Our Story
We have had an amazing first week at Towne Barre. It is literally our dream come true and we're still pinching ourselves. Several people who visited us this week asked about our backgrounds and how we got here, so we wanted to share our story with you!
While Anne Marie's background is in dance and Pilates, and Tammy was trained as a Physical Therapist, we both developed a love for barre many years ago. We noticed changes in our bodies- not only in the way we looked, but the way we felt. Muscles were carved, spines were lengthened, and cores were strengthened. More importantly, back and neck pain that we had both experienced as young mothers and runners, was significantly reduced. We were hooked- and we wanted to share this amazing workout with others.
After several years of working together and joking about how amazing it would be to open our own studio, that dream became a reality. The ease with which everything happened made us realize that this was meant to be. We wanted to create a beautiful space where everyone felt welcome, no matter their fitness level. We truly believe that the combination of barre and Pilates is the prescription for not only a healthy body, but a healthy mind.
What are barre and Pilates??? It's ok to ask...a lot of people thought we were going to be slinging cocktails! At the foundation of both of these is core strength. When we refer to core, we mean not only the abdomen, but the entire spine, shoulder girdle, hips and pelvis. By maintaining a strong core, we keep our spine supported and healthy and we are able to use the rest of our body more efficiently and with less risk of injury. Hand in hand with core strength, we place a great deal of emphasis on spinal alignment, postural awareness, and muscle balance.
In barre, we use small, precise movements with minimal resistance, but TONS of reps! It is a low impact class (i.e. you won't get too sweaty!), but requires intense focus and awareness. Props are minimal and include mats, balls, dumbbells, and straps or bands. We work the major muscle groups to failure (think shaking thighs!), and then we stretch them to keep them long, lean, and healthy. We offer modifications and challenges during EVERY class in order to cater to everyone regardless of their experience level.
Pilates is an exercise technique developed by Joseph Pilates that was originally used to rehabilitate dancers. Here at Towne Barre, we use the Pilates Reformer in either private or semi-private sessions. While much of the Pilates equipment looks like medieval torture devices, we promise your experience will be nothing but pleasant. The Pilates Reformer uses springs for both assistance and resistance in exercises designed to strengthen both core and postural muscles in a lengthened state.
The combination of these two disciplines will create a body that is lean, strong and prepared for a lifetime of activity. Don't hesitate! Join us this week and begin your journey to a better body and balanced life. Check the schedule below for times to cozy up to the barre!
https://townebarre.pike13.com/schedule#/list?dt=2018-10-22<=staff
Tammy and Anne Marie