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UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
Raising the Barre
MICHELLE ANDERSON , OWNER OF LAGUNA BARRE , EXPLAINS WHY THESE SPECIALIZED WORKOUTS HAVE TAKEN THE FITNESS WORLD BY STORM AND WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT HER NEW STUDIO .
By JESSIE DAX-SETKUS
S trength training is all the rage these days and barre studios are starting to pop up pretty much everywhere . If you were ever curious about this popular fitness trend , Laguna Barre is a great place to get started . Opened in April , it offers a welcoming setting for everyone from beginners to experts who have been mastering the workout for years . Here , Laguna Barre owner Michelle Anderson — who has been part of the fitness industry for more than 10 years — gives us a rundown of what to expect as a firsttimer of the class and why it ’ s one of the most fun workouts in the fitness world right now .
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE : How did you discover barre ? MICHELLE ANDERSON : My fitness career began in 2012 by getting certified to teach hot yoga . While I loved teaching that , I found barre soon after and became certified by a professional ballerina , in a barre method with a very strong focus on form , posture , safety and isolated movements . This aligned perfectly with my competitive dance training . Barre became my passion , not only to teach but to do . I truly enjoy sharing my love for barre with others .
LBM : Can you describe what a barre class is ? MA : Laguna Barre is a combination of ballet , Pilates and yoga . … We use different techniques
Michelle Anderson , owner of the new Laguna Barre studio
that come from the ballet world , in addition to our extreme focus on form and posture , making sure you safely execute each move . I always say the Laguna Barre method is a 60-minute abdominal and posture class , along with working the rest of the body . That ’ s where Pilates comes into play — we ’ re always concentrating on keeping the abdominals engaged and elongating the body through each exercise . With all of that , it ’ s important to remember to breathe . Breathwork through [ out ] class is what makes movements more fluid and brings your focus to the exercise .
LBM : What kind of workout does a class provide ? MA : You will get a full-body workout from Laguna Barre . We use a variety of props and will work with high repetitions until [ you reach ] muscle fatigue . The goal is to “ find the shake .” The most important part included in our method is the stretching : We will fire up a muscle group and then stretch in order to achieve long , lean lines .
LBM : What advice would you give a first-timer ? MA : Arrive five to 10 minutes early so I can show you around the studio and answer any questions . If you have any injuries , we can go over them prior to class . I create an extremely welcoming and comfortable community in my studio and I give modifications through [ out ] the entire class for all levels . Don ’ t be afraid to try something new .
LBM : Why do you think barre is so popular right now ? MA : Barre workouts are meant to be very low impact . I think that ’ s why it ’ s so popular — it allows everyone at any age to partake in class . It ’ s a challenge for all ages , whether you ’ re 22 or 85 . Plus , it ’ s not only very challenging but [ also very ] fun . The best part [ is ] you feel great when you leave . Nothing should ache or feel painful . You might be quivering a little , but you ’ ll feel amazing and accomplished .
LBM : What makes barre fun ? MA : The music and the energy of the instructor . I love that barre is specifically taught to the beat of the music . It makes the vibe … so much fun .
GEMMA TOTTEN
30 LAGUNABEACHMAGAZINE . COM