Monthly Interview Spotlight: The Barre Code

With 2016 coming to an end, people are putting off any thoughts of New Year's resolutions so they can enjoy one…more…bite. And with all the holiday indulgences to be had, it's no wonder "get in shape" tops most people's list of January to-dos.

But you don't have to wait for the New Year to get a jump on your resolutions. If you just can't stand the idea of taking another step on your gym’s evil stair-stepper or the treadmill's run to nowhere, The Barre Code in the Dallas Design District could be your answer. 

We caught up with The Barre Code Dallas – Design District owner Lori Lesniewski to learn more about her studio and why her clients keep coming back for more.

Dallas Design District: What do you love about having a studio in the Dallas Design District?

The Barre Code: I love being a part of the Design District community! It’s small but vibrant and full of lots of hidden gems. I’m excited to see all the development going on, and I’m so proud to be a business owner in such a thriving community.

DDD: How does The Barre Code Design District studio differ from TBC’s other locations?

TBC: Our Design District studio was only the third franchise location for TBC and the first in Texas. As the brand continues to grow, approaching 40 locations nationwide in 2017, it’s important to maintain consistent standards. Most studios, while cosmetically different, offer the same class formats, though new studios start with fewer classes and add on as they grow. There are slight differences in studios but for the most part, you can expect a similar experience at each TBC location.

DDD: What sets The Barre Code apart from other barre studios?

TBC: The Barre Code is definitely not your ordinary barre studio. It’s more than just an awesome fitness program; we offer an experience, a community and a way of life. At TBC we focus on positivity, not about what you have to lose but what you have to gain and work on building strength from the inside out. We’ve built a community where women feel welcome and accepted but still challenged to be the best version of themselves.

We’re very different from most barre studios in the variety of classes we offer. We’ve taken the barre concept and applied it to several different exercise disciplines to provide a one-stop shop for cardio, strength training and restoration. Plus, our class routines and props change weekly, so we’re always keeping our clients on their toes — literally.

DDD: Tell us about the different kinds of classes/workouts you offer at the studio. What about seasonal classes and/or class locations (e.g., Barre in the Park)?

TBC: At our DDD studio, we offer seven different types of classes encompassing barre, HIIT, boot camp, cardio dance, yoga, BarRestore and, our most popular, brawl kickboxing. We also do a lot of community classes throughout the year such as Brawl & Brews at Texas Ale Project, Brawloween for Breast Cancer at HG Supply and Barre in the Park at Klyde Warren Park. Follow us on social media for the most up to date info on these community classes.

DDD: What advice do you have for barre beginners looking to get started or ease into a regular barre routine? 

TBC: We welcome all shapes, sizes and fitness levels, so no need to ease in, though we do recommend starting with our traditional barre class, Barre Code, which is the foundation for all our class formats. Our instructors will offer modifications throughout class and encourage you to go at your own pace while still motivating you to do more than you think you can.

DDD: What does it take to become an instructor at The Barre Code?

TBC: We prefer some type of fitness or dance background, but the most important thing we look for in our instructors is a passion for The Barre Code. Most of our instructors were actually members who fell in love with the program and wanted to change women’s lives like their own had been changed.

DDD: When it comes to the craziness of holiday season, how do you and your staff stay motivated to maintain a regular workout schedule and make healthy eating/lifestyle choices?

TBC: Our classes are addictive, so staying motivated to work out is not hard. But the holidays do come with extra temptations, so we offer a couple of special classes during this time to burn off those additional calories. We’re offering our annual 75-minute boot camps: Turkey Tone & Torch at 10:30AM on Black Friday and our Last Blast of 2016 at 10:30AM on December 31.

DDD: What are your go-to healthy eating spots in the Dallas Design District? What about when you want to splurge?

TBC: Ascension is definitely the place where we spend most of our time in the Design District, whether it’s for java, food or wine. It’s the perfect meeting spot. Rodeo Goat would be the ultimate splurge, but we especially love our monthly Will Tuck for Tacos happy hours at El Bolero. They have lots of healthy options but their sangria and green salsa are the best!

DDD: Finish this sentence: “Every barre class should be…”

TBC: Challenging but fun!

With cardio, strength training, HIIT and more, you can't go wrong with The Barre Code. Don't wait until January. Get ahead of all that holiday partying so you can show off your barre body by the time the New Year rolls around.