Studio Spotlight Archives

Dec 18

Studio Spotlight: Inspire Yoga Studio

By Joanna Stone Studio Spotlight No Comments

Inspire Yoga Studio Interior

Studio Name: Inspire Yoga Studio

Location: Jerusalem, Israel

Cost per single class: 55nis or about $15 USD.

About the Studio

Inspire Yoga Studios offers classes in yoga, Pilates, aerial and barre but most of the classes are yoga and Pilates. In fact, there is only one barre class offered on Wednesday morning and it is a barre fusion class for females only. However, it is the only studio currently in Jerusalem that I could find that had a barre class. At Inspire Yoga Studio classes are offered in Hebrew and English. Luckily the Barre Fusion class is in English.

As I was on a vacation in Israel I visited this studio to take a break, focus on my body, and relieve some vacation stress. It was the perfect place. I actually attended both the yoga and Barre Fusion class. The studio has a strong community feel and I felt calm and welcome.

The Studio is owned by Katie-Elisheva, a dancer who studied yoga and Pilates, grew up in London and moved to Israel in 2012. In addition to the many classes the studio offers, they also have Pilates and yoga teacher training. The instructors have an impressive resume. Between them, they have studied movement, yoga, dance, meditation, among other forms of fitness from all over the world.

Interior of Inspire Yoga Studio

First Impressions

The studio is in a residential neighbourhood on the third floor of what seems to be an apartment building. There were no clear markers directing me where to go, but luckily, I saw a person in leggings on the sidewalk who was going to the class so they directed me to the studio. I am glad I saw someone! The studio is one room, medium size, but comes with character and a cat.

About the Workout

The Barre Fusion class I attended was taught by Chagit Lanton. We were asked to put a mat on the floor and to get a ball, small hand weights, and a resistance band. The class started on the mat. We worked through some yoga poses and intense abdominal exercises such as roll-ups, crunch pulses, and exercises with the ball. We also did some arm exercises with the weights that were not very intense. Since I had been touring Israel the past 10 days, it was nice to ease into the exercises. Chagit focused on the breath with movement and I embraced the opportunity to release tension. However, if you’re looking for a full intense barre class, this will probably not be the best choice.

We did move to the barre for the second part of the class. The studio has a portable barre which we put in the middle of the space. At the barre, we did typical barre gluteus, abductor, and adductor exercises. I felt the barre burn as the exercises were challenging. We even did some new ones I had never seen in a barre class before! We ended class by doing some resistance band arms in a wide second position at the barre.

Chagit gave knowledgeable body corrections and had a strong teacher personality that came across right from the beginning. She gave me a great anatomical correction that I am still thinking of when I go to class elsewhere. The music complimented the class well and I could tell Chagit had put some thought into her playlist.

Overall Impressions

The studio has a nice vibe and was such a respite for me while travelling. I do wish that it offered more barre classes though. It was really hard for me to make the Wednesday morning class as I had to catch my plane from Tel Aviv that evening. If you are looking for a positive place to breathe and move in Israel, this is your place!

About the Author

Joanna Stone (aka Jo) is a barre and yoga instructor, dancer, personal trainer, and avid traveller. Joanna had been teaching barre for over five years when she created Barre Vida because she wanted to create a new barre method and barre instructor certification course open to all individuals. Barre Vida focuses on the alignment principles in the barre workout, injury prevention, and strength. You can catch Joanna biking from class to class all over New York City. She really is a somatic nerd!

Dec 16

Barre Crawl: A Review of Exhale

By Melissa Feeney Barre Crawl, exhale, Studio Spotlight No Comments

Studio name: exhale

Locations: New York City, Hamptons, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Bermuda, Boston, Chicago, Stamford, Miami, Atlantic City, Turks + Caicos.

Cost per single class: Varies by the city but starts at $25 in cities like Stamford, Atlanta and Boston and can go for as much as $37 USD in New York and $40 in the Hamptons.

I had always wanted to try an exhale Barre class after I discovered this brand a few years ago. I was immediately impressed with the sleekness of their site, the appearance of their seemingly posh interiors, their connection with luxury hoteliers, and the list goes on.

Knowing I was going to be in New York for a short trip, I immediately looked up the schedule of classes offered at all of their New York City locations.

Timing wise, I found a class at 11:00 am on a Monday morning near the location of our lunch reservation. Coincidentally and fortunately for me, the class was going to be taught by none other than exhale Barre co-creator and exhale co-founder Fred DeVito!

Exhale Central Park South location exterior

Exhale and Its Interesting Past

Fred got his start in fitness at an early age but it wasn’t until his wife started teaching at the famed Lotte Berk Method in New York that Fred would be introduced to the barre workout and the many physical benefits it had on clientele.

He became the first male instructor at the studio and has been instrumental in making sure the Lotte Berk Method legacy lives on. The doors to the popular studio eventually closed and left many students and teachers wondering where they were going to practice barre next.

This created opportunity for some followers of the method. In fact, that studio produced a number of familiar franchises we now know and love today. You might be familiar with Tanya Becker and Jennifer Maanavi. They were also followers of the Lotte Berk Method and would go on to create Physique 57. Meanwhile, after spending 16 years teaching the Lottel Ber Method in New York, Fred, along with his partner and two other colleagues went on to create the mind/body/spa company exhale.

Exhale in its Current Form

Exhale is unique in that it is part fitness studio, part spa, offering both boutique fitness classes and spa therapies at any of their 21 locations around the United States and the Carribean. They’re now known as just exhale, (they dropped ‘spa’ from their name recently). Side note: they’ve also recently partnered with World of Hyatt to offer guests a reward program.

First Impressions

I must say, the studio is among the nicest I’ve ever stepped into. It didn’t hurt that the location I went to had a glamorous Central Park South address. Upon entering, there was an entire retail shop to pass through featuring both exhale branded and non-branded merch.

I was greeted by a friendly face at the front desk who directed me to the studio. Though I didn’t get to explore the entire facility because I wasn’t there for any spa treatments, I could smell the delightful scents from the treatment room and yoga studio as I walked down the hallway.

The washroom and changing areas were first class. It is a spa after all. Among the usual staples like showers, lockers and bathrooms were vanities outfitted with top-notch products to help you freshen up.

The studio was a beautiful, naturally-lit, carpeted room with ample space for everyone to comfortably work out. I actually couldn’t believe I got to take a class in that nice of a setting. I can only imagine what it would be like to have it as your regular spot.

The Workout

There was some familiarity with the exercises during class, such as knee lifts, reverse push-ups, forearm and sidearm planks etc., but there was much to discover with this exhale Barre format. For one, I considered it to be one of the most challenging classes I have ever taken. That’s a good thing!

Fred had us working our tails off for the entire hour, with little rest, but just enough time to stretch out after certain sections of the class.

Here’s how an exhale Barre class is typically formatted:

Warm-up
Planks and push-ups
Upper body (arms)
Thighs
Seat
Abs and core
Prone and pelvic tilt (back and thigh dancing)
Final stretch (savasana)

The Final Verdict

If I lived in New York or any other city with an exhale, I could see myself going regularly. I loved the class format, the pace, the attention Fred was giving to all of the students in the room and the general ambiance of the place.

Though it was a tough workout, I felt accomplished (and completely exhausted) when class finished. I consider that to be a good thing.

If you’re interested in learning more about exhale or their exhale Barre class specifically, they have a brand new subscription-based streaming service so you can take classes on demand.

Posing with the founder of Core Fusion Barre and Exhale Spa, Fred DeVito.

Posing for a photo with exhale co-founder and exhale Barre co-creator, Fred DeVito.

exhale Barre review card

Have you ever tried an exhale Barre class? What did you think? Leave a comment below.

Jun 01

Barre Crawl: A Review of Physique 57

By Melissa Feeney Barre Crawl, Barre franchise information, Studio Spotlight No Comments

Studio name: Physique 57
Locations: New York City, Hamptons, Beverly Hills, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangkok
Cost per single class: Varies by the city but starts at $33 USD in Beverly Hills and can go for as much as $37 in Manhattan and around $38 in Dubai.

Considered to be one of the more posh barre franchises, Physique 57 is a favourite go-to workout for celebs like Kelly Ripa, Hilaria Baldwin and Chrissy Teigen.

The best workout classes are silly ones ? @adamrobertdickerson @physique57

A post shared by Hilaria Thomas Baldwin (@hilariabaldwin) on Aug 2, 2017 at 2:23pm PDT

During a recent trip to Manhattan, I had the pleasure of trying my first Physique 57 class. I had been eager to take a class at the franchise that has been endlessly referenced in pop culture. During an episode of Girls, Allison Williams’ character Marnie uses it as an excuse to get out of helping Ray sort through his fallen friend’s belongings. “Oh, you know what I just realized? I have Physique 57 in an hour in Manhattan,” she says.

About Physique 57

Founders Tanya Becker and Jennifer Maanavi were longtime fans of the Lotte Berk technique. After their beloved Lotte Berk Method studio closed, the two partnered to form Physique 57, a now famous franchise with locations all over the globe. It’s in New York where they put down roots though and grew a large following of dedicated fans who flock to classes at any of their four Manhattan locations. I decided to check out their new SoHo digs.

First Impressions

Upon first sight, I was impressed with the size of the place. The first thought that popped into my head was how the rent for this ground floor, two-studio space must be astronomical. No wonder they charge $37 for a single class. Despite my shock of the sticker price, I learned that this is becoming the norm for Manhattan boutique fitness classes. Maybe I’ve just been spoiled back home with $25 classes.

They had a lovely retail space that featured both branded Physique 57 wear and other go-to favourites among clientele like Spiritual Gangster, Alo Yoga and Terez.

The Workout

I once watched a livestream of a class taught by Tanya Becker and was exhausted from just listening to it, so I took that as a sign that I should start with a beginner class.

Our instructor Leah Tubbs told us to grab a set of 5-pound weights. Normally I wouldn’t use that heavy a set, even for bicep work, but I grabbed a pair of 5’s and a pair of 2’s for good measure. I thought if it’s standard to grab 5-pound weights, then either everyone in here is Wonder Woman or we are going to be skipping over tricep work altoghether.

Despite the title of the class, the intro to Physique 57 was no walk in the park. Our cardio-focused class had very few breaks and we were moving throw the exercises at a vigorous pace.

Our warmup began with some high knee lifts, then we were soon picking up those heavy weights for arm work. This is where those 5-pound weights came in. I understood why it was suggested to pick up a heavier set of weights, since the arm exercises weren’t overly tiring and we didn’t focus too much on the triceps, which tend to tire easily.

Following our warmup we moved through several barre and floor exercises that targeted all the usual muscle groups.

Leah was helpful in her adjustments and made sure to come around to correct my form a few times. If I looked confused, she would make sure to adjust me into the correct position, until my alignment was just right.

The Final Verdict

I must say I had very high expectations for Physique 57 before I came in. Did it live up to expectations? I would say it did. Was the choreography as ground-breaking as their marketing suggests? No, I wouldn’t say the exercises stood out more than any other class I’ve been to before. I thought the class had a great flow and didn’t waste any time between exercises. The class is designed to push your limits and I would say it accomplished that.

Feb 09

The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton Featured Image

Studio Spotlight: The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton

By Melissa Feeney Studio Spotlight, The Bar Method No Comments

Walking into the studio at The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton I was immediately greeted by a friendly face who showed me around the studio, showing off the spa-like amenities at this North Denver location. The Bar Method is one of the largest barre franchises with 114 locations in North America.

After dropping off my baby at the Kids Club, an on-site childcare space, I made my way into the studio and found a place in the center of the room. You can tell that owner and instructor Sarah Stabio has amassed a following among clients in the area. The class was packed with regulars who have come to know and love the ballet-inspired workout.

I had a chance to chat with Sarah who filled me in on what it’s like to own a Bar Method and why she is such a fan of the workout.

Name: Sarah Stabio
Title: Owner & Instructor

Do you remember your first barre class? What was it like?
I had just had my second child via cesarean. I was cleared to workout and my good friend, who also just had a baby, took me to a nearby barre studio to try it out. I felt like a hot mess in my first class. I was weak, and felt really uncoordinated. I walked away lukewarm about the format. It was my third and fourth classes that sold me. From then on, I have been a certified #barreaddict, taking class 4-6 days each week. Because of my experience, I always encourage new clients to come as much as they can during intro offers…I know it might take them one, two or maybe three classes to fall in love.

What do you love most about The Bar Method?
I love the physical – The Bar Method is a wonderfully challenging full body workout – and mental challenge that Bar Method classes bring. Both my body and mind feel energized when I leave the studio at the end of class. I have to practice being present while I strengthen my body. I also love that Bar Method is based in physical therapy, so that I can challenge my body safely…the work I do in the studio, keeps my body strong for the other activities I do outside the studio like snowboarding and hiking. Plus, the results! I have been practicing barre for 6+ years; I feel healthy and toned.

What is your favourite barre move?
Fold over. It is really challenging, but I feel like it is so effective and a position that I can always grow in. I can work on getting my leg higher, a little straighter, I can get stronger in my core to take some of the weight of my standing leg, relax my shoulders, and more. Just when I think I’m in good form, the teacher will say, bend into your standing leg now, and it takes me to a whole new level of trying to stay in the exercise and in the muscle.

What initially drew you to The Bar Method?
The Method’s attention to detail and the results that I saw. I think their attention to detail bring the results and positions their classes for long-term effectiveness. If I’m going to show up for class, I want the work I do to be effective and bring the results. Bar Method teachers are highly trained to make sure that each student is in the correct position, so each exercise is effective and safe.

What tips would you offer to someone who is taking a Bar Method class for the first time?
We’ve all been first-time clients. Look around and enjoy the challenge. Come to your second class sooner than later to stretch out your muscles. We also give first-time clients epsom salts for a soothing bath.

What do you love most about being a business owner?
That my work is positively impacting my community. I’m so honored to be able to run a business centered around health and wellbeing. Plus, offer a service that allows time for self-care for my clients who are very busy in their daily lives.

What has been the biggest obstacle or challenge with growing your business?
My biggest challenge as a new studio owner, is spreading the word about my studio throughout my community. Even with our strong marketing efforts, there are still so many people that haven’t heard of my studio. I continue to work on spreading news about our studio and format through community events, social media and advertising. This is also exciting, as there are still so many people in our community that get to experience the Bar Method difference!

What do you hope clients get out of a class?
I want each person who takes a class at my studio to feel a great sense of accomplishment following class. Bar Method classes are challenging for both your body and mind. Each client hopefully feels stronger than when they walked in and accomplished after class.

The Greater Denver area has a number of barre studios. How do you try to stand out from the crowd? Is there anything about the vibe at your business that differs from either other franchises or independently-run studios in the area?
Yes, as is true across the nation, barre studios have grown in popularity and number across Denver, too. At my studio, we pride ourselves on offering a personalized experience for clients in the group setting, which stems from the extensive training that our teachers undergo. Teachers train for six months and learn anatomy, so that we are able to offer modifications to meet each client’s needs. We also have a strong community, which is evident when you first walk into the studio and everyone is catching up, plus we host events both in the studio and in the community, for clients, friends and their families. Our studio itself is unique in that it is spacious with room for sitting down to have a cup of coffee with a friend before class (we have a coffee maker), many boutique amenities, including a locker room for changing before and after class. My goal was to create a space that clients looked forward to coming to – making their trip in for a class a highlight of their day.

Swag from The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton location.

I picked up some merch on my way out, after class.

What do you usually play in your studio?
Hip Hop, Pop / Top 40

Is there anything else you think people should know about you or the business?
Despite being part of the Bar Method franchise, I am a local business owner. I live across the street from the studio with my husband and three children. My family is very invested in our community!

Dec 18

Studio Spotlight: Barre South

By Melissa Feeney Studio Spotlight No Comments

“Everyone can just be their own person in here” is what one client shared in a recent video testimonial posted to Barre South‘s Facebook page. Brett Dunevant, Owner and Lead Instructor of Barre South has certainly built up quite a following in the less than two years her one-room studio in Mount Pleasant, SC has been open. I wanted to know more about Brett and her studio so I recently asked her a few questions about Barre South.

Name: Brett Dunevant
Title: Owner / Lead Instructor

What do you love most about barre?
I love everything about the barre technique. I grew up dancing and as soon as I discovered barre it immediately replaced my passion for dance. Before I owned a studio, I was the girl that worked a full time job and also chose to teach barre and take class every single day. The barre studio is my happy place and now…having my own studio in my favorite place in the world…I’m living the dream.

What is your favourite barre move?
Ooh that’s a good one! My instructors and I were just talking about how we loved anything pretzel. Seated pretzel, standing pretzel, table top pretzel, you name it! It digs deep into the outer glute while also working on the waistline. And it also looks pretty!

What do you love most about being a business owner?
The best thing about opening Barre South has been the amazing relationships that have formed. My awesome instructors are now my best friends, and I couldn’t ask for better clients. We offer a killer workout in a beautiful space and people just love it! That’s what makes me happiest, knowing that people love what we’ve created. Because of this studio, I’m in a really good place and I know it’s just going to continue to get better!

What has been the biggest obstacle or challenge with growing your business?
Being a locally owned studio, we’ve been very fortunate that in the year and a half Barre South has been open, everything has gone smoothly and our growth has been amazing. It may be that my biggest challenge is yet to come – we’re about to open a second location in Downtown Charleston. Managing two studios means double the responsibilities and double the work, but honestly, I’m nothing but excited to take on the challenge. It’s what I love to do, so I’m ready!

How does the vibe at your studio differ from other studio cultures?
This is one of the top things we pride ourselves on – the “vibe” in our studio. It’s honestly what all of our clients talk about – “the energy in here is so different than the other studios I’ve been to.” We know everyone’s name, whether it’s their first class or 400th. We’re warm, welcoming, and fun – we’re a family! We’ve created an environment where no one feels judged, a place where people want to be. Our classes are intense, but our clients get through it with the help and motivation from our instructors and each other! Our music is pretty awesome too, so that helps 🙂

What do you usually play in your studio?
Pop/Top 40, Hip Hop, R&B, Rap, EDM/House and Rock.

What do you hope clients get out of a class?
I want them to leave feeling like they got a kickass workout, while also feeling mentally refreshed, physically accomplished, and had fun all at the same time!

You currently have one studio with another in the works. Do you have any expansion plans beyond your two locations?
Currently we’re focusing on getting the second studio up and running. But yes, we’re always open to expanding more!

Is there anything else you think we should know about your business?
If you’re ever in Charleston, come see us! We offer a vacationer’s package and we’re super close to the beach! We also do private parties all the time (especially bachelorette parties!). If you live in Charleston, come take a class – first class is free and the first month is just $50! Would love to have you!

Sep 08

Studio Spotlight: Barre Forte

By Melissa Feeney Studio Spotlight One Comment

Who: Barre Forte
Locations: Colorado, Kansas and Florida

Nadia Walker Arnold is one half of the pair that founded Barre Forte in 2012. Back then it was known as Body Barre before a rebranding took place in 2014. Today the company offers nearly a dozen different barre-related classes at their six studios across Colorado, Kansas and Florida. Barre Forte also offers teacher training recognized by the American Council on Exercise and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Entrepreneurially-minded people who love the brand and who are looking to open their own studio might be interested in Barre Forte’s licensing opportunities.

Interview with: Nadia Walker Arnold
Title: Founder / Partner

Barre Forte Founder & Partner Nadia Walker Arnold

What were you doing before you opened up your first studio?
I was a hairstylist and a private investigator.

When did you first know that you wanted to create this business?
After my first barre class.

What attracted you to opening up your own business?
I just knew that I wanted to expand on barre and open a studio that represented and captured who I am.

What do you love most about being a business owner?
I love my clients and the close family feel that Barre Forte encompasses.

What was the biggest obstacle or challenge with launching the business?
Location, location, location. Trying to be in the perfect area for our target demographic.

What do you love most about barre?
I love the fact that it’s new and ever changing. Not a single class is the same and it never gets easy.

What do you hope clients get out of a class?
The feeling of accomplishment and addiction to the burn.

How does the vibe at your studio differ from other studio cultures?
We are very up beat, we tend to push the limits. All of our music is mixed in house so that allows for an edgier feel. We also encompass community! Treating every client like family, not just another member.

What do you usually play in your studio?
We have every type of music imaginable. From big band to country to remixed remixes!

You currently have six studios in three different states. Where would you ideally like to see your business expand to? Do you have certain locations in mind?
I would love to be in the south, Canada and the Midwest to start.

What do you think the fitness industry will look like in the next 5 years?
Good question, I feel like it is always changing, new trends are introduced but I feel like the benefits of barre are here to stay. At least I hope!

Anything else you would want people to know about you or your business?
We offer a 2-day certification that is recognized through ACE, AFAA, and NASM. We host in Colorado as well as travel to other states that need us.

We have a great licensing program and hope to find other awesome women to fall in love with our brand and want to open a studio of their own.

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