and I will fight with you; not just this week, this month or even this year. This is a life-long commitment to change until you have gained the justice, rights and equality that is your birthright.
As a White woman myself, I feel very strongly that it’s my absolute responsibility to continue championing for change and to practice lifelong allyship.
What I commit to doing going forward
If you’ve been following The Barre Blog Instagram account you would have seen me try to scratch the surface of advocacy this week. I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t done enough up to this point and that there is MUCH more work to be done.
After careful thought, I’m sharing what I commit to doing in the future, as it pertains to the site.
There needs to be more representation of Black voices and Black-owned businesses not only on the blog but on the blog’s social media pages. I plan to actively look for stories to share and content to amplify.
I will recruit and actively look for Black voices to contribute to the site. It’s not enough to expect that BIPOC and their stories will fall into my lap. I need to be proactive and foster relationships with potential contributors in the community.
To move forward we have to take a step back and learn first. We can learn from and lean on each other to find ways to use our platforms to reflect the tenor of the time we’re in. I will do all I can to facilitate discussions around inclusivity and moving forward in the right direction.
I will continue to not promote, endorse or otherwise amplify the content of brands and accounts that have counterproductive and racist beliefs. I understand that not everyone chooses to vocalize their advocacy publicly, so I want to make sure that I clarify what I mean by choosing who to endorse. As an example, if a brand were to promote the #alllivesmatter hashtag, fulling knowing the weight of what it means when you say something like that, you can bet I want nothing to do with them.
This work will be ongoing and may not take shape immediately but I plan to begin this work as soon as possible. I invite anyone who is reading this to call me out if you don’t believe I have met these expectations down the road.
How you can make a difference within your own barre community.
If you’re a studio owner or have a fitness-based business, here are a few questions you and your staff can think about to get you started in the process.
Do our classes and events ensure that everyone feels welcome? How can we make them feel more welcoming? What are our blind spots?
How can we further amplify Black voices and brands within our studio experiences and on our platforms?
How can we support underrepresented groups to grow their brands, businesses and visions?
If you’re just beginning this work, thank you for identifying that work needs to be done. The work will be tough and difficult conversations will need to be had. Let me tell you though, I will be right there with you cheering you on. I am learning in real-time just as you might be doing as well.
I believe in this community. It is made up of some of the strongest people I’ve seen and together we can grow stronger. I urge you to take the time to listen, learn and brainstorm ways that not only support the Black community but push the conversation forward so we can see real change happen. Also, if you are a non-BIPOC, respect your Black sisters’ and brothers’ energy, time and space.
What do you think we need to do as a community to make sure it’s more inclusive?
One thing I love about barre is that you can never plateau. You can always challenge yourself, regardless of your level of expertise. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, there are things to keep in mind. To guide us through the do’s and don’ts of how to approach barre, for the beginner to the experienced professional, I spoke with fitness instructor and entrepreneur Alexis Sweeney of Silhouette by Alexis.
Advice for the Beginners
Do keep these things in mind as a beginner:
“Be open to potentially feeling uncomfortable or awkward,” Alexis says of anyone who is just starting out. “These positions are new to your physical make-up and take time and practice to get used to.” I can personally relate to this advice. I remember setting foot inside a barre class for the first time and feeling very nervous as I hadn’t worked out regularly in years.
When you’re new to barre, modifications are key. “Keep an ear out for modifications” Alexis suggests. There are many variations to each exercise, so you don’t have to always follow the instructions down to a tee. If you haven’t done a plank series in a while, there is no harm in coming down to your knees, if that makes you more comfortable.
Feel free to ditch the props, Alexis recommends. “They are only adding intensity.” You can always work them into your routine further down the road with time and practice.
Another thing she suggests is to take your time. “Don’t let the music or the instructor rush you.” One thing I keep telling myself even to this day is that everyone has a day one. Everyone in the room had to start somewhere, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t keep up with the instructor or your peers. It’s about you, not anyone else.
Don’t:
When it comes to physical changes, Alexis says, “don’t be too hard on yourself, changes won’t happen overnight.”
“Don’t stay in any position that causes any pain. Be mindful of past injuries, and if the class is in person, tell the instructor,” suggests Alexis. Definitely tell the instructor if something isn’t feeling right, that’s what they’re there for. From my experience, I’ve found most are more than happy to stick around after class to go over questions you might have. Alexis echoes those sentiments by suggesting that “any good instructor would be happy to offer advice and corrections.”
To take that one step further, “don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Alexis recommends. That’s most certainly true! In my opinion, a studio who is mindful of new clients should ask if you have any injuries before your first class, make you feel comfortable by getting to know you and show you around the studio so you can get acquainted with your surroundings. If they don’t, maybe think about finding a new studio. I remember leaving my first barre class and thinking that I never wanted to return again. Can you imagine? Thankfully I gave it another shot and the rest is history.
Overall the big takeaway here is to not give up! Alexis says, “just as with anything else, the more you do it, the more you will get out of it.”
Advice for the Professionals
Do keep these things in mind if you’re more experienced:
If you have a lot of experience with the exercises, Alexis recommends adapting the positions to be the healthiest/smartest choice for your body/injuries. “You have been practicing for a while, you know how to isolate the muscle groups if you need to adapt safely to intensify the burn, do it!”
Want to take your prop game up a notch? Alexis recommends adding props even when they aren’t necessarily shown in the class to intensify your workout. Some ideas: a Pilates ball, a circular resistance band, a yoga block and ankle weights.
“Take your class a step further by consistently scanning the body with the mind, refining your positioning, and matching your breathe to the movement to maximize your results,” says Alexis.
The more the merrier! “Keep inviting friends to try barre,” she told me. “This community is ever-fierce, ever-evolving.”
Don’t:
“Don’t feel like you need to make every move BIGGER to make it effective. Sometimes the hardest part of a barre class are the tiniest, most concise movements,” says Alexis.
“Don’t push through any kind of sharp pain, consult a professional ASAP,” recommends Alexis. This is great advice at any level, but sometimes we tend to forget this if we’ve been practicing for a while.
Most importantly, don’t ever stop practicing! “Barre can be SO humbling when you take some time off, and that’s the beauty of it. There are always ways to be more creative, make exercises more challenging, and to have more fun!”
Thanks to Alexis Sweeney for these great tips. Alexis is a fitness instructor and entrepreneur who turned her passion for fitness into a business by creating Silhouette by Alexis. It’s an online subscription service that houses 50+ hours (and counting) of video workouts that sculpt and tone every part of the body. If you’re interested in taking a test drive, a 7-day trial is available for newbies.
The workout DVD, compared to live streaming workouts seems like an ancient artifact that is collecting more dust than dollars for studios these days. Like every industry that has been impacted by the digital revolution, the fitness industry is indeed not immune to disruption. Though the DVD is undoubtedly still being promoted in studios and online, it is slowly being pushed aside to make way for the more popular monthly subscription-based model and streaming workouts.
On-demand workouts are a dime a dozen these days, as many barre studios are wising up to the idea that their clients for many reasons can’t always make it to a live workout.
Why online barre?
Whether you are travelling for business, on vacation, a new mom, or just would prefer to workout in the comfort of your living room, there a many advantages to remote classes.
For one, all you need is an internet connection, a reasonable amount of floor space and some comfortable clothes to workout in. You decide when your workout begins, so you are not at the mercy of the studio schedule.
On the flip side, it takes a lot of discipline to commit to at-home fitness classes. For me, I find I don’t push myself as much when I don’t have an instructor in front of me to go through the workout together with.
Use the list below to find an online-based workout that is right for you.
Also, a heads up that there are one or two affiliate links on the page, so if you do happen to make a purchase after clicking on them, I will make a small commission from the sale. It helps pay for the cost to run the site and is not necessarily an endorsement for the product(s).
What: Über popular franchise Pure Barre has recently updated and rebranded their online portal from Pure Barre On Demand to Pure Barre GO. They have online workouts for diehards who can’t make it to any of their over 500 locations across North America. The videos are packaged in several different increments, from 10 minutes to a full hour with live classes streaming throughout the month. They also have pre/postnatal workouts.
You can sign up through your local Pure Barre, or through the corporate site, just search Pure Barre GO in the locations section. If you’re a Pure Lifestyle member, Pure Barre GO will replace your Pure Barre On Demand access and remain as a grandfathered perk of your membership.
Price: Contact your local studio for membership options.
What:The Bar Method offers an alternative to their popular in-studio workouts with a vast collection of videos to choose from. A number of their top instructors lead various workouts, so you can stick to your favourite class or mix things up with creative and challenging sequences. Class lengths vary from 20 to 60 minutes. Take advantage of their 14-day trial before committing to a monthly subscription plan.
What: The Dailey Method‘s subscription service offers clients an ever-expanding library in a variety of lengths and Dailey class formats with new content being added weekly. From Dailey Barre to interval workouts and restorative classes, there’s something for every speed. For more on The Dailey Method, you can read my interview with Jill Dailey. Price: $20.00 month allows you to select from pre-recorded or live classes, depending on your preference. There’s a free 14-day trial if you would like to sample the workouts before you commit.
What: Entrepreneur Michelle DuVall’s impressive library of at-home workout videos appeals to both students and barre instructors. You can purchase a monthly subscription or rent the workouts of your choice à la carte. New videos are added monthly, plus workshops to further your knowledge and training are scheduled regularly.
What: No equipment is necessary for Physique 57‘s 80+ videos and programs that come in various intervals of 10, 15, 30, 45 and 57 minutes. Browse workouts in their library based on your goals and create playlists for different exercises.
Price: $29.95/month but the price comes down to $19.95/month if you commit to a multi-month plan.
Physique 57’s On Demand service surveys people when they sign up so they can be matched with videos that meet their workout goals.
What: Yoga-inspired barre brand, Barre3 has a vast collection of classes as part of their on-demand service. New videos are uploaded every week, so the content remains current and fresh. Their video library may be large, but it comes with a steeper price tag. Barre3’s on-demand service is also one of the most expensive on the list. Take advantage of their 15-day trial before committing to a subscription.
What: Mind/body company Exhale Spa has Exhale On Demand, which features new barre, yoga and cardio workouts each week. They have a generous 30-day free trial, so you can test out their service. Price: $26.45/month or $264.64/year
What:Xtend Barre has successfully franchised their business from London, England to Sydney, Australia and has been part of the at-home workout game for many years now. Their videos are more compact, with videos ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, so if you feel like you just need smaller cardio bursts, this might be the right subscription for you.
What: East Coast barre brand Forme Barre Fitness just launched its own virtual studio featuring a mixture of on-demand and live-streaming classes after having teamed up with NEOU in the past. Now you can take a variety of their alignment-focused classes including their full-length, 60-minute Forme Method classes, their Forme Focus classes, which are shorter in length and focus on specific body parts, and their Forme Blend classes which feature a combination of ballet and cardio. New content is added multiple times per week. Price: $49.99 per month, with a free 7-day trial.
What: Online-based video streaming service Barre Where You Are will make you feel like your instructor is right there with you! A subscription includes access to signature (full-length) and express classes, plus modification options, a breakdown of barre form and terminology and a mixture of different yoga classes. New classes are added monthly. Price: A monthly subscription is $14.99 and a yearly subscription goes for $164.99. BWYA has a free 7-day trial so you can test out the workouts before committing to a subscription.
What: If you’re craving a full-body barre workout that has more of a cardio lean, then Silhouette by Alexis gives members access to over 50 hours of workouts with new content posted weekly. The Silhouette Slick Library includes videos organized by arms, legs, abs, planks, dance cardio, and back strengthening workouts. The Silhouette Signature Library consists of full 40-minute classes. Your subscription allows you to also receive access to meditations, and soon-to-be-released pre and postnatal classes and information. Members can access video content anytime and on multiple devices, as the workouts are optimized for any laptop or phone.
Need a little guidance? Alexis releases her personal schedule each week, so if you need some inspiration, take a page out of her playbook and follow her suggested routine, which usually consists of a combination of low impact and high-intensity workouts.
Price: The monthly price is $9.99 or if you opt for the yearly subscription of $95.00, you’ll shave off a bit of money. A 7-day free trial at both the monthly and yearly level is available if you would like to try before you buy.
What: London-based Barrecore has lots of video content via their on-demand service. Options available include: BarreSIGNATURE, BarreASANA, BarreFORM, BarreEXPRESS and BarreSWEAT among others. You’ll find workouts in various lengths from 5 minutes to a full hour.
Price: £25/month. There’s a 2-week free trial available.
What: The ladies of theLONDONmethod are champions of Lotte Berk and her method, which was really the catalyst for many Americanized barre methods you know and love today. Having been taught by Lotte’s daughter Esther Fairfax directly, they are on a mission to pass on all they know and love about this original technique.
They have two online options. The first is TLM TV. This is an online subscription service where you can get access to pre-recorded videos. It’s also a great way to get a history lesson on the original method.
Price: Prices will range, depending on whether you want to pay for TLM TV or their live-streaming classes. TLM TV goes for $29.99/month or $330.00 for the year. If you’d like to get access to their live classes, membership options range from a $50 2-week unlimited “tourist” option to an unlimited autopay option for $175/month, with other options at varying levels of commitment in between.
What: Y2B Fit has a number of online options available for purchase. Most are time-based, so you can decide how long you would like access to the content. Options available include yoga and barre, postnatal barre and core, a live streaming option and an online fitness coaching option among other products.
Price: Prices range from $2.99 for one day of access to a 90-day option at $119.99.
What: NYC and LA-based adult ballet fitness studio, The Ballet Spot is now completely online with a mix of live-streaming and on-demand options. They offer 30 weekly interactive live stream classes over Zoom ranging from Cardio Ballet to Total Body Barre, Ballet Stretch, Ballet Sculpt, and more, all taught by knowledgeable and experienced professional dancers. No prior dance or barre experience is needed for any of their classes.
Price: New clients can try two live stream classes for the price of one – $5/class, $10 total, or three days of unlimited live streams for only $21. On-demand rentals of class recordings are also available for $5/class or $25/week for unlimited access to over 40 classes.
What: California-based Studio Barre just launched its on-demand service. Workouts vary in length from 25-minute “quickie” workouts to 60-minute full-length workouts. Memberships come with access to their private Facebook group.
Price: $29 for the month, with a pay-as-you-go membership or pay $299 for the year outright and save the equivalent of 2 months worth of fees. For anyone who wants to try it out first, there’s a 7-day free trial.
What: Touted as “your virtual barre studio” barreALLEY is always updating its online library. Notably, they delete their older content after a few days to ensure the content is always fresh. There are 7 programs to choose from, depending on your level of commitment. Access to the private Facebook group is complimentary with all packages.
Price: Prices will range, depending on whether you want to pay a one-time fee, or sign up for a monthly subscription. The basic product is a one-time fee of $20.00 for one month of access, all the way to a yearly subscription which costs $40/month or an annual fee of $480. For anyone who wants to try it out first, there’s a 7-day free trial.
What: Situated in Canmore, Alberta in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, WildHeart Canmore is a yoga and barre studio that offers over 100 on-demand classes, with new content being added each week. Clients receive access to a variety of yoga and barre classes that vary in length from 5 – 60 minutes, with options ranging from upper and lower body workouts to cardio-based classes and stretch and restore, among others.
Price: $24.99 per month. There is a 7-day free trial available.
What: Fast-growing fitness brand The Barre Code is extending its offering by taking its popular classes online, including their Barre, HIIT, Strength and Restorative workouts.
Classes are available via SweatWorking, a third-party app that will house their workouts that vary in length from 5 to 55 minutes. Price: $9.99 to $19.99/month + tax (depending on location) for non-members to access 80+ digital workouts with new content being added each month.
What: The Southern Ontario fitness studio offers clients 24/7 access to a variety of workouts including Barre Fusion, Mat Pilates, Classic Barre and Sculpt & Barre. There’s no trial, but there’s a 22-minute preview that you can watch to get a feel for the type of workouts they offer. Price: $29.99 CAD/month
What: Mesa, Arizona’s Vibe Barre hadn’t even had a chance to open before the state shut down again, but that hasn’t stopped Victoria and the team from offering live stream options to her new clientele. Class options include Barre Burn, Barre Control and High Fitness, a cardio-infused, high-intensity workout.
Price: Any packages purchased during the shutdown can be used for in-studio classes once they open up. Prices range from a single drop-in at $18 to $139/month for unlimited classes ($119 autopay). Check out their newbie 3 classes for $20 special. Your first class is also complimentary.
The Vibe Barre crew pose for a photo during a pre-opening celebration. Source: instagram.com/vibe_barre
What: A combination of on-demand and live streaming options are now available from Naples, Florida-based TriTone Triple Barre, who are best known for their Triple Barre Toning System and aquamarine and silver colour scheme. On-demand options include full 60-minute classes and 20-minute sculpts. Alternatively, if you are into live-streaming workouts, you can join their in-studio classes virtually, 6 days a week.
Price: Access to the virtual on-demand platform goes for $39 per month or $339 annually. Live-streaming classes can be purchased separately. Single classes go for $25 each. Other class package options are available. There’s a 7-day free trial for anyone who wants to test before they buy.
What: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Leah Sarag has over 300 workouts in Ballet Body® and Iron Barre® available to stream. Subscribers also receive access to new workouts and training plans, designed for all levels.
What: Touted as the only studio-quality barre workout for the home, this on-demand service is part of the larger Fluidity program that was launched by Michelle Austin. The online workouts are intended to be used alongside their Fluidity Barre product, which is comprised of a barre made of wood and a cushioned mat that is upheld by double beams. The on-demand service can be purchased as part of their full suite product offering (barre + mat, ball, pump, DVDs, bands, and healthy eating guide), or on its own.
What:The Ballet Physique may just have a one-room barre studio in Littleton, Colorado but they have quite a comprehensive library of content through their online streaming service. Subscribe to their on-demand service and you’ll receive unlimited access to over 100 workouts, with new content added each Monday.
You can choose from a variety of lengths depending on whether you want to fit in a quickie workout or a full-length studio class. Their content can be streamed from your platform of choice, computer, tablet, smartphone, or tv streaming device.
Price: $19.99 – $24.99 per month, depending on your level of commitment. There is a free 14-day trial for newcomers.
What: The West Virginia-based studio has ramped up their online video efforts, and are providing clients with various subscription-based options.
Price: Online memberships are available to view their virtual classes at several price points. $70 for one month, or $60/month for 6 months, or $50/month for one year of access.
What: Don’t be intimidated by the name, Killed By Kiki is a warm and inviting online option hosted by Kyra (Kiki) Christopher, a New York City-based fitness instructor whose CV includes time spent teaching at Exhale and Pop Physique among other places.
A self-professed purveyor of bad jokes, Kiki will have you smiling during class which may or may not help you forget just how hard she is working you.
Price: Rates vary depending on your commitment, from $15 for a drop-in class to $135 for a 10-class pack. Both group and private classes are available.
What: Calgary, Alberta’s Barre Body Studio offers on-demand classes through their online site. Classes range from low-impact to high-intensity and are available at varying lengths from quick 10-minute workouts to full 60-minute classes. Membership comes with access to their Facebook group for additional support and motivation. A sample 15-minute workout is available on their site.
Price: 19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. A 7-day free trial is available.
What: This fun, energetic workout was created to break down barriers, and make ballet fitness accessible to everyone. Their online subscription service offers unlimited access to video content that consists of 30-40 minute Ballet Beats® videos, 20-25 minute cardio videos, and “in-studio” workouts which are refreshed monthly. Specialty classes and ongoing technique videos are occasionally added.
Price: Online memberships are $24.99 per month or $250.00 per year. You can try out their service for free, for 7 days. They are also currently offering 50% off your first month with the code: FEELGOODATHOME
What: Designed for instructors but open to everybody, the online portal houses pre-recorded and live-streaming options. New choreography and Spotify playlists are released each week and are intended to help inspire moves and format options for your own workouts. In addition to the video content, notes, tips, modifications, and online support are available if you need assistance with designing classes.
Price: For $12.95/month or $119.95 for an annual subscription, you’ll receive unlimited access to their entire library. They also currently have a great founders rate of $9.95/month, or $99.95/year.
What: California’s CarmelBarre has a subscription-based video service that allows users to workout along with live and pre-recorded videos. Multiple classes are added weekly.
Price: Access to their online library is $20/month. There is a complimentary 7-day trial, and you can cancel anytime.
What: If you’re looking for a workout with more of a traditional ballet focus, then Toronto’s Barre Beautiful‘s newly-launched online service might be right for you.
Price: Their video subscription is currently priced at $40/month, and the drop-in rate is only $5/class.
What: German-based fitness brand Youpila has YOUPILA® WORKOUTS ON DEMAND that includes barre, Pilates, yoga, stretching and pre and post-natal classes to choose from. Classes are taught in German, FYI, however if you’re not fluent in the language, it’s still easy to follow along with their fun classes.
Price: Rates are based on the length of subscription you commit to. One month is €59, 3 months is €49 per month, and 6 months is €39 per month.
What: The popular Canadian brand Barre Belle that has taken Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto by storm, has an equally sweat-friendly version of their workouts online through their on-demand service. Expect a bit of dance-infused barre and interval training-based workouts to get your heart rate up and your body toned.
Price: Access to their online library starts at $20.00/month with a free 7-day trial.
Fitness trainer Michelle Carrillo has an assortment of workouts in varying lengths on her YouTube channel.
Additional Resources
Not necessarily paid and not necessarily free, this is where I’m listing additional resources and content that has become available to consume as part of the response to COVID-19.
Based out of Arvada, Colorado, the independent studio has been producing online classes for anyone to participate in. Book through Mindbody via their website. There’s also complimentary live-streaming workouts on their Instagram profile.
There are many certifications out there, both in-person and online, but not all barre certifications are made equal. This guide is intended to give you an overview of all known certifications that are open to everyone, who they are hosted by and what you will get for your hard-earned money and time. What’s not included in this list are certifications that are provided by barre franchises that require you to teach their specific method once you are certified. For instance, if you are trained by Pure Barre, it’s assumed that you will be teaching at Pure Barre.
Have you done any of the certifications below and want to weigh in on who offers the best training? Leave a comment below. Full disclosure, there are a couple affiliate links on this page. It helps keep this website’s lights on.
Online with occasional in-person workshops. Most offline events are conducted in and around Toronto and Montreal, Canada.
Cost:
CAD $1195 per person. They occasionally offer early bird savings for their training program, so be on the lookout for discounts.
The Claim:
They offer immersive and effective training from instructors who have more than a couple decades of experience combined. I used to go to Barreworks classes in Toronto when they had two studio locations, so I can personally vouch that their classes are safe and effective.
I was given access to their training program for a week to see what it was all about. The course was very comprehensive, especially regarding anatomy and exercise science. I appreciated that they focused on safety and modifications for each exercise.
Also, they regularly offer a BIPOC scholarship, awarding $1000 to the successful recipient. This will go toward the full tuition fee for an in-studio Barre Certified by Barreworks course. The recipient’s investment is $395 + hst. Go to their website for more details.
Studios around the globe from Denver Colorado to Dubai, UAE. There is an online certification option as well.
Cost:
One Day training is $349/participant and a Two Day training workshop will cost $449/participant. There is an additional video test out cost ranging from $25 – $90 depending on your prior barre training experience.
The Claim:
Their goal is to provide you with the foundations and support necessary to teach barre fitness wherever you go. Barre Intensity® combines attributes of Pilates, dance, and functional fitness training.
Prerequisites?
Anyone can attend one of the training sessions regardless of their background. Those who have a background in dance, Pilates, yoga, or group fitness instruction will have an easier time fully understanding the information during the training but the manual is created in such a way that all material reviewed during the training can be revisited afterwards. Those attending the Essentials training will need prior barre training experience or extensive group fitness experience coupled with being a barre class student. Set up and execution of the basic barre exercise repertoire are not covered in Essentials training.
This is one of the more intensive of any instructor training programs out there. The in person option includes 40 hours of hands-on training with two master trainers. This explains why the cost of the training is steeper than other workshops.
Location:
Various locations in the United States including New York, Boston and Los Angeles
Cost:
$1,995.
The Claim:
Quality instruction at 3X the industry standard that was developed by fitness legends, Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp.
They will help you master the small movements and controlled principles that differentiate barre from ballet.
Qualifications:
You will be required to hold a current CPR or Group Fitness Certification or plan to do so in the future in order to obtain continuing education units.
The training provides teachers with the foundation they’ll need to teach barre, develop skills to ensure their classes are never boring and be able to find their teaching voice. You’ll be able to develop a unique, effective, creative and challenging barre class with the Barre Variations method.
Various locations across North America, UK and beyond
Cost:
$230
The Claim:
Participants will be taught the foundation of barre and how to construct a high-quality and safe class. Exercises will be broken down to ensure students have a thorough understanding of how to execute each movement. The workshop also provides modifications and corrections so instructors will be able to understand how to provide different options to their clients that are safe yet effective. Musicality and transitions will also be taught. Participation is available to anyone with or without a fitness background.
New York and select cities across the United States with plans to offer online certification beginning in early 2019.
Cost:
$300 for the in-person training. Trainees will also receive access to the online Barre Vida manual with videos and choreography options with playlists.
The Claim:
Beyond preparing you to teach barre, you will be able to get ongoing feedback if you want it.
The tuition is €1785, including taxes. A reduced rate of €1547 applies if you register in advance.
The Claim:
In partnership with BECYCLE – a German-based fitness brand, the 120-hour program focuses on alignment, intelligent sequencing, and body-neutral, inclusive, precise cueing. It also features a standalone 15-hour anatomy course. Their high-repetition, endurance-based approach is designed to be accessible to all. They also have a scholarship program.
Requirements of Qualification:
This course is appropriate for anyone with an interest in movement and a sense of curiosity. In case you’re wondering, the course is entirely taught in English.
$325 for the Total Barre™ Foundation course and $55 per hour for additional training workshops such as pre and post-natal modifications.
The Claim:
Gain the knowledge and confidence to design and teach highly evolved barre classes in any setting.
Requirements of Qualification:
This course is intended for those already working in the fields of fitness or movement who hold a related certification and/or degree, however, all those interested in this material are encouraged to participate.
Related workshops on pre and post-natal modifications and choreographing workouts to music can also be taken for additional training.
Plainville, MA at The Barre + Yoga Experience, located at 84 Taunton St.
Cost:
Flexible payment options are available, starting at $1395 for one whole payment, or pay in 3 ($1470) or 6 ($1549) equal parts.
The Claim: This intensive course will not only show you the tips and tricks on how to wow your students in the studio and at home but goes beyond the foundational stuff to also teach you about the business of barre. Whether you’re just embarking on your barre journey or you are an experienced teacher looking to diversify your offerings, this training is NASM™, ACE®, and AFAA™ approved and will fully prepare you to teach the method that’s won Best of RI – three years in a row.
$1497 but an early bird discount is usually offered at $997.
The Claim:
Backed by the authentic Lotte Berk-based barre training, the Barre Guild Academy will cover everything you need to know about designing your own classes, the anatomy of the human body, and modifications but will also go into the business of barre. That means that you’ll be able to learn how to market yourself as an instructor once you’re ready to teach.
Gain the knowledge and skills to confidently and comfortably teach barre anywhere.
After becoming an ABT certified barre instructor, participants can pursue advanced training through their Level 2 (Advanced) Instructor and Level 3 (Master) Instructor and Certified Barre Trainer Certification Courses.
$250-349. Price varies based on location and how early you register.
The Claim:
In this basic 9-hour combination training you’ll learn the SoulBody Barre and SoulBody Unhitched signature method which will allow you to teach both of these classes after passing the practical exam. Note that in order to be “certified,” trainees must subscribe to the quarterly choreography. After receiving your certificate of completion, you’ll be able to register for other SoulBody programs, such as SoulBody Power.
Balanced Body Barre® takes the best of the original Lotte Berk method and updates it with Balanced Body Movement Principles to create the ideal complement to a Pilates practice.
Qualifications:
To receive your certificate of completion participants are required to complete a practical exam.
Learn at your own pace within a four-month period.
Location:
Online
Cost:
$1495 USD
The Claim:
You might recognize one-half of the husband and wife duo from Alo Moves. Adrienne from @barrewithadrienne on Instagram and her husband Eric have over 7,000 in-class hours with students, and at least 1,000 hours facilitating training material.
Beyond the foundational stuff that comes along with most barre training programs like sequencing, cueing and effective teaching techniques Barre Eclipse promises to go above and beyond with additional content and opportunities to learn.
You’ll learn how to build your own playlists. There’s even an entire section dedicated to memorization and practice teaching. Plus they’ve peppered in assessments throughout the entire course so you can retain what you have learned.
Self-paced but you must submit a video of yourself teaching a 60 minute Zen Barre® class within 90 days of course completion.
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Location:
Online
Cost:
$295
The Claim:
The purpose of The Zen Barre® Instructor training is to provide a fun, motivating, and inspiring way for men and women to get in shape.
Franchise-specific Training
I should also mention that larger brands like Pure Barre, Barre3 and The Bar Method all have their own training. I didn’t include them in the list because unlike many of the universal certifications mentioned above that would allow you to teach anywhere, the franchise-specific certifications are technically not accessible to the public. The assumption is that if you are being taught their technique then you would be teaching it after you “test out” as they say.
You’ll be taught their specific program and would most likely be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Pure Barre, for example, asks for instructor manuals back once an instructor has decided that they would no longer like to teach at a Pure Barre location.
Do you know of any courses or workshops that should be included? Leave a comment below.
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