The secret is out…

 

I am so excited to finally share the news: 889 Barre arrives this June! After months of developing this program for the 889 Community and working through challenge after challenge, the vision is now becoming a reality.

Growing up, I danced in various styles every night of the week. After high school, my practice slowly faded and the dancer in me was pushed to the sidelines for most of my adult life. That dancing drought finally ended two years ago when the Barre fitness craze arrived in a big way. For me, it was love at first Barre class.

In Barre classes, I felt the same sensation I had years ago when I danced: the challenging sequencing, musicality and fun atmosphere made me feel like I was right back at my home studio (HDA - represent!). I decided to get my Barre certification right away, first completing a certification with Barre3 and recently earning my Barre teaching certification from the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association. Needless to say, I am ready to show you what I've got!

 

 

So, What Exactly Is Barre?

Barre is an energetic, uplifting and FUN ballet-inspired fitness class. We use the fundamentals of ballet to raise your heart rate and fire up your muscles. The ballet barre is our main prop, and we use it to improve balance, strength, flexibility and alignment. The barre is meant for support, not to be fully leaned on. I will encourage you to treat the barre like a ‘dance partner', holding it gently while still supporting your own weight - that is where the work happens! As you keep practicing and refining your technique, you will rely less on the barre and more on the strong, supportive muscles you have built.

889 Barre classes lengthen and strengthen your body from head to toe, focusing on the legs, arms, core and glutes while targeting all the smaller supportive muscles in between. The music will be pumping to keep us on the beat while your physical and mental strength are put to the test. The goal is for you to leave class feeling energetic and confident, with a stronger sense of body awareness you can carry into everyday life.

 

 

Why Should You Practice Barre?

There are so many benefits to practicing Barre! With a consistent practice, you will see your body transform before your eyes. Your posture and alignment will improve dramatically, along with your overall strength and muscle definition. This class builds stamina and begins to sculpt and lift your muscles gracefully into place. Your core stays active throughout the class to support posture and balance, so increased abdominal strength is a guarantee.

Barre is the perfect complement to your Yoga and Pilates practice. You will challenge different muscle groups, encouraging more focus and concentration and promoting a positive mind-body connection. Your muscles may even start to quiver and quake uncontrollably. Do not worry! This is a good thing.

When you ask your body to do more than it is used to, your neuromuscular system is challenged and tiny tears occur in your muscles. This, in turn, causes your muscles to rebuild and become even stronger. So I say - shake your heart out! The more you work on these shaky exercises, the stronger you will become.

 

 

What to Bring:

When you are ready for your first barre class, be sure to wear breathable workout gear, bring a water bottle (100%) and a small towel (recommended). My goal is to make you sweat - at least a little :). Barre socks are also mandatory for classes at 889 for your safety, since we will not be using mats. You can purchase your socks in advance in the 889 Shop.

 

889 Barre Launch Celebration

On Friday, June 2nd, we will host 3 barre classes throughout the day to celebrate this new addition to our 889 class schedule. Join us for fun in-studio giveaways and try your first barre class at 889! All classes are 45 minutes long and held in the Earth studio. We will make the most of our time together and get a full-body burn to propel you into your weekend.

 

June 2nd Schedule

  • 7:15-8:00am
  • 11:00-11:45am
  • 5:00-5:45pm

 

A Few Final Words of Encouragement

Ultimately, Barre will make you feel like a rockstar. As you begin to stand taller and feel stronger, your confidence will grow, you will have more energy day to day and everyday life will become more enjoyable. If you have never done anything like this before – please come! All levels of practice are welcome. I will be by your side, guiding you through it – shaking and quaking with you. I am over the moon excited to bring this incredible experience to our community. My goal for you is to have FUN and feel good in your body. Positive vibes all around. Let's dance.

 

See you at the BARRE!

 

Kerry Heming
Kerry Heming is a certified Pilates, Barre and Yoga Instructor and is the Community Director at 889. She has high energy and a bright spirit which she weaves into all aspects of her job and her life. Her joyous personality especially shines through in her fun + uplifting classes. Through her personal practice, Kerry has found both pilates and barre to be the most effective forms of exercise to transform the body’s shape and structure while creating a strong sense of body awareness. Kerry’s classes are focused, upbeat, challenging and fun – and you are guaranteed to feel the burn! It is Kerry’s true passion to help her students thrive in class and in life.