by Kelley Schaefer-Levi
It’s the new year, which usually has mamas thinking about fitness goals for the coming months. If you need a jump start to working out or if you’ve simply been curious about trying a barre3 class, it’s a great time to do it! As someone who gets bored quickly and is frequently switching up my workouts to maintain interest, I can say that barre3 has been a welcome change. The workouts vary, while staying true to barre3 principles, and each class is challenging and fun. I usually leave a class feeling energized and the stress I walk in to the studio with just melts away through a series of movements designed to balance the body and build strength. Instructors are very supportive to newbies, and if you have kids in tow, most studios offer childcare. I recently had a chance to interview barre3 founder, Sadie Lincoln. As a wife, mother, business owner, teacher and recently, an author; Sadie is no stranger to busy. She has expertly created a warm and inviting community busy moms (and dads) are flocking to, and here’s what she had to say:
What inspired you to open your first barre3 studio?
Being present with my two kids and my husband was my number one motivation. I put the childcare area into my first studio at the barre3 Pearl location so that I could bring my then 2 and 3-year-olds with me when I worked out. This idea stuck and now the vast majority of my studios include childcare.
How does barre3 differ from other Barre workouts?
Our clients tell me that our community and our commitment to whole body health are two things that stand out for them. My entire team rallies around the idea that exercise is not the only answer to being healthy and happy. What is most important is living a balanced life and taking care of you all day. And, sometimes that means skipping your workout to have a glass of wine with a friend or a much needed nap!
Is barre3 a workout for moms who have recently given birth?
Always check with your doctor first, but yes our classes are very popular with new moms. We are big fans of offering many modifications to help new moms bounce back and re-balance their bodies.
What about working parents who have limited time to work out, or those who are new to working out?
We are all so busy! I started online workouts in 2012 because as my company started to grow I was working longer hours and struggling to fit it all in myself ! Our online workouts range from 10 to 60 minutes. The healthiest and happiest people I know are not those who always get a long hard-hitting workout in. They are people who move all day and take a balanced approach to exercise and whole body health. Even my longer 30, 40 and 60 minute online workouts are broken into mini 10 minute workouts so you can do them in short bursts throughout your day. I wrote a book called “Love Your Lower Body” that outlines a plan to workout 10 minutes at a time and make exercise and eating healthy something that fits into your life—whether
you are a busy executive or someone who hasn’t exercised in years.
Is barre3 a personalized fitness program?
Yes. We have a saying at barre3 to “make it your own.” Our instructors are coaches but each client is his or her own best teacher. We believe in empowering each individual to personalize the workout to be challenging yet feel good.
What is the difference between a foundations class and a regular barre3 class?
In Foundations we hold postures longer and focus on detailed alignment. We cue more breath in foundations and move slower. This is a great class for beginners to really understand each posture. It is equally beneficial for seasoned barre3 practitioners. In fact my most advanced clients sweat the most in foundations because they learn how to go even deeper in each posture.
Can parents bring their kids to a barre3 studio?
Yes! Our barre3 Pearl, barre3 Williams, and barre3 Southeast studios all offer childcare for select times. We love our barre3 kids!
What is the best way to start barre3?
A lovely way to get acquainted with barre3 is to check us out online. This way you can get familiar with our moves in the comfort of your home and even during nap time! But nothing beats a live class. If you are concerned that you aren’t flexible, coordinated or fit enough to keep up, know that these are universal concerns for anyone trying a new mode of exercise. We will take good care of you! Sign up for class online and come in 15 minutes early (especially if you are bringing your kids). We will show you around and get you set up. Our community of existing clients loves shepherding new clients into the mix as well. We really do have an incredibly warm community here in Portland.
How quickly can people typically expect to see results?
Come three times a week for a month and you will see visible results. This class works to quickly shape and tone the entire body. The invisible results are the ones I am most proud of though. One of our clients, Annie, calls them “off the scale victories” like increased energy, sleeping better, and fighting the baby blues.
What’s in store for barre3 this year?
We are absolutely excited about our January challenge! Definitely check it out. It incorporates classes with amazing healthy recipes developed by amazing local chefs like Abby Fammartino.
January is a great month to get started with a barre3 challenge. Challenges are fun, effective and totally doable for busy parents. This 4-week, better-living intensive combines stepped up workouts, healthy recipes and support from Sadie and her team of Master Trainers. Clients who stick with it can expect to experience significant weight loss, gain lean muscle and lay the groundwork for healthier, more balanced living year round. And if you live on the west side, watch for the opening of barre3’s 5th Portland area studio in Cedar Mill. They’ll offer childcare and classes for mamas and kiddos in that area. For more information, visit barre3.com.
