barre3 Offers More Than a Workout

barre3 at Regency Centers' Grand Ridge Plaza

This article was originally published on the Macaroni Kid

When you walk in the door of barre3’s studio at Grand Ridge Plaza, there’s an immediate feeling of great energy—and it’s not just the air conditioning. As barre3 co-owners Heather Kass and Anna McEvers say, “You can start the day dragging your feet, but coming to the studio for a workout changes how you feel. It’s like a magic pill."

barre3 is a national network of locally-owned studios that offer 60-minute classes for both women and men, although close to 98 percent of students are women. The classes combine a dancer’s workout of the ballet barre with yoga and Pilates.

barre3’s Issaquah Highlands studio is nestled in a quiet corner of Grand Ridge Plaza. It’s a local hot spot for getting a great workout—and connecting with great people with positive energy.

“Everyone is welcome here,” explains McEvers. “Our motivating environment offers a strong sense of community, which is helpful when you want to make exercise a regular part of your life. The minimum age is 14 and there is no maximum age. In fact, the barre3 workout can be especially beneficial as you age because it develops good muscle balance that puts you at less risk for injury.”

Jennifer Hagge of Maple Valley, who is new to barre3, echoed McEvers: “Taking my first class was intimidating, but once I got started and connected with the instructors, that anxiety just disappeared. It’s been a very positive experience for me.”

Since opening the Issaquah Highlands studio in 2011, Kass and McEvers report that people come from Carnation, Snoqualmie, Maple Valley, Sammamish and beyond to take classes. barre3 offers classes throughout the day, including early morning and a Happy Hour slot of 4:30 pm. Plus, childcare is available for $5 per child per class at the on-site nursery. Just remember to sign up for childcare when you sign up for a class.