TDF Magazine Vol. 2 | Page 5

When I started to train all three groups of participants in the same class while teaching in the kinesiology department at Georgia State University (GSU), I noticed that each type of person struggled with different aspects of movement due to muscular imbalances that stemmed from their previous physical training. However, I found that the biggest challenge was the barre itself. Ideally, each person would have his or her own barre that was much shorter than the standard 36’ (91.44 cm). This way the personal barre could truly be used as a balance tool and could help correct squat and lunge technique. I wanted it to be easily moved and be used for stretching by almost anyone. I was introduced to the Lebert Equalizer, and LeBarre was born! 4. How would you describe LeBARRE to instructors who have not experienced this class yet? Take the hottest trend in dance-inspired conditioning, ballet barre training, combine it with “makesense progression” and the Lebert Equalizer, and you have a barre-based format suitable for every level of exerciser... LeBARRE! A workout like no other, LeBARRE combines Balance, Agility, Resistance, (working) Recovery, and Eloquence into a full body workout that is deceptively challenging. Complete with a unique cueing strategy designed for every level of exerciser, participants will learn to use the Equalizers in a whole new way and add a new dimension to group fitness! No dance experience, pink tights, or shoes required! 5. Many of our TDF Magazine readers have aspirations of becoming group fitness instructors in the near future. Is LeBARRE a certification and class appropriate for new exercise instructors? Is dance experience necessary? The LeBARRE Instructor Training Course is an 8-hour workshop designed to teach instructors to teach the format and is what is considered a Specialty Certificate. It provides instructors with continuing education credits for AFAA, ACE, and canfitpro but will not replace a primary group fitness certification, which EVERY INSTRUCTOR should have. LeBARRE is instructor-friendly with an on-going instructor portal designed to elevate everyone’s instructional skills. It is a GREAT format for new instructors, especially since it does not require the instructor to memorize a bunch of choreography. Dance experience is not necessary as long as you can squat and lunge on the beat, you can teach LeBARRE!