Raising the ‘Barre’ in keeping fit
Four years ago the term ‘Barre’ may have been met with blank stares or a raised eyebrow in fitness circles. Now, thanks to the founder of the boutique fitness studio, Barressential, Narendra ‘Nare’ Bandaranayake, the novel workout method has grown rapidly in popularity.
Nare was first drawn to Barre, a technique inspired by elements of Ballet, Yoga and Pilates during her time navigating the banking world in London. Even while working a 15-hour day job, Nare made time to attend a regular Barre class. She explained that out of the many challenging and diverse workouts available, she found Barre the most effective for her as it focused on strength, stability, was low impact, complementary to other types of workouts and, perhaps most enticing, ‘perfect for people who love working out and even those who don’t.’
Dedicated team (L-r) : Lakna, Matheesha, Narendra and Dinely
Nare returned to Sri Lanka in 2016, still enamoured with her experience with Barre and Pilates in London and with a keen interest in starting a business of her own. Having a personal need for the kind of Barre and Pilates experience she received abroad, and failing to find anything like it in Sri Lanka, she decided to pursue a certification as a Barre and Pilates Instructor.
From instructing clients at her own home, Barressential has soared to new heights after opening its studio door to clients on Thimbirigasyaya Road. On her vision for the studio, Nare says, “The concept is of a high end premium offering that makes you really want to exercise. It fits into that lifestyle of something luxurious and it makes you want to come back often because it’s something that you enjoy, it’s something to look forward to and that’s what exercise should be about.”
The studio provides classes in Barre, Mat Pilates and its most unique offering, Reformer Pilates. The first of its kind in the country and the only establishment offering Reformer Pilates for fitness in group settings, Barressential’s Reformer Pilates is performed with the use of a reformer machine, an apparatus with a flat platform that rolls back and forth on wheels. It’s used under the direction of an instructor with springs and straps for resistance to achieve proper stabilization and strength in an organized way and is also an ideal way to enhance flexibility.
Narendra Bandaranayake
“All three forms of exercise are precise, gentle yet hard hitting and never boring,” says Nare, adding that clients can see benefits emerge within as little as four classes if they remain determined and attend classes regularly. Anyone looking for an encouraging word to go with their workouts will enjoy the Barressential team’s style of instruction which creates an environment where clients are uplifted through positive reinforcement. Nare says that in addition to the many physical benefits from taking part in Barre and Pilates, clients can also walk away from a class feeling mentally invigorated, having accomplished a thorough workout.
Nare’s appreciation of Barre and Pilates has only continued to grow since making the transition from client to instructor, recognising “the amount of effort it takes to run one of those classes is immense.” She adds,“The knowledge of anatomy, the knowledge of how things should be done and the level of energy that is required, the level of extrovertism that is required to be an instructor – I really appreciate that in my own instructors as well.” She’s supported by a team of four other instructors. Like herself, some of her current team members have made the same transition from client to instructor.
When advertising for instructors Nare often found some of Barressential’s clients were interested in taking up the responsibility and representing the studio. She remarks on the commitment and dedication displayed by her team–some of them who work as part time instructors while still balancing the responsibilities of their fulltime occupations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has flipped the fitness industry on its head and the studio closed just prior to the Government imposed lockdown in March last year but after just four days they shifted back into gear and pivoted to delivering regular online classes to clients. “We cannot afford to be a point of contagion,” explains Nare. In an environment where clients would share gym equipment and be in close proximity with one another, what little was known about the virus at the time was enough for her to decide that closing the studio would be the most responsible action. Despite this despondent time, the Barressential team were able to build trust in the community by addressing concerns directly, keeping clients informed and delivering classes online through Instagram Live and Zoom.
“With online sessions your skillset completely changes, you can’t touch the client and you can’t make proper eye contact – little things you rely on to teach disappear,” she says. Changing mindsets became another task for the studio during lockdown. Some resistance was felt when it came to trusting instructors to deliver the same level of guidance over virtual methods but facing this additional challenge without hesitation, Nare was happy to share that virtual sessions became and still are in high demand with several existing and new clients tuning in regularly from home to follow Barressential’s classes.
Those looking to get the Barressential experience in person can feel reassured knowing the team is taking every precaution necessary to keep all occupants safe. Using her background in Science as a graduate of King’s College London with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Nare is always on the lookout for ways to mitigate risks.
While gyms are allowed to operate at 50% capacity, Barressential has made the decision to operate at 30% capacity to maximize the safety of staff and clients. The studio’s sessions, so popular that back to back sessions were required, have also been spaced out to a morning session and an evening session. Where a back to back session can be scheduled, the team follows a strict 30 minute wait period to ventilate the rooms completely and disinfect equipment thoroughly. Those visiting the studio are also subjected to required health checks.
“It’s a very hard place for small businesses to be in because you’re compelled to protect your employees and your clients. You shouldn’t haphazardly open and allow people to come in and do business just because they may want to,” Nare points out.
For more information, see www.barressential.com or follow the studio on instagram @barressential.