FBW: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

 

D: I live, work, and parent my tween daughter in Concord. I’ve been lucky to work in child care and education across California. Like so many folks during the pandemic, I also took up gardening and find myself looking for reasons to just get my hands dirty and observe the changing blooms.

 

FBW: What is your favorite thing about practicing barre?

 

D: I love the feeling of a good reset, and barre really provides that for me. Erica has a way of setting the ambiance and grounding me in my body through her guidance. Being present throughout a perfected 50 minute playlist and a natural pace, while outdoors, has helped me clear whatever I came into class carrying and reset, helping me to be more intentional and present in general.

 

FBW: What makes barre different from other modes of movement you do/have done?

 

D: I really like the combination of yoga, ballet, and therapeutic movement. There’s a surprising amount of coordination, balance, and strength building that I hadn’t anticipated, but really appreciate… throw some ballet in and a beautiful backdrop with an occasional visit from Bambi and I am set.

 

FBW: What would you tell someone considering barre at FBW?

 

 

D: It has been the most accessible and welcoming space and community - I loved that it was a small group of us and outdoors. Joining via Zoom also means that on days that I can’t go in person, I can still join in from my own backyard. Erica made it easy to try barre, but the during/after feeling that carries me through the week is why I return and tell anyone that’ll listen.

 

FBW: What’s the biggest thing you’ve noticed since starting your barre practice?

 

D: Intentionality in my movement - and strength. As a single homeowner I’m regularly lifting, climbing, and fixing things. Since starting barre, I notice that I’m more mindful in my movement, which helps me to mitigate injury and feel stronger. I’m someone who really needs to disconnect to reconnect and barre serves both objectives - disconnect from the day to day distractions and to-dos, reconnect with my body, while enjoying time with friends and a great playlist to boot?! Getting to join Erica’s class is a gift! Thank you for creating this space and making it real.

 

FBW: Anything else you’d like to share with the FBW community about barre in general or our classes specifically?

 

D: Friends and family who’ve also joined FBW have consistently shared with me that they feel good after class and there really is something about the post barre feeling, she really has a unique formula that I’m grateful to get to experience and share with loved ones. 

01

Exposure to sunlight naturally boosts vitamin D absorption. Vitamin D deficiencies have been most notably linked to depression. 

02

So many of us spend the bulk of our day inside. We often need to make a conscious effort to get some fresh air throughout the day. Moving in outdoor green spaces naturally decreases our blood pressure and increases our serotonin (the happy hormone) levels. 

03

Backyard barre is known to get a deer visitor or two at some point during class. Gazing up at the clouds, embracing a gentle breeze during a challenging sequence, or appreciating the sunset during final stretches are things we just can't get with an indoor workout.

04

Switching up our surroundings, especially when being out in nature, inspires creativity. Productivity increases and focus sharpens when we change our environment.

05

Studies have shown that no matter your mode of movement, mental health improves when you do it outside. Moving in nature, or “green exercise,” helps decrease feelings of stress and anger, lowers tension, and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.