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The Barre 2 Barre Academy Diaries: Charlene Koh (Part V)

1) Tell us about your journey with barre and towards attending teacher training with Barre 2 Barre.

I was diagnosed with adult asthma just last year, and i had to stop all high intensity workouts, i was doing a lot of HIIT workouts and Muay Thai then and that all had to stop. I started going for barre classes under the encouragement of a really good friend of mine who was also a barre teacher. I actually scoffed at barre and thought it was easy. BOY WAS I WRONG !! My legs were still shaking after class, and i actually sweated more than i did at a Muay Thai class. I decided to take up teacher training as i realised how beneficial barre was, i actually had a little bum bum after 2 months at Barre 2 Barre!!! My non existent bum decided to come out of hiding after countless coaxing of "FEEL THE BURN.. EMBRACE THE SHAKE .." by Denise and Jessica =p

2) What new and useful discoveries did you make about yourself and/or your barre practice at the Jarkata teacher training? Any highlights of your experience at the Teacher Training?

I realised how much I could push myself if i set my mind to it. Jakarta teacher training was very intense, i went to bed with my legs aching and wake up with my whole body aching, but i managed to push thru and i graduated !!! But what i really loved most about the training was the company and all my lovely classmates. There was so much positivity and love for barre that radiated from each and everyone of them. 

3) When were you diagnosed and at what age? What stage were you diagnosed with?

Just last April, i was diagnosed with stage 1 HER2 Breast Cancer. I was very blessed to have found out early, and i found out by chance. 

4) Did you face any obstacles during your treatment process? If so, how did you overcome these obstacles? Does your barre practice help you through the treatment?

Chemotherapy is very damaging to the body. It made my muscles soft and my joints very stiff.I couldn't walk for more than 10 minutes, let alone stand for 5 minutes. i was basically sitting down or lying down most of the time. Mentally, chemotherapy was very challenging or cancer in general. I was at the prime of my life (i still am) and my world just came crashing down when I was diagnosed, your life just comes to a stop. But i knew that i could concur this. I was still young, and i was physically very fit due to barre classes and regular gym workouts. Being fit really helped me thru this journey, and i kept comforting myself that better days were coming soon.

5) What message would you like to provide women in the community?Cancer can happen to anyone, you don't need to have the BRCA gene to have breast cancer. My HER2 gene mutated and started going crazy. Get a genetic test done for yourself and cover yourself properly with insurance. Keep physically active too! But most important of all, whatever obstacles you face in life always be positive. Life may deal you a really bad card, but if you stay strong and keep positive, you can overcome it !!

Be kind, be humble, be joyful and be positive! 

Much Love,

Charlene

[alyrfit]

@barre2barresg X @lornajanesingapore It was amazing yesterday! Trust me, Barre is no easy workout 😭 (at Barre 2 Barre Singapore)

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Jen Wong

1) Tell us about your journey with barre and towards attending teacher training with Barre 2 Barre.

I’ve never considered myself a particularly active or sporty person and I had never stuck to any regular exercise regime. So when a very good friend gifted me a package of 10 barre lessons for my birthday, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The studio was quite near my office so I decided to walk there to check it out. I immediately felt so relaxed stepping into their tastefully decorated studio in Hong Kong Street. It smelt like a spa. I met Jess who taught me some modifications as I had a wrist and shoulder injury. 

After my first lesson, my knees almost buckled as I walked down the steep shophouse stairs! But I found it challenging and continued to return again and again!

What appealed to me was how systematic the exercises were about exhausting one set of muscles before moving on to the next. I had seen how exercising improperly could actually do more harm than good. But barre just involved very small movements so there was no damage or impact to the joints. But could one actually get fit and toned from this? I got my answer a few months later - I could feel myself getting stronger and those stairs down were no longer a problem after class!

After about a year of attending classes regularly, I decided I wanted to deepen my knowledge and practice of barre and signed up for Level 1 Teacher Training in Koh Samui.

2) What new and useful discoveries did you make about yourself and/or your barre practice at the Koh Samui and Singapore teacher training? Any highlights of your experience at Teacher Training in Singapore and Koh Samui?

I signed up for Teacher Training because I wanted to understand what muscles the different exercises were targeting. This was all covered systematically during Teacher Training, and each of the exercises were broken down, including variations for each exercise and how to spot and avoid common postural mistakes when practicing each exercise.

For Level 2, we were each assigned to teach a mini 30 minute class to our own chosen playlist. I found the lesson planning process interesting and after the initial few minutes which were quite unnerving, I actually started to enjoy leading the mini class. Jess and my classmates were extremely encouraging!

3)  Are there things you’ve learned or experienced in Teacher Training that apply to other areas of your life?

Yes, teaching a mini class was definitely a first for me. The first step may seem intimidating but sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised when you step outside your comfort zone!

As with anything you want to get good at; for barre, you only get as much as you put in and there are no shortcuts. Mindful practice and making sure you engage the right muscles for each exercise are so important.

4) Who would you recommend Teacher Training to?

Those who already attend class and want to improve and deepen their practice of barre will find the course useful. There’s only so much you can learn in a 50 minute group class but during Teacher Training, you really do a deep dive into each of the exercises and cover parts of the human anatomy that are relevant to barre practice.

5) What are your future goals with barre and Barre 2 Barre?

I hope to keep up with my regular barre sessions and may consider other courses in future. 

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Barre 2 Barre SG Interview Series: Camilla (Part XIII)

This week, we interview one of our first and most dedicated Barre 2 Barre clients. Camilla has religiously attended class, participated in studio events and challenges, and been a loving, supportive, and enthusiastic member of our Barre 2 Barre community since the beginning, so we thought it would be lovely to hear about and share her barre journey!

1) How were you introduced to barre and what was your first barre class like?

The Singapore branch of Barre 2 Barre first opened its doors a few months after I relocated to Singapore from Europe. A friend brought me to the charming studio in Hongkong Street - as I didn't really know anyone or anything, I was eager to try out most things she suggested. Besides, I was intrigued by her promise of a boutique concept offering equal measures of sweat and community vibes. I did ballet as a child, and for the past fifteen years or so, I've regularly attended yoga and pilates classes, so what my friend explained as a blend of the three seemed like an altogether familiar and alluring idea. What I hadn't expected was just how hooked I'd get during that first class. All of it just felt so right: the bright, clean and cosy space, the friendly-looking girls on the mats around me, the focus on alignment and keeping a good posture, those minuscule, precise movements of most muscles in the body, the patience and endurance required from the intense sets, the extremely satisfying stretches - not to mention the phenomenal soundtrack personally picked out by the smiling, very present teacher, who already knew my name - and mentioned it often throughout class in order to correct me, haha. Her instructions were of a guiding, physiologically founded nature - so far from the shrill commands I associated with conventional gyms. Up until this point, most fitness classes I'd ever attended had always felt impersonally demanding, noisily claustrophobic, not really for me. This, on the other hand, immediately felt energising. I was more present than I'd ever been in an exercise class setting. I was fascinated by how, by concentrating my thoughts and one body part at a time, I managed to work my entire body in one surprisingly short hour full of feminine balletic features, deep yogic harmony and some of my favourite tunes at the time (I think I asked the teacher for her playlist afterwards!). Needless to say, I came back the day after again, and the next day after that, and the next...

2) What does barre do for you physically? What keeps you returning to class regularly?

The weights we use at barre are small (1-2kg) but when you stretch your arms out and make tiny circles with those weights and move them up and down or rotate them ever so slightly for a few minutes, you start to feel the burn - and become aware of just how many muscles live in your arms, shoulders, back! I love the intense core work with a strap wrapped around the barre, the romantic aspect of feeling like a ballerina when releve’ing my feet whilst touching the barre with elegantly stretched arms, having my legs and butt challenged with exercises involving a soft ball, just as the trampoline classes always make me giggle from start to finish... Most of all, I like the focus of barre on how you can train your body with very few props; simply by being mindful and patient in your poses. I have, or had, this tendency to always slouch when sitting, walking and running. The barre focus on alignment and keeping a good posture straightens out my back and strengthens me beyond class. I love it when the teachers make you imagine a flow of energy running through your aligned body. Ahilya always does this blissful body scan at the end of class, where she makes you imagine that you've got warm honey flowing around in your muscles, bones and joints. That mindful element. When I'm in class, I think of nothing else, and I think that's what exercise is about: finding that or those activities which does that for you. At night, my boyfriend always asks me, 'what is your favourite moment from today?' - or, actually, he stopped doing that over a year ago, because my answer always had something to do with barre, haha. The exercises, the general ambiance, an insight after class, interacting with fellow barrerinas. I like the athletic shape that barre has put me in, but what's addictive about it goes far beyond that. Somehow, unless I'm travelling or sick, I always have time for a weekday class (or two; in one Christmas challenge, I believe it was four!). When travelling, I'll usually check out classes at local barre studios, and as such, I've met wonderfully dedicated teachers and different types of methods and styles in Hong Kong (also Barre 2 Barre), Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay, Santa Barbara, London and Copenhagen. Conveniently, the Singapore studio is just around the corner from my office, which makes it easy to pop in for a morning, noon or after-work class, and, miraculously, studios are always just around the corner from wherever I am staying when abroad. ;)

3) You met with an unfortunate knee injury last year. What was your experience with barre during and after it?

Now, a year after my ACL was reconstructed and both my meniscus repaired, the teachers still ask my regularly how my knee is doing - so sweet and thoughtful. A few months after the surgery, when I could start attending classes again, they kindly modified exercises to slowly get me back on track. With weeks of complete immobility, the shape that barre had put me in during the preceding nine months was definitely the reason why my quad didn't disappear completely; why the muscles and ligaments in my injured knee, as well as in my entire legs and hips, were so strong and flexible and I got back in the swing of things so quickly again. It was also a great form of rehab due to all of the careful and precise holistic exercises, which were very much in line with what my physiotherapist prescribed. Also, it was the thing I missed the most in my time on the couch covered in ice and painkillers because of the great general workout, atmosphere and people. 

4) You're a long-time committed student at Barre 2 Barre. What are some of your recent discoveries this far into your barre journey? Are there things you've learned or experienced in barre that apply to other areas of your life? 

After nearly two years, every class is still super tough and rewarding. There is always something new to learn and something familiar to perfect even further. Sit down one inch lower (in a broad wide second position with your feet and knees perfectly aligned towards 10 and 2 o'clock), come up one inch higher on your toes (distribute your weight equally on all toes!), look straight (when you're busy circling, pulsing and balancing various parts of your body simultaneously), hold your arms stick-straight and keep them in your peripheral vision (with those 'light' weights in your hands), lengthen your tailbone down towards your feet (no arching of the back!), square your hips down towards the mat (imagine your hips are headlights!). The barre 2 barre teachers are all very creative, observant and good at giving individual feedback - via verbal cues, touching you lightly or chatting to you after class. As for Jess, who manages the studio, I'm constantly inspired by how passionate she is - always incorporating new exercises into her routines while simultaneously organising cool events and collaborations with everything from local charities to creative startups to large corporations. I first met one of my best Singaporean friends when she was displaying her sustainable fashion designs in the studio (I won one of her beautiful dresses in a barre challenge, haha!). Recently, I've realised that I would like to take it to the next stage, explore my fascination with barre on a deeper level, in terms of the physiological workings and benefits of each exercise as well as sharing that knowledge with others, and have signed up for Barre 2 Barre's upcoming BarreAmped Certification in Thailand. So excited about that! Whether it's the alignment of body and mind, or the idea of immersing yourself in something that's good for you, or spending time with people who energise and inspire you, or simply making an effort: there are so many beneficial aspects to barre that most certainly apply to my life in general - both privately and professionally. The fact that you can experience all of that whilst wearing comfy yoga pants and listening to nice music are just icing on the cake.

5) Who would you recommend barre to? 

Absolutely everyone - which I also do! I've dragged my boyfriend (multiple times!), friends living in Singapore as well as friends visiting from Europe and Australia along, and every single time, I've enjoyed seeing how surprised each and everyone is at how incredibly hard the classes are. Most of them find it fun and fascinating as well, fortunately. With class levels ranging from basic to advanced and some focussing particularly on yoga, pilates, cardio, dance or firing up your big muscle groups, there's something to most tastes. As such, I would recommend it to anyone who cares about their wellbeing - who wishes to immerse her-/himself in a very mindful way of exercising and stretching her/his entire body. It's suitable for most ages and fitness levels, and especially if you have issues with one or more areas of your body. There always are modifications available in case you are recovering from injuries, pregnant or otherwise in need of special attention. 

6) What else is part of your fitness, nutrition, or wellness routine/philosophy to support your barre practice? 

I like running and swimming as cardio supplements allowing me to relax my mind, see sights when abroad and really feel the benefits of the strength obtained through barre, just as I bike and walk everywhere possible (and sometimes impossible (I'm looking at you, bike-lane-less roads of central Singapore!)). I aspire to keep exercise as the opposite of a stressfactor, something that doesn't require too much planning, is a natural part of my day and keeps me equilibrated rather than exhausted. On weekends, my boyfriend and I will go kayaking or do yoga at a local studio or at home, whether it's in Singapore or elsewhere. Lately, we got a basketball, which we play around with at the local community centre. I'm not any good, but it's fun and it does help training my sense of precision, endurance and balance. In general, what's important to me when it comes to wellbeing is trying to maintain a sense of harmony by listening to my body and how much, how, when and why it wants to move, stretch and be nourished. We subscribe to a weekly veggie box from an organic farm in Indonesia, which 'forces' us to cook healthy vegetarian meals several times a week. As we travel and in general eat out a lot, it's important to us to at least know what we put into our bodies when we can - and know where the ingredients came from and what effort goes into preparing them. Even when eating out, I try to steer clear of synthetic or overly processed or fatty foods and instead stick to lean options of sustainably grown veggies, grains and fruits or meat from animals I think have led a happy life. They're mutually reinforcing: you don't want to come to barre feeling heavy, bloated or dizzy because you haven't been eating well, just as it would be a shame to ruin the great feeling that barre gives you by filling your body with bad stuff. I'm not a fanatic though: I do like to drink wine after work or at the weekends - or a few cocktails at the monthly Barre 2 Bar events. Lastly, since moving to Asia, I go for reflexology at least once a week - I've been to at least 20 different parlours all over Singapore, and find it quite extraordinary what they can do... pamper my feet between all of the renovation, flexing and pointing they're exposed to at barre, haha. 

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Barre 2 Barre Interview Series: Angela (Part XVI)

Tell us about your journey with barre and towards attending teacher training with Barre 2 Barre.

I'm that person who goes around trying out new stuff. I was exploring what I could try out in dance, being the terrible arm-leg coordinator that I am. I thought adult ballet might be a little less embarrassing for me than say, street jazz. A google search and several clicks later, pictures of super sculpted women in wide second and seated chair poses turned up. The pictures made me a little intimidated, but also all the more curious to experience for myself what a barre class was like. I thought "how hard can it be?" Short answer - Quite. Quite. Hard. But I was hooked and kept coming back for more. The more classes I took, the stronger I became. My friends started commenting things like "Angie, those arms! What have you been doing?" and I also noticed myself getting more toned.

After a year of attending classes at Barre 2 Barre, I decided to take my practice to the next level (and engineer a holiday into it as well) by signing up for the teacher training in Bali. It was an amazing week of learning the intricate details of setting up one in good alignment, giving useful cues, and discussing anatomy so that we understand movement and muscle activation. I am also happy to report that my arm-leg coordination has improved tremendously. 

What does wellness and being healthy mean to you?

It's about treating your body right for all the hard work it does, but not becoming miserable in trying to be healthy. Balance is essential. If you are someone who fundamentally likes wholesome meals all the time, that's great for you! But if you're not, then embrace both the healthy aspects as well as the less-healthy, more indulgent treats. About 70% the time, I seek out delicious and healthy meals, like kale salad with salmon, to nourish my body. As for the remaining 30%, I allow myself to fully enjoy char kway teow, pizza and cocktail nights. Zero guilt, otherwise your mind isn't happy and that's not wellness. Then, apart from exercise, there is also relaxation. Allow yourself some me-time at least once a week. I like to spend mine reading a good book on balmy Sunday afternoons, looking up occasionally to stare at the greenery in the distance and thank God for a healthy body and the blessings in my life.

How did you get into BarreAmped and what are your future plans for barre?

I had started out doing barre at another studio, and later found Barre 2 Barre when I searched for other studios and methods to try out. I chose to get trained in BarreAmped method because I like that it emphasizes on good form and is very much aligned to my regular pilates practice. The great thing about barre is that it never stops being a challenge - there is always room for improvement, something you can work on. I will be sharpening my teaching skills and gradually expanding my repertoire of exercises to keep classes fresh! 

What is your favourite way (aside from barre) to keep fit and find some downtime?

Running is my go-to for decompressing and keeping my sanity. I love being outside, taking in fresh air, exploring new routes, and reliving old ones. When I'm running, I think about everything yet nothing in particular. While thoughts flow in and out of my mind, I focus on my breathing (sound familiar, barrerinas?) and will my muscles to continue working hard as I put one foot in front of the other. When I'm running outdoors and taking in the world around me, I'm reminded of how small I am, and in turn, how minuscule my issues are. It helps me maintain a broader perspective on things.

List your 3 favourite travel destinations, and list 3 more that you want to travel to and why.

My 3 best travel memories are: 

(i) hiking to the crater of Ijen volcano in Indonesia quite unprepared for the sulphur fumes;

(ii) hiking through snow in Finnish national park Vaattunkiköngäs; and

(iii) sipping my way through a wine flight with my gal pals at MONA in Tasmania.

I would love to go to Iceland to see the northern lights (since I wasn't lucky in Finland), the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador to see the native creatures, and do some Greek island-hopping where I will be sun-soaked and eating amazing octopus. 

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The Barre 2 Barre Academy Diaries: Cheryl Koh (Part IV)

12 months ago, Barre was just another way for me to stay fit. 12 months later, I find myself having a better and deeper understanding of the BarreAmped method that I have been practicing, and in a position to share this newfound knowledge I’ve gained with other barre-enthusiasts.

How did I get here? Well, let’s rewind back to the start of 2018. I’ve just moved to Rotterdam for a school exchange programme - my home away from home for the first half of the year. I had a tight budget to stick to, so getting a package at a barre studio was out of the question. Instead, I signed up for Suzanne Bowen Fitness for video workouts and made my living room my makeshift studio. Thank God for Decathlon - I managed to get a mat, a ball and my 0.5kg weights for just 20 euros, and that, was my 5 month unlimited package. Hah.

5 months whizzed by, and before I knew it, I was moving to Amsterdam for my last month in the country. Having stayed in contact with Jess throughout my stay there, she encouraged me to take my certification with Mylene while I was in Amstedam and then come back to Singapore to apprentice with her. I figured, why not? I have always been interested in deepening my practice and what are the odds that I’d be living in the same city as one of BarreAmped’s master trainers!  It would be a meaningful way to spend my last weekend in Amsterdam as well. So I said yes, and both Mylene and Jess started designing a training plan that suited my timing/living situation. Next thing I knew, I was taking a barre class with Mylene at PLTS Amsterdam before heading back to her boat house to start my training.

I’d say that my training was slightly different from most. It was separated into two weekends - the first being more anatomy-focused since we lacked a barre on the boat, and the second covering all the exercises that involved a barre back in the Singapore studio.

On top of that, I was Mylene/Jess’s only student, which meant that I had both of their undivided attention. This was awesome of course, but slightly intimidating as well. I was never that kid who liked sitting in the front row back in school. Haha.  

So, about the intensive anatomy training that I got, it was truly an eye-opening experience for me. Having taken barre classes for about 2 years now, I’d always hear the instructors telling us to ‘maintain that neutral spine’ or ‘pull your belly button to your spine’ and make all these tactile cues that cause us to shake uncontrollably, but I never REALLY understood why or how. With this anatomy training, everything clicked. I learned how to determine anatomical movement -- where the movement is happening, which body part that is moving. I learned about the importance of having the balance we need in both our front and back body strength to stand in good posture and alignment. I realised that all these cues given in class were rooted in the extensive knowledge that the instructors received from their training. There were just so many lightbulb moments that weekend.

Through this training, it also made me realise how difficult it is to be a good instructor. I remember the first time Mylene asked me to try setting her up. My mind went INSTANTLY blank. All I got out was “uhhhhhh…. Stand with your feet… hips…hips what? Apart? No that doesn’t make sense.’ There was another time I said ‘bend your ankle’ when I meant the ‘knee’. Haha. Mylene shared with me a teaching formula that I try to adhere to in my classes.

1. Set them up in 3-4 instructions. Get them moving.

2. Alignment

3. Movement & Muscle Cues (Where should they feel it?)

4. Observe.

From giving clear and concise cues, to counting right (giving equal time to both the left and right side), to catching the beat, while spotting and correcting clients in bad form - it’s a LOT of multi-tasking that I did not realise and this realisation gave me a new-found respect for all BarreAmped certified instructors out there.

Fast forward 6 months, I began my apprenticeship. I took classes and I observed classes on top of the practical classes I taught. It was such an amazing journey in so many different ways. The learning never really stops. Even with the intensive anatomy training that I got in Amsterdam with Mylene, putting that knowledge into action really gave me a deeper understanding about how each muscle gets activated differently through each targeted exercise. I also grew more confident to teach in front of a crowd with every class (I’ve this thing where my face turns tomato-red the moment my heart starts racing a lil faster than normal lol).

The best part though, was being able to witness first-hand how my friends have grown stronger with every class I taught. They were doing more reps than when they first started, and doing the exercises in good form - which to me is a testament that I’ve gotten better in guiding and correcting them, and articulating myself clearer so they could better understand and act on my instructions. It was definitely a confidence-booster.

All of which was only possible, through the guidance of Jess and Denise, who came down to give me feedback on how I was doing, and what I could improve on. I am also very thankful to have so many friends who were so supportive of my passion for barre. Never failing to turn up to ensure I have bodies to teach 3x a week. In fact, maybe this is the part I loved most about my apprenticeship. The way my passion for it brought people together. Family, friends, friends of friends. It was such a heartwarming experience seeing my different groups of friends mingle with one another, getting supper at BK Eating House after class (cause they felt they deserved it) haha!

Guess the TL;DR version of this entire blogpost is… through this entire journey, it really opened my eyes to see why people do this, even as a side hustle. It’s that mind-body connection on an individual level, and that growth you see in yourself that spurs you on to continuously want to make little improvements, and then watching how these little changes you make reflect onto the clients you teach. It’s knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life, however small, that gives you this sense of fulfilment that makes this journey such a meaningful one. So, if you’re a barre lover, I’d encourage you to take your passion to the next level, like I did. ◡̈

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The Barre 2 Barre Academy Diaries: Magdalane Xie & Lynette Chan (Part III)

Today’s blog post features an interview with two of our loyal and passionate barrerinas, Magdalene Xie and Lynette Chan. Magdalene and Lynette attended Barre 2 Barre’s recent Thailand Teacher Training Retreat and reflect on the deep physical and mental work they underwent there and their transformational experience. Our next teacher training is coming soon, from June 8th to 11th in Taiwan (in Mandarin Chinese)! Early bird prices are available until May 8th. Read on for inspiration, and see if you too would like to earn a BarreAmped certification this June!

Tell us about your journey with barre and towards attending teacher training with Barre 2 Barre.

Magdalene: I haven’t been the sporty or fit type for most of my life - just slightly lucky to be slim and tall enough for people to assume I don’t need to workout to stay in shape. When you get older, however, being fit is about so much more than looking a certain way. My grandmother and mum do not have the best postures, and I’ve seen how it inconveniences their daily lives. Now, I’m just working towards being healthy and strong so that I am able to enjoy everything that I want to.

I’ve become more aware of having the right form and applying what I have learned in barre to my everyday life (for example, not putting extra pressure on my spine by overarching my lower back to cause pain and discomfort over time).

Lynette: I started ballet lessons at the age of six and continued dancing into my early twenties, which led to lower back pain even after I stopped, probably due to bad form and insufficient emphasis on core-strengthening. When I discovered barre as a workout a few years ago, I was thrilled to return to something somewhat familiar, yet still new and challenging! One class led to another and my interest in the BarreAmped technique grew because of its emphasis on form, alignment, and precision. When the teacher training was announced, I signed up for it wanting to enhance my own knowledge of the method.

What new and useful discoveries did you make about yourself and/or your barre practice at the Koh Samui teacher training?

Magdalene: Everyone’s range of movement is different due to each individual’s body/bone structure, and I’ve learned to push myself to my own limitations. I’ve always known the core holds up our trunk and that having a strong core is important, but I learned that it is also what stabilizes the spine, glutes, pelvic floor, and so much more. We need a balance of both front and back body strength in order for our spine to maintain it’s optimal position. These are facts I wouldn’t have known had I not attended the teacher training!

Lynette: One of the main things I've learned is that being a barre instructor is not easy (don’t take your instructors for granted haha)! From giving the right cues to spotting and correcting bad form, teachers’ skills rely not only on experience, but also on a tremendous wealth of knowledge, which the BarreAmped method has strong foundations in. I became more aware of my own form and understood the barre exercises I have been practicing on a much deeper level, in relation to human anatomy.

What were the highlights of your experience at the Teacher Training?

Magdalene: Anatomy workshops with Steve (our demo skeleton)!

An island snorkeling trip at Koh Tan Island!

TRX class!

The NON-HEALTHY fun dinner at Four Seasons Resorts after we completed our Level 1 exam!

The AM S.I.L.E.N.T T.I.M.E

The bunch of uniquely fabulous ladies who got confused between knee-ups and seated chair!

(in no particular order)

I could go on!

Lynette: There were so many highlights! What I loved most, though, was the sense of community and comradery that developed quickly yet firmly during the trip. Some of us still make it a point to meet for dinner, drinks, and brunch from time to time, and go for classes at Barre 2 Barre together when we can.

What are your future goals with barre and Barre 2 Barre? What does your barre practice mean to you?

Magdalene: I want to continue to deepen my knowledge of barre for my own education and maybe even share with others what I’ve learned one day. I’ve discovered my barre practice to be my only personal time where I experience my mind listening to my body and I’m fully aware and present. I’ve never felt that with any other practice so far.

Lynette: My next goal would be to do my apprenticeship and proceed to the next level of teacher training, so that I can deepen my understanding of BarreAmped and the quality of my instruction. When I started barre, I never thought I would take my practice as seriously as I do now, but my barre journey has come to represent my own personal growth. I look forward to my barre classes as time that I carve out for myself, to strengthen myself both physically and mentally.

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Barre 2 Barre Beginnings on Hongkong Street

Confessions of a Barre Studio Owner

Barre 2 Barre has come a long way since our exciting beginning in 2016. It has been a labor of love, passion, and dedication, creating our lovely studio on HongKong Street, building a team and client base from scratch, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, and delivering a top quality exercise experience. As the co-founder of Barre 2 Barre Singapore and in light of our upcoming move to a new location, I would like to share about my rewarding learning experiences prior to and during running this business.

My personal barre journey began in Los Angeles where I grew up. A friend invited me to join her at my first barre class in 2008. At the time, the barre movement was booming in LA, and I too quickly became a fan. When I subsequently moved to Hong Kong in 2011, it took me a while to find the right barre practice I was missing and searching for. Before long, I met the co-founders of Barre 2 Barre in Hong Kong, Karen Lim and Mylene Mackay.

I learned that Barre 2 Barre offers the BarreAmped method, a syllabus from the US created by fitness celebrity, Suzanne Bowen. This barre method was the most similar to the one I was exposed to in the West Coast – funnily enough, I discovered Suzanne Bowen actually taught the founders of the barre studio I used to attend in California!

I quickly became obsessed with developing my practice, gaining a lot of mind and body strength through attending class with Karen and Mylene. In 2014, I decided to take the week-long BarreAmped teacher training course. I hadn’t yet considered actually joining the apprenticeship program or teaching; I was just so excited that my training certificate would get me discounts on Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, and Lorna Jane AND discounts on class packages at Barre 2 Barre! The more barre classes I took, however, the more interested I became in the apprenticeship program, and soon committed to it.

Meanwhile, I was accepted to INSEAD’s MBA program in Singapore and decided to move. Before starting my MBA, I organized two pop-up Barre 2 Barre events in Singapore in the summer of 2015, both of which were fully booked and extremely successful. While getting further involved with barre was tempting, I was in no position to run a barre studio while attending a condensed 10-month MBA program.

Instead, I took entrepreneur classes which helped me practically plan and map out what opening a barre studio in Singapore would look like. At the same time, Mylene coincidentally happened to move to Singapore for a short period, so we decided to partner together to open Barre 2 Barre Singapore on Hongkong Street. We thought the street name was perfect given that Barre 2 Barre originated from Hong Kong!

The intention behind bringing the BarreAmped method to our clients was to offer a safe and effective barre workout for women and men of all ages, shapes, and fitness backgrounds. I believed in the method from first-hand experience, since I had once fractured and broke my ankle (the tibia and fibula) and managed to keep in shape by attending BarreAmped classes three times a week. It was the safest way for me to rebuild strength and heal before I could start running again. When I’m ninety years old, I know I will still be practicing BarreAmped.

Building a team from scratch in a new country with a young barre market was difficult. Mylene and I trained Ahilya as our first teacher, given that we were connected through a family friend, that she had attended UCLA, was a dancer, and religiously attended barre classes in Los Angeles too. With Mylene, Ahilya, and myself ready to start teaching, we turned our attention to creating the studio environment we wished to.

My idea was to replicate the same feel and community that Barre 2 Barre provided me during my four and a half years in Hong Kong. I wanted to create a special business and environment for myself in Singapore, a place where I would potentially live long-term and raise a family.

I wanted the studio to feel like a “home away from home” for myself and my clients, so a little feel of California and Hong Kong influenced my studio design. Our yoga mats are from Venice Beach and our yoga mat sprays are the same comforting, evocative, secret essential oil blend from Hong Kong. I believed the scent and quality of the products we used would also be a huge contributor to the atmosphere and aesthetic of the studio, which is when my partnership with Ashley & Co bloomed. I found it very important to provide a welcoming environment to people who might find Singapore intimidating or may be shy. Barre 2 Barre was meant to welcome all people, no matter their shape, size, nationality, age, or sex in a homey environment with a nice scent - we opened our doors to you, unless of course you’re late!

I can address our strict late policy here: I’ve been locked out of Karen’s class in Hong Kong, locked out of accounting class at INSEAD, and learned in business school how 15 minutes early is “on time” and being “on time” is late. Additionally, I’ve had a client pull a muscle without adequate warm up time during our first year of opening, and it is always distracting to our teachers and other clients when latecomers join class. All of this led us to implement our Swiss train policy - or should I say Japanese train policy - to avoid further injuries and create an environment where we respect time.

Our studio at Hongkong Street has been filled with so much love and support, and it has been an honor to meet numerous clients who have been touched by barre to the point that it has become a significant part of their lives. Some clients have gone on to get their teaching certification to teach at Barre 2 Barre or other studios worldwide, while others have taken their certification for their own self awareness in practicing barre with good form and alignment. We are also proud to have introduced barre to men, which T Magazine covered in an article, describing how male athletes like kickboxers find strength and flexibility through attending BarreAmped classes! We have been so fortunate to partner with our lovely neighbors like Punch for Barre & Brunch, Vasco for Barre to Bar, and Box Office for Barre + Boxing among numerous others! HongKong Street has been a really cozy and vibrant home to us, but, as with life, all good things must come to an end for even better things to be welcomed into our lives.

Our new home on Pickering Street will be closer to the Central Business District, will feature parking space underneath the Great Eastern building, is right next to the Hong Lim Complex bus stop, and is close to the Telok Ayer, Chinatown and Clarke Quay MRT exit. There will be more peace and quiet in the studio since we are not facing the street directly, we’ll enjoy a cleaner surrounding area, and clients will get even better attention to detail from our teachers, as we will max at twelve students per class. In addition, we will be getting a second unit right next door to be able to host two classes simultaneously without compromising on quality and the attention to detail, form, and alignment our teachers provide.

Managing a growing staff over the past three years hasn’t always been easy – I’ve hired, fired, engaged in serious talks, and generally learned a lot about communication, clarity of expectations, fairness, and managing people. Though sometimes taxing, the experience has been well worth it and I’ve learned a lot about others and myself. Despite any challenges or obstacles that have come our way, we are so proud of the community we have created and fostered over the past three years, and continue to be dedicated to the growth and success of our team and clients.

From starting with four hundred customers in our first month open, then growing to two thousand by the following year, we now have seven thousand customers in our database. We have grown from three BarreAmped certified teachers when we first opened to seven teachers and two more in training under our apprenticeship program. We also just began offering regular meditation classes at our studio. We have partnered with Oompf! Fitness on 130 East Coast Road to provide Barre 2 Barre classes to clients on the East.

In regard to our Teacher Training program, we began with three in-house courses before opening to the public in Hong Kong, Koh Samui, Taiwan, Jakarta, and soon our upcoming week long teacher training and retreat in Bali! We plan to continue offering BarreAmped training and apprenticeship programs for barre teachers all over the world, and we can’t wait to share our knowledge and passion for barre with everyone in Singapore and Asia.

Thank you to everyone who has stepped into our doors at 42A Hongkong Street. We will forever cherish those memories and hope to create more together. We cannot wait to welcome you to our new studio on Nankin Row, 3 Pickering Street #03-01 and continue to build mental and physical strength at the barre together!

Love Always,

Jessica Felicia

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The Barre 2 Barre Academy Diaries: Julie Briers (Part II)

I found out about Barre 2 Barre online, through Google. I started with 10 days unlimited trial in May 12th last year.

Now, I’m hooked!

*After every class, I was sore (in a good way)!

Barre 2 Barre classes are only 50 minutes long. When I first heard this, I was disappointed. Seriously, just 50 minutes? What can I possibly accomplish in that short amount of time?

But it only took 1 class for me to realize that they pack a lot into that 50 minutes class! I was so sore after my first class, I could hardly walk down the stairs from the studio.

*I saw some definition in my abs for the first time in life!

I committed to a monthly unlimited pass, going 6 times a week. Here are the changes I noticed.

After just a few weeks of Barre 2 Barre, I noticed that when I stood with my hands on my hips, my tummy felt tight and strong. After a few more weeks, I could actually see visible changes in my abs! There is no denying that Barre 2 Barre is a great way to see results fast.

*My posture is better both in and out of class!

The teachers talk about posture the whole class. “Tuck your tailbone” and “pull your belly button to your spine” are phrases that I hear in my sleep now. Haha! But as I took more and more classes, I noticed that I was not only standing up taller in class, I was also more aware of my posture outside of class!

*Why I joined the teacher training in Jakarta last October.

I used to love Barre 2 Barre because of the cozy studio with great front desk service and they have plenty of classes in studio. It’s the workout I did for months before I read about their teacher training program. Missed out on the one in Thailand and then got injured on my finger preventing me to go to my favorite workout for six weeks.

So, I signed up for the teacher training in Jakarta. Which was pretty hard for me during those 3 full days of training, as I stopped working out in studio for nearly 2 months. It was tough but so worth the experience.

It’s an intensive 3 days training. The 3 days program covered 2 classes each day. Every exercise was first shown by the trainer.

The training covered not only the workout but also anatomy lessons to better help understand the impact of each exercise. You are also taught how to call each position. Once we were split into smaller groups for individual practice sessions, we had to prepare a class of our own.

The last day concluded with the official exam.

I have to admit the money was well invested in this training.

After I’ve attended the teacher training in Jakarta, what I love about it now is the BarreAmped method, not just the studio etc.

The changes.

I used to be a very cardio-intensive person. I started working out since 2010, five times a week. The reason why I’ve chosen Barre 2 Barre these days instead of cardio is because I realized that jumping and spinning will not be possible for me to do it every day till I’m old. We are aging, but BarreAmped method is different. It’s a workout that you can do at all ages.

The principle of BarreAmped are Form, Neutral Spine, Small Movement, Harder Is Not Necessarily Better, Role of Cardio, Flexibility and Abs Breathing.

I must say the BarreAmped Method is the best workout that I’ve ever had for the past 9 years and the workout that I have enjoyed the most.

*What lies ahead.

As an expat wife, having this BarreAmped certificate helps me to go anywhere I can, as this is an international certificate. If I can commit, I would love to be a BarreAmped teacher or else, I could join as a part-time teacher. I really like to share the knowledge and experiences I have to everyone if given the opportunity.

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We <3 HK Street!

They say that "good neighbours are hard to find" and that “surrounding ourselves with the right people is paramount to success in life”.

Luckily for Barre 2 Barre, HongKong Street is full of good “neighbours” and the right “people”. When founders Myléne and Jess chanced upon this homely street a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Clarke Quay, they immediately fell in love with the enclave’s unique vibe.

In this article, we highlight a few of our neighbours and why we are absolutely head over heels with the HongKong Street neighbourhood!

1.  Food, food… and more food!

If you’re looking for a comfy place to kick back at brunch, a nice cafe to catch up with friends, or a spot to refuel after a workout - you’re bound to find something at HongKong Street.

PUNCH, with its outdoor courtyard beautifully designed with green wall plants, serves a mean molten grilled cheese sandwich (served with tomato soup) and their iced chocolate packs a punch! Its sister cafe, Ronin, has a more dark and mysterious interior, but similarly serves up yummy breakfast fare (the BEST scrambled eggs!!) as well as amazing lattes. If Italian food is more your thing, head over to Bottega… you’re bound to fall in love with their pizza made with 100% Italian soft wheat blend and homemade tomato sauce. They also serve Italian beers, wine, and mineral water to complement your food! If you come to Barre 2 Barre, ask for a Barre 2 Barre sticker, which entitles you to a 10% discount at Bottega!

PUNCH is located at 32 North Canal Rd, Singapore 059288

Ronin is located at 17 HongKong St, Singapore 059660

Bottega is located at 31 HongKong St, Singapore 059670

2. Alternative watering holes

Looking for a new watering hole for those Friday night drinks? Getting bored of the same old clubs for Ladies’ night? Head down to HongKong Street! There are some great places to enjoy quality cocktails in Singapore without punching a hole in your pocket. Our personal fav is Vasco, a Spanish influenced bar, where you can enjoy $10 cocktails on weekdays (until 9pm).... just by wearing yoga pants! Other suggestions include Teepee and 28 HongKong Street.

Vasco is located at 42 HongKong St, 059681

TeePee is located at 31 HongKong Street #01-02, 059670

28 Hong Kong Street is located at (you guessed it!) 31 HongKong Street #01-02, 059670

3. Accommodation Galore

If you feel like you need a break but can’t afford the time to take a whole weekend away? HongKong Street is nestled with a host of staycation options that will allow you to unwind… without having to go too far! Check out BASE residences, a new city living concept In the heart of Singapore’s core. Here, a converted shophouse is home to 4 unique contemporary residences equipped with modern conveniences for the ultimate “home away from home” feel. If hotels are more your thing, be sure to check out Hotel Bencoolen as well as PARKROYAL on Pickering  which are less than a 10 minute walk away.

BASE Residences is located at 31 HongKong St, Singapore 059670

Hotel Bencoolen is located at 47 Bencoolen St, 189626

PARKROYAL on Pickering is located at 3 Upper Pickering St, Singapore 058289

4. Easily Accessible

Photo credits: Vasco 

HongKong street is located in the heart of the CBD district and easily accessible by car  (with both street parking and indoor parking by Riverwalk) as well as all modes of public transport. There are plenty of buses that stop close to the vicinity such as Bus 12 and 14. It is also just across the road from Clarke Quay MRT. If you feel like stretching your legs or warming up before class, you can also alight at City Hall MRT and enjoy a 15 minute walk down!

5. Sweat Fest!

Apart from Barre 2 Barre, there’s a host of other options in the area to jazz up your workout regime. If you’re looking to work up a sweat, head to Anthem Indoor Cycling across the street where you can spin your way to a toned booty (and enjoy amazing tracks at the same time). If you are rushed for time, check out Ritual Gym on North Canal Road.  They offer 30 minute HIIT/Bootcamp style classes that incorporate both cardio and strength training to make sure your busy schedule doesn’t get in the way of exercising. For something slightly closer to “home”, Yoga Movement on Carpenter Street has a wide array of yoga classes that are sure to leave you feeling stretched out!

Anthem Indoor Cycling is located at 66B South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058696

Ritual Gym is located at 11 North Canal Road, #03-01, 048824

Yoga Movement is located at 31A & 33A New Bridge Road, Singapore, 059394 (and other locations)

6. Interesting Finds

Hongkong Street is also home to a number of interesting concepts and finds! The Hive is one of Singapore’s co-working communities that is worlds apart from the corporate offices in the CBD. With its custom-made furniture, abundant light, open plan concept, and rooftop cafe - you are bound to feel comfortable and inspired at work. Just one level above Barre 2 Barre, Daniel Boey has also set up office. Dubbed as the “Godfather of Singapore Fashion”, we’re more than honored to share a building with him. Who knows? Come for barre classes, get toned, and maybe you'll land an audition!

The Hive is located at 59 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059405

Daniel Boey is located at 42C HongKong St Singapore 059681

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Barre 2 Barre SG Interview Series: Rachel Tan (Part XV)

What does wellness and being healthy mean to you?

To me, health and wellness is the intersection of consciousness and self respect. Always be conscious of whether the decisions you make in life, your career, or in your fitness regime and diet are decisions that will lead to a fulfilling, sustainable way of life for yourself.

Share with us a funny story related to barre.

Teaching barre has now enabled me to get my parents moving again! I've always stressed the importance of strength training or light cardio to help strengthen their joints at this stage of life, but they have not made it a priority. Now that their daughter is an instructor, they cannot say no and have to support! They take frequent breaks and teach me how to teach in class, but training them is worth it.

How did you get into BarreAmped and what are your future plans for barre?

I walked into my first class with no expectations, and ended up loving the challenge it brought in terms of alignment and muscle endurance. It has also helped me perfect my running form and improved my mental strength. I hope to continue teaching BarreAmped for a long time, motivating clients through humor and tough love, and getting them to love their bodies more!

What is your favorite way (aside from barre) to keep fit and find some downtime?

Running to rap music, HIIT exercises, and yoga. To relax, I watch my fair share of Netflix, play with my rabbit (Poncho), and work on illustrations for Tinee Dino - my business and spirit animal.

List your 3 dinner party dream guests, what would you talk about and what dish would you prepare for them?

Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, and David Chang - my favorite celebrities from the art and food world. I would make a recent favorite - kimchi stew with lots of mushrooms and eggs! Plus a strong drink to help them forget about the meal in case they don't like it.

List your 3 favorite travel destinations, and list 3 more that you want to travel to and why.

Three Favorites: San Francisco, London, Venice

Three on the Wish List: Amsterdam (for the surroundings), Argentina (for the culture), New Zealand (for the adventure)

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Barre 2 Barre SG Interview Series: Imogen XIV

1)How did you get involved with Barre2Barre? What is your role within the team?

If you told me a year ago that next year I would be Interning at a Barre Studio in Singapore I would have been overjoyed the way I am now. Coming from Glasgow, Scotland I had grown up around a ballet studio as I used to dance for Scottish Ballet. Therefor when the opportunity sprung to me to choose from various internships I knew straight away that working in a barre studio was the way forward, personally. I would be taking on a Marketing role within the business, including managing social media, helping with events as well as working with the others to create the best marketing ideas and plans possible that could benefit Barre2Barre the most.

2)Is this your first experience with barre? How do you remember your first class?

As I mentioned I grew up doing ballet, however as I began furthering into my teenage years I decided to focus more seriously on my athletics. I could see quite quickly after losing my normal routine within ballet I was losing my form and I certainly became a lot less flexible (I would never stretch properly after running, oops!). Training in high jump would end up leaving me with a bad back in which I would have to do exercises every morning and night to try and mend it. Overall, this made me slightly nervous to come back to a barre even though I still enjoy yoga and Pilates at home! My first ever class at Barre2Barre was Bounce which I will state now I LOVE. I am so glad I tried this first as its super fun and you also feel all the right areas burning as it incorporates everything from balance to cardio. I remember sweating without even realising it which always makes you feel good because you know you’ve had a good work out and you have clearly enjoyed it if you haven’t noticed the trails of sweat running down your back.

3)What physical or mental benefits have you experience in or outside of class since starting barre?

The first thing I think you notice straight away from doing barre each week is the change in your arms. Each class you will use weights at one point in which you do exercises which consist of tiny pulses for long periods of time (30 seconds/1 minute seems like forever!) which really make your arms burn! I love this because I think everyone wants to have toned arms and barre certainly gives it to you. Within barre you are always progressing with everything you are doing in class because whoever is taking the class will make sure your form and alignment is correct which helps target the specific areas that each exercise is specified to. This ultimately builds a much stronger version of yourself. Mentally, it makes you fall in love with exercise and open to try new things. I have been lucky in terms of enjoying exercise however it also makes you focus on not only what you’re doing in class but out of class too such as what you eat and how you feel. When you always find room to exercise you get into a rhythm which you don’t want to break, this means you eat well because you know if you eat badly too often your going to break this cycle as you can’t perform at your best.

4)What else do you like to do for your fitness and well-being?

I like to go to the gym as much as I can, especially after my day at Uni, and I really don’t have any excuses as my gym is 2 minutes down the road! I love to run because when I get into a rhythm I don’t want to stop. I also enjoy Body Combat at home which is an amazing all-round workout which really works your entire body for 45 minutes, 3 times a week. I think as a woman its really important to go to some sort of self-defence class because not only does it make you feel stronger, but it also makes you feel like you can defend yourself if anything was to ever go wrong, especially at an age where you spend a lot of time out with your girlfriends in the city centre. If I was ever to try and keep any sort of food diet or restrict myself to any food groups it would just never work. I LOVE FOOD. Anyway, what I try to do is keep myself to healthy meals, try not to snack as much and drink A LOT of water during the week as well as work out which means at the weekend I can eat and drink what I want (to a certain degree ;) ) and I find that this works as it gives you something to look forwards to at the weekend even if you have no plans. You will always know that on Saturday you can eat that massive bag of popcorn or spicy crisps that are sitting in the cupboard. 

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Barre 2 Barre SG Interview Series: Ahilya (Part III)

Now you see her, now you don't! Many of you barrerinas have asked about the "new" instructor on the schedule, Ahilya.

Ironically, Ahilya was actually the first Barre 2 Barre (Singapore) instructor but left to Israel for four months to further her dance practice.

Needless to say, this barrerina has the poise, grace, and strength that all of us would only love to have! Read on for part 3 of our interview 3 series where we interview the resident barre-Dancer, Ahilya.

What does wellness and being healthy mean to you?

While wellness and being healthy means exercising regularly and mindfully as well as choosing to nourish my body as nutritiously as possible, a huge aspect of health and wellness to me is also mental. It includes having positive thoughts, being open minded and adventurous, being supportive of loved ones and strangers alike, doing things that make me happy and taking care of myself, and constantly remaining curious and developing myself as a person.

When it comes to exercise, a significant part of growth and moving forwards physically is mental. Our minds love to give up on us at the earliest signs of fatigue, but it is hugely rewarding when you allow your mind to drive you and challenge yourself to push past previous limits. In barre and dance, we always talk about awareness, having a mind-body connection, and moving with purpose and intention. To me, barre, dance, or other exercise is a microcosm of an individual’s place in life and their relationship with the world; if you can work thoughtfully and not give up here, you can apply these thoughts to daily life and always strive to be a more productive and motivated person. Acting deliberately, and choosing to do what serves me and others is what being healthy means to me.

Share with us a funny story related to barre.

It is always a fun time when we have photo shoots for Barre2Barre marketing or social media, because the barre teachers and staff get to put on some music, beautify ourselves, and have a lot of laughs while trying out intricate poses and shots.

One of the funniest days was when Jessica and I decided to attempt a very complicated position, somehow thinking it would be a breeze to achieve. It involved Jess lying on her back and propping each of my legs up with each of hers, while I would be in some sort of split position with my right leg coiled around hers, my body turned to one side, and my arms floating in the air. Executing this was a hysterical failure, and it ended up with me clinging on to our social media intern for dear life as I tried to get into position. All of us couldn’t stop laughing and we abandoned this shot. We’ll work towards it.

How did you get into BarreAmped and what are your future plans for barre?

I first started barre right after completing college in LA because it sounded like a fun and complementary workout to my dance practice. I tried it and was immediately hooked. I was amazed by how challenging it was for the whole body, how much coordination it required, and how strong and feminine it made me feel.

Barre became an important part of my morning routine at a time when I was freshly graduated and lacking structure in my schedule -  it was both mentally and emotionally grounding which encouraged me to achieve things the rest of the day (I was a freelance dancer at the time).

I missed barre after moving to Singapore, and was really excited when a common friend introduced me to Jessica and Mylene before they opened Barre 2 Barre. I had already been thinking of getting certified to teach barre and was happy to be the first teacher hired by Barre 2 Barre when the studio opened last year.

Recently, I got certified to teach the higher levels of BarreAmped, which I’m enjoying doing these days. In the future, perhaps I would like to become a teacher trainer myself or open my own barre studio wherever I move next!

What is your favorite way (aside from barre) to keep fit and find some downtime?

Outside of barre, I am a contemporary dancer, dancing with T.H.E Second Company in Singapore. I also work on my own choreography projects and travel frequently to Israel to train and work on projects there. I also run regularly and love trying new exercise classes that challenge my body in unfamiliar ways. 

Besides that, I find it both therapeutic and stimulating spending time outdoors (I especially love going to the beach and hiking when I’m in slightly cooler climates!), watching movies, cooking, painting, singing, reading, and working on any kind of creative aesthetic project, whether it’s photography-related, interior designing my room at home, and so on…

List your 3 dinner party dream guests, what would you talk about and what dish would you prepare for them?

J.K. Rowling – I grew up reading and loving the Harry Potter series; I was six when the first book came out and my mom starting reading it to me. She continued to read the entire series to me and my little brother aloud (even as we entered middle and high school!) because we enjoyed experiencing the whole story together.

Rowling, to me, is just a brilliant and incredibly articulate, sensitive, funny, and imaginative author. Plus, she’s a role model because of how she overcame monumental adversity in her life, as well as her outspoken nature and views on politics, feminism, and social issues. She has the most powerful yet elegant way of making a point.

I would prepare a sophisticated North Indian Mughalai meal for Rowling, because of its distinctive, refined aromas and because it is the cuisine my family is most associated with. It would feature raan (slow cooked lamb pot roast), peas simmered in a turmeric milk sauce, and fragrant rice flavored with saffron. Mango and vanilla ice cream for dessert. I would thank her for creating the world of Harry Potter, and we would discuss some insider wizarding intelligence, stories from her life, and current affairs.

The Obamas (Can I have Michelle too please?) – I think Obama was a fantastic president of the United States. I find both him and his wife gracious, graceful, intelligent, empathetic, and charismatic individuals.

I would cook them a Mediterranean-themed meal, including some savory pan-fried halloumi with sweet roasted figs, lots of bright and fresh salads with ingredients like mint, cucumber, and parsley, a hearty, lemony hummus, and a delicious shakshuka with sides of warm pita and tahini. Something involving pomegranate and mint for dessert. I would want to hear Obama’s most impactful stories from his time as president, and discuss ways people can do more for the environment and social causes.

Woody Allen – It is my dream to somehow be in a Woody Allen film one day. Allen is definitely my favorite director. I just love how signature his aesthetic is, starting from the moment his opening credits roll and cast members’ names are listed alphabetically, in the same font every time, like in a play program. I love the existential questions he grapples with, his offbeat sense of humor, and his stylistic choices – everything from characters’ wardrobes, to the picturesque locales his stories are set in, to the romantic soundtracks he implements (notably all the beautiful jazz).

Since he’s neurotic and could possibly be made anxious by peculiar foreign foods, and since a lot of his films are set in Europe, I would make him a French Provençal meal I once made my family in the south of France with ingredients from our garden. It would constitute pan-fried chicken marinated in an olive oil, lavender, and rosemary mixture, haricots verts and finely-sliced mushrooms cooked with butter, white wine, and caramelized shallots, a country salad, hot fresh bread, and red wine. Maybe some decadent chocolate cupcakes for dessert with buttercream icing that I learned how to swirl on in roses. I’m sure we would have some philosophical conversations and discuss ideas for his upcoming films.

List your 3 favorite travel destinations, and list 3 more that you want to travel to and why.

Tel Aviv, Israel – Tel Aviv is one of my favorite cities in the world. I visit primarily because it is a mecca for contemporary dance and home to many fantastic dance companies including Batsheva Dance Company, whose director developed a hugely popular and revolutionary movement practice called gaga. Taking gaga classes in Tel Aviv while getting to savor divine, fresh market fruits, veggies, and cheeses, swim in the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, and roam many beautiful artsy streets and neighborhoods are a few reasons I love Tel Aviv.

Los Angeles, USA – I lived there for five years so it has a special place in my heart. I love exploring all the distinct neighborhoods – enjoying a beach vibe in Venice or Santa Monica, driving along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, having city experiences in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood, doing artsy things downtown, hiking in the Hollywood hills, or feasting on the best Korean barbeque in Korea-town.

Barcelona, Spain – I took a solo trip to Barcelona for the first time this year, and fell in love with the breath-taking and conceptual Gaudi architecture, delicious tapas restaurants and four-euro sangria, museums, and wide, beautifully manicured streets.

Iceland – I keep seeing pictures of mesmerizing and ethereal looking hot springs, ice caves, and geysers in Iceland! I would love to swim and hike there and soak in all the natural beauty.

Morocco – I would love to have some desert adventures in Morocco, stroll through bustling bazaars, and visit beautiful mosques.

Brazil – Brazil is such a huge, vibrant country, and I’ve always wanted to visit to enjoy the beaches, visit the Corcovado Christ statue, and perhaps learn how to samba. I also love and sing Bossa Nova, so listening to live music there would be a treat.

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Barre 2 Barre SG Interview Series: Cofounders (Part I)

To kick off our series of interviews leading up to our 1 year anniversary, we feature the three #womenentrepreneurs or #femaleentrepreneurs behind Barre 2 Barre! These three ladies are the best of friends in and out of the studio and definitely live up to the quote "She believed she could so she did". 

Read on to find out more about their journey into barre, what their future plans are for the studio, and tips they have for aspiring female entrepreneurs!

1. How did your journey into health and wellness begin?

Jessica: My journey into the sphere of health and wellness began when I was only four years old. My mum brought me to a ballet class in Jakarta - I remember how one of the girls was really mean and made fun of me (as I was a chubby kid). I begged my mum never to bring me back to that class every again.

Over the next few years, my mum then brought me to try out various sports - basketball, softball practice, swim lessons… but nothing really stuck. Finally, she brought me to tennis. The first lesson was horrible - I was made fun of because of the clothes I was wearing (apparently it looked like pyjamas). Thankfully, though, I had good hand-eye coordination due to the basketball and baseball practices I had gone for which helped me overcome my lack of self confidence or getting teased. From then till college, tennis was my sport was choice.  

Karen: I was always considered to be an active individual. I’d wake up at 5am to complete my regular runs before I headed to work, and then to the gym after work for at least 30 minutes on the elliptical machine.

Ironically, I did not like to stretch because I found it to be a waste of time. Over time, however, I started to develop horrible pains in my back and neck and  that made me realise something was horribly wrong with my fitness regime. I had to re-think my entire fitness regime.

I sought relief from getting regular massages, magnesium salt baths and eventually took up Pilates classes. Instead of high intensity, I adopted a “less is more” approach to my workouts. I started to look into alternative medicines (e.g. TCM, osteopathy, homeopathy), and tried to integrate  mindfulness into all aspects of my life.

Mylene: Although I was always active and took part in competitive sports from my childhood days, it wasn't until my early twenties that my eyes were opened to living a healthy life through movement and meditation by the mother of a good friend (an Iyengar Yoga teacher) to start and maintain my yoga practice.I was living in Boston, MA at the time and was completely hooked after my first class.

 2. How did you get into barre?

J: When I started college, I was not as professional as the rest of the USC tennis team. It was at that point that one of my college best friends introduced me to barre fitness. I fell in love and was addicted to the shake and burn which was like nothing I had felt before. This resulted in me attending and signing up for many packages near my home in West Hollywood.

K: I tried barre on and off during my various travels while I was still in the corporate world. Each class would get me shaking like a leaf and it was incredible!  

M: Completely by accident! I was living in London and doing a lot of yoga when I discovered the Lotte Berk Studio around the corner from my home. It was such a fun and challenging class with a different pace and feel to yoga. It was another eye opening moment for me and I immediately added barre to my weekly workouts.

 3. What made you decide to change that dedication into something bigger? (starting a studio)

J: When I moved from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, I was on the lookout for studios that would give me that same barre burn. Thankfully, I found Barre 2 Barre - and found out that the founder of BarreAmped Suzanne Bowen actually taught the founders of the barre method that I had been taking in Hollywood, and both methods are from the same Lotte Berk lineage.

 When I moved to Singapore, I could not find any barre classes that were up to the same standard that I had found in LA or Hong Kong. At that point, I begged Mylene & Karen to set up a studio in Singapore - little did I know I would be opening up the studio with them!

 K: I wanted to be part of a community that would share the same health and wellness beliefs as I did. I was fortunate enough to meet my current business partner, Mylene Mackay, in Hong Kong. Together we started our studio in HK - in fact, I was teaching my first class while 35 weeks pregnant! Since then we expanded the studio to Singapore with Jessica and it’s been an incredible journey.

M: I've always known from day 1 when I began practising yoga that I wanted to do this. The seed was planted early on and was always in mind even when I pursued a corporate career.

I met Karen while we were both teaching Pilates at another studio in Hong Kong and we just clicked. We wanted to bring BarreAmped to Asia and the moment felt right to start our own venture. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made and feel very lucky to have found the right partners in Karen and Jess. We often joke that we are each other's barre wives, because it is very much like a marriage when you go into business together.

 4. What is one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs?

J: I would tell fellow female entrepreneurs to support each other rather than compete - it only grows us stronger as a community. Instead of focusing too much on competition - focus on building a supportive community. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together and the more positive energy that gets fed into the community, the better it is for all female entrepreneurs and supporters.

K: Love what you do.

M: Don't do it alone. Pick the right partner with the same values -  this will give you the strength to weather the tough times as well as the stability to stay humble and real throughout.

5. Is it difficult working in a (primarily) female dominated environment?

J: I think difficulty in a female dominated industry really depends on where your studio is located. I also believe culture plays a big role - rather than whether the industry is female or male dominated. I have had many successes connecting with female entrepreneurs in Singapore and Hong Kong.

There are obviously hurdles when certain people are not as welcoming or open but there are also many who are more than willing to help and those are the ones you should focus your energy on.

K: Having previously been in a male dominated working environment, I wouldn’t say that working in a primarily female dominated environment is particularly more or less difficult. Every challenge that presents itself is unique to the situation at hand, and there are always appropriate solutions. Learning to deal with difficult situations, problem solving, and people management are important skills for every entrepreneur.

M: Only if you make it difficult for yourself. While there are challenges, I'm a big believer in surrounding myself with good people. Only good can come out of that.

6. What are your future goals for Barre 2 Barre? 

J: For Barre 2 Barre, future goals would be to expand - for me, that would mean expanding in the S.E.A region; for Karen, it would be to expand and build up connections to both the North Asian region as well as Australia; and for Mylene (who is moving to Europe), it would be to build up a presence there.

K:  Lots of exciting plans to grow and expand. More and more people are recognising barre as a genre of fitness, just like Pilates and yoga. There’s so much potential!

M:We have lots of exciting plans. The sky is the limit and it all revolves around growing our community of barre enthusiasts in Singapore, Hong Kong, and beyond.

 7. What is your Favourite barre move and post workout snack?

J: My favorite barre move is actually the lunge. I grew up learning how to lifeguard and play basketball with an ex-navy officer and I remember lunges being the best way to build muscles (and it got rid a little bit of my the meat between my thighs). My favorite post workout snack is hydrating myself with water and a freshly pressed juice.

K: Wide second is my favourite barre move. My favorite snack would have to be greek yoghurt with chia seeds and banana.

M: I love them all! Whichever move I am doing at the moment is my favourite. I'm a barre nerd. My favorite Post workout snack would be the Breakfast Mule at Punch Cafe; it's so hot in Singapore I am always looking to cool down after a workout.

[alyrfit]

•• SHAKE TO CHANGE •• • A Saturday morning doing a BarreAmped class at @barre2barresg and also working with a little and helping with charity cause all of today's proceeds went to @just_peoples_org ! • Just a little reminder that life can be great for us but that's not the case for everyone else. So if you have some time, some money or some love to share, please do something to give back and help another person, community, project, country .... let's just give back any way that we can! Have a look at @just_peoples_org ❤ (at Barre 2 Barre Singapore)

[jessicaxfelicia]

It’s been a long and fulfilling journey since moving to Singapore last year. I got married, graduated with an MBA at @INSEAD, became a lector and host at church, opened my dream @barre2barresg studio while still at school, and now managing the studio while teaching and continuing to refine my skills as a teacher. We’ve grown our wonderful team from 3 to 5 teachers and we’re ecstatic to share our passion for all things barre and fitness with you all. We couldn't have done it without you and we have the most wonderful group of barre lovers to share our passion with. We couldn't ask for more! We look forward to another year of growing and shaking at the studio with you. Wishing you much love, good health and happiness in 2017. If you've ever dreamed of taking the leap into teaching barre we are running teacher training in both Singapore (January) and Hong Kong (February). We hope to see you in the new year! (at Barre 2 Barre Singapore)