Usually when you hear the word “franchise” you think fast food and a lack of creativity. However, in the case of the new barre3 in Four Points, the word “franchise” directly relates to creative passion and personal health.
Sarah Regier started attending barre3 classes in Austin and like many others fell in love. Sarah became so impassioned with the barre3 fitness method that she decided to take the leap and become an owner of a studio, which was an option through the company’s franchise program.
Now for those of you unfamiliar with a barre3 class let me tell you, from personal experience, it will kick your butt. Literally.
The class is based on yoga, Pilates, and ballet. And I’ll just say you will have a new-found respect for those dainty ballerinas. Those tiny dancers will seem like ninja warriors to you as you leave your first class telling yourself you will be mentally prepared next time to conquer all that is barre3 … and those socks you had to buy at the front desk won’t go to waste.
It’s one thing to become a regular class attendee, quite another to want to make barre3 your life. LTL caught up with the Four Points studio owner to find out how she went from barre3 lover to barre3 franchisee.
LTL: What is your fitness background and how did you become involved in barre3?
Sarah: I have been physically active my entire life. I grew up in southern California (San Diego) where I spent most of my time outdoors staying active — while also dancing, playing sports, running, taking group fitness classes, and then eventually teaching group fitness classes.
I started teaching group fitness classes in southern California over 21 years ago while attending California State University, Long Beach majoring in Liberal Studies (Elementary Education) with a minor in Health, Physical Fitness, and Life Management. After graduating from CSULB, I taught elementary school for 7 years while continuing to teach group fitness classes.
When our first son was born 10.5 years ago I left the classroom to focus on raising our son. We moved to Austin in 2007 and had our second son shortly after moving here.
I continued to teach group fitness classes in Austin and knew that when our boys were a little older I wanted to go back to working full time, but was not convinced it would be back in the elementary school classroom, as fitness was always a passion and something I knew I could see myself pursuing deeper in the future.
Enter barre3 … I discovered barre3 in 2012 and immediately fell in love. I embraced the amazing workout, the warm community, and the innovative approach to whole-body health. I soon became a barre3 instructor and decided I wanted to grow with the company and bring barre3 closer to my community.
As a resident in Steiner Ranch I saw the great need and opportunity to bring barre3 to the Four Points community. I could not be more thrilled with our barre3 Austin- Four Points location at the Trails at 620!
LTL: What makes barre3 different from other workout routines?
Sarah: Barre 3 is a low-impact, full-body, safe, effective, and challenging workout. Barre3 is truly for everyone! We offer modifications and options for every posture in class; regardless of your experience or age, everyone can do barre3. From marathon runners, to dancers, to athletes, to pre/post natal moms, to anyone recovering from an injury, barre3 is accessible for everyone.
Barre3 is different and unique from any other workout in that we are constantly challenging our clients in every single workout. Every class is different — in postures and music to always challenge and never bore our clients.
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, we encourage and embrace modifications. In every workout we work in both small and large movements and we always incorporate restorative stretching to help lengthen our muscles and bodies.
We incorporate the grace of ballet, the wisdom of yoga, and the strength of Pilates to deliver an effective and unique workout.
We believe in functional training; strengthening you body to be successful in your daily activities and long term postural and health benefits. You will leave your workout feeling stronger, refreshed, energized, and balanced.
LTL: What is the barre3 community like in Austin?
Sarah: Our barre3 Austin-Four Points community is a warm, inviting, positive, and supportive community. It is a home away from home and a place where you can be taken care of and encouraged.
It has been so rewarding to watch this community grow from all of the “pop up” and underground classes I taught 6+ months before opening throughout the Four Points area. Our community has connected neighbors, friends and strangers and built friendships while everyone is getting healthier and happier.
LTL: Tell us about your philosophy in opening a barre3 in the Lake Travis community.
Sarah: I have lived in the Four Points/Lake Travis community for 8.5 years and have seen the great need for a barre3 studio. With my vast experience in the fitness industry, education, and being so involved in our community, I know that I can be a positive and supportive studio owner and leader in fitness in our community.
I want everyone to feel empowered, supported and successful in our workouts and have a goal of helping improve our clients’ whole body health. I have dreamed of owning a studio and when I found barre3 I knew I wanted to share it with everyone.
I believe in our workout, community, and approach to whole body health. I know that the community in Four Points/Lake Travis will embrace barre3 and the balanced lifestyle and focus it will bring to our community.
Barre3 believes in giving generously and giving to our community. I am looking forward to getting more involved with the residents and local businesses in our Four Points/Lake Travis area.
We have a lot of families in our area and our on-site child care in our “Play Lounge” is a wonderful option at our studio for busy parents. We we will take great care of your children while you (parents) take time to take care of you and get in an amazing workout.
Sarah’s barre3 is located at 8300 N FM 620 #200 and you can reserve a space in one of her classes here.
What a great article on barre3 and Sarah! This is a wonderful addition to the Four Points and Lake Travis area. I wish her the very best success!