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September 14, 2025
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Greetings Barre Bae,
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I hope you enjoy this upcoming final week of summer. Autumn Equinox is September 22. As we shift into fall, I hope you are settling into the new season and finding sustainable ways to consistently hold yourself in care. Whether that be committing to getting outside several times a week, locking in with a movement schedule that works for you and not against you, or finally making time for daily meditation like you've been wanting to, I'm here to cheer you on. In addition to barre classes, I do offer wellness coaching for folx who would like to add in an extra layer of support with their wellness goals or concerns. Feel free to email me to schedule a call.Ā 
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This week we're meeting Michelle in a member spotlight, registering for the two for one retreat special, and taking our cardio up a notch.
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member spotlight
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Meet Michelle
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Seen here on the right with her sister, Millie (also an FBW member) headed to see the Backstreet Boys!
FBW: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
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M: Iā€™m a local artist living in El Cerrito and I have several murals around the East Bay in Berkeley and Oakland! I love to cook and share meals with friends/loved ones during the weekends. During the weekdays youā€™ll find me spending time at home with my husband, sister, and two precious cats. I havenā€™t worked out in over 5 years and Iā€™ve started practicing barre at FBW for the last couple of months. Excited to continue barre and get my health back on track!
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FBW: What is your favorite thing about practicing barre?
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M: Practicing and learning barre has been such a joyful challenge of slowing down and feeling all those burns and shakes! Itā€™s a time I can gift to myself to reconnect with my body.
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FBW: What makes barre different from other modes of movement you do/have done?
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M: Pulsing and slower movements have been the biggest difference Iā€™ve noticed. Even though the movements
are slower and controlled, itā€™s a full body workout!
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FBW: What would you tell someone considering trying barre at FBW?
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M: I would highly recommend barre at FBW for any individuals looking to start/continue their health journey with high intensity but low impact workouts and support a BIPOC woman-owned small business! Iā€™ve felt so safe and welcomed in a diverse and inclusive space.
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FBW: Whatā€™s the biggest thing youā€™ve noticed since starting your barre practice?
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M: After every session Iā€™ve noticed that Iā€™m building muscle strength and feeling stronger!
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FBW: Anything else youā€™d like to share with the FBW community about barre in general or my classes specifically?
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M: Itā€™s been such a pleasure to workout with Erica! Sheā€™s an incredible instructor that keeps each class fresh and supportive for all body types. I admire her strength and passion for her work and students.Ā 
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Our intent with Reset on the River from the very beginning was to offer something accessible to the folx we are in community with. It's important for Megan, Michelle, and I to have everyone who wants to attend the retreat, attend the retreat. We do not want the price point to be the reason you do not join us.
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This is why we are offering a special two for one deal on shared rooms for the last few spots available.Ā 
We're hoping half off to attend with a loved one will help make the retreat more affordable for those who have been on the fence because of the cost.
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We also know that many folx just want to escape on their own and do not want to share a room. Additionally, there's a special $200 off discount to anyone who would like to roll solo to the event.
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Spaces are limited. Please reply directly to this email if you are interested in either the two for one special or the discount for single participation. These specials are available until September 19.
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For more details about the retreat, please click here.
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Thursdays are for barredio!
I don't know about you, but I am ALWAYS trying to find creative ways to get my cardio in. Getting the heart rate up is crucial for our cardiovascular health.Ā 
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Cardio can look very different depending on your goals and interests. Like all movement, the key is about finding something you like enough to stay consistent.Ā 
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What I love most about barre is its versatility. It can be slow and controlled like Pilates. It can be more flowy like yoga. And it can be turned up several notches to get that cardio sweat!
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With the success of the 30 minute summer ā€œLunch Breakā€ classes and my own personal need for more cardio, I've dedicated Thursday's classes to what I lovingly call BARREDIO: 30 minute movement sessions that are faster paced, still barre-based, but aimed to keep our heart rates up for the duration of class.
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Expect foundational, low-impact barre moves paired with cardio circuits that allow us to still focus on form while get our sweat on.
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These classes pack a punch and are an efficient way to get in both strength and higher intensity cardio at the same time. The extra endorphins are just the icing on the cake!
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Pass it onā€¦
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Do you know someone who is looking for an inclusive wellness community and would appreciate FBW content? Please forward this newsletter on to them.Ā 
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thank you for being part of the fbw community
xo, EO
Erica Obando, Founder/Instructor

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LAUREL LN & MAY RD
El Sobrante/Richmond, California 94803, United States

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