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11/4/2024 0 Comments Never Goodbye, but See You Soon! Dearest labarre community, Fall is here, another page turned towards a season of change. Some say it’s a time to prepare for the future. Others say it’s a time to enjoy the harvest, share with others, and save for the next season. We say, why not both? We are certain that you have seen the latest, amazing news as the studio has been transitioned into new ownership and is now owned and managed by my good friend and absolute rockstar, Julie Saccento! We are so proud of everyone at labarre studios for the efforts we put forth in supporting our guests and each other along our fitness & life journeys and none of that will change. After 8 years, I simply decided to transition from owner of labarre studios to passionate founder & observer! Many of you already know Julie Saccento, who has been with us since the genesis of the business as a member in the underground days who graduated to studio instructor, leader and manager. Julie will be taking over the reins and adding to labarre’s legacy, placing her indelible mark on a business she has helped foster and grow. You can read more HERE as she wrote compelling and heartfelt blog which only galvanized why she is THE one to carry on this torch!
 Like you, Julie is committed to the all-important mission of providing a peaceful balance for all guests. “Strength in the body, happiness in the mind, and confidence in the spirit to everyone who steps foot inside our community.” There is NO question that Julie is the right person to lead this business into the next chapter and continue the success that has been paved by love, sweat, and some shakes and quakes too! My husband, Rob, and I are excited to continue to consult with the studio through this year and beyond. Our mission is to make this a seamless transition for all.  During this time, we will be continuing with our succession plans while writing this new chapter and adding to a near decade of work. We are so excited about this next adventure for the equipe and labarre studios. We approach this day as we approach EVERY day here at 1445 The Alameda. It’s a chance to get better, to be innovative and to be a new version of ourselves. We are here to answer any questions you have as we make this exciting transition. With gratitude, kindness & appreciation! ~ la “Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day” Shira Tamir
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 When I walked into my first underground class at labarre back in 2017, I had no idea what to expect, or even what I was looking for. I knew that I needed to focus on taking care of my body and carving out a little time each week to focus on myself. As a mom to 3 children, a wife, a school administrator, a daughter, and a sister coming out of some of the darkest months of my life, I had very little time, space, or energy at the end of each day.
We lost my younger brother tragically and unexpectedly in September of 2016, and to be honest, the months following his passing were a blur while we all tried to pick up the pieces; I attempted to support my children through their grief, my parents through theirs, and survive my own. Exercise and self-care was just about the last thing on my list of priorities. And yet, the universe repeatedly provided me opportunities to find labarre. Amber (Bilak Yip), who I knew because our children attended the same preschool and we served together on the Board, was working towards her Yoga and Barre certifications to become an instructor at a new studio soon opening and invited me to come try it. Although I had never tried barre, I spent my childhood and early adult years in many dance classes, so it seemed like it could be a fit for me. The truth was, as an adult I had never truly found any exercise that I was able to stick with long term. Running had been tough on my joints, and as I got older, I started to just feel like the “old lady” in dance classes. Finally, when a friend gifted me with the labarre basket that she had won in a school auction, I decided to give it a try. My first barre class was on a Saturday morning. I enjoyed it enough to return to the following day. It wasn’t until well into my time at labarre that I realized that the reason I kept coming back for 3, 4, and sometimes 5 classes per week was because it was a space where my focus shifted from my brain to my body, and for one glorious hour at a time I could almost forget about the all-consuming sadness and longing for the life that existed before my brother’s passing. Eventually those hours at the barre began to do more than allow me to forget about real life for an hour; they actually were filling me with a lightness and happiness that I had been desperately missing.
I initially came to labarre because I felt guilty for continuing to live without taking care of my body, but what I grew to learn that is that self-care is so much more than the physical work and outcomes. The greatest impact labarre had on me was the shift to my mindset. And although I hadn’t come for the community, the music, the happiness, the genuine people, the cute leggings, the friendships, or the fun – I found it. Labarre has been my happy place for the past 7 years. Somehow, along the way, Lisa with her magical fairy powers of persuasion, convinced me to try teaching Drumming. Not long after, the world shifted due to COVID and before I knew it, I was teaching Drumming classes in Luna’s tent, becoming Barre certified over Zoom and delivering my Community Discounted classes online and in the Rose Garden while the studio’s doors remained closed. And again, at another challenging time of life, labarre brought me the happiness and connection that I didn’t even realize I needed.  Incredibly, labarre survived the pandemic that closed the doors of many other small businesses, but not without deeply impacting the foundation of the business by forcing the relocation of the studio’s beloved Owner/Founder and her family. Fueled by passion, love, and a dream for this special place, Lisa effectively and inspirationally has continued to lead labarre from afar for the past several years. Last year, she bravely made the difficult decision to embrace a quote by David Choe, the now famous artist whose mural adorns a full interior wall of labarre’s space, and explore the idea of selling her beloved studio.  Indeed, nothing lasts forever. Perhaps that is one of life’s greatest lessons. And so, we look towards the future, embracing this change while holding with gentle strength onto the history and fond memories that brought us to this point. It is with honor, pride, and enthusiasm that I am able to introduce myself as the new Owner of labarre studios, an organization and community that I value deeply and that has brought much joy to my life.
Lisa will remain with us as our beloved Founder and passionate supporter, the loyal and committed instructors and equipe who you know and love are all continuing on with labarre, and I stand ready to build on the legacy and success of labarre while infusing new energy and light into the studio and community that we all adore. I am excited for the future, so “Hold on tightly,” it’s going to be a great ride!
10/15/2024 1 Comment Rae of Sunshine! She’s been a part of the studio for a while now, but we wanted you to formally meet one of labarre’s newest instructors, Rae Sterk! Rae grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, a long way from the coast of California! She ventured even further for college as she attended Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI, where she met her husband, Landon, a Santa Clara native. They returned to California for work as Rae taught English at a nearby school while Landon was a software engineer in the heart of Silicon Valley. Growing up participating in sports as well as ballet and different genres of dance, Rae was active from the get-go. In high school she played softball, golfed and did synchronized swimming, however she wouldn’t define herself as an athlete and notes, “I was always terrified of the gym! But I liked certain forms of exercise, especially low impact ones. While I was in college, there was a barre studio that opened and it offered a student discount.” Always open to new things, Rae decided to try it and connected immediately with the routine.
“I loved the classes and have forever since. Barre has been my favorite kind of workout. It was the first one that wasn’t intimidating. The form came naturally to me because I had danced and grew up doing ballet so I loved it. I loved the music and the people!” After moving to California, Rae knew she would want to keep attending barre classes. She tested out several different studios in the area and then she found labarre in 2021. “It has the best community feel out of any of the studios I had been to and that was what made me stay. I liked that it felt like the ‘right place.’ After being a student for a while I made the leap to become an instructor because I enjoyed it so much. I simply feel filled up when I do it.” Labarre’s community stands out to not only Rae, but to those who are willing to join and more importantly, actively participate. “I just love that everyone is welcome. There are several other places that say everyone is welcome, but labarre proves it. The emphasis on all body types, all ages, the emphasis on diversity, that is unique and it’s not something found everywhere. I haven’t experienced it in other studios.” The studio also offers selection and that was a selling point for the well-rounded Rae. “There are so many different class types as well. I’ve done Bar Method and Pure Barre, and they have some heated options but overall, it’s just barre. At labarre studios we have HIIT, yoga, barre, and you can alternate classes so it adds to the whole-body workout!” The studio space alone offers so much for its members and Rae reflects on 1445 The Alameda with pride.  “It simply feels like a neighborhood place to go. I like how the people I have met there have been really friendly. Being from the Midwest it sometimes is hard to find genuinely friendly people, but they are in abundance here! (and as I write this I agree as I am from Minnesota and have lived in Philly, Kansas City, Denver, Phoenix to name a few places!) Adding to the studio's charm are the talented wellness providers on the premises. “The studio is wonderful and focuses on your body health like other studios do, but here it continues on and focuses on overall wellness.” On the transition from student to teacher, the leap wasn’t so massive for Rae, but she had some doubts at first. “When they offered instructor training, every time I saw it promoted, I had a little tug, like ‘Maybe I could do it!? Maybe I have those skills!?’ Having been a classroom teacher, I know how to be at the front of a room and give direction and have that presence, so that was something that I already had, but I was more nervous about coming up with class structure and workouts because I was so used to having someone come up with it for me. It came more naturally than I expected, and I just love it.”
When not on the studio floor and looking for an escape, Rae and Landon find themselves at home in the kitchen. Cooking and baking are a treat for the couple and while teaching feeds Rae’s soul, Landon’s culinary expertise in the kitchen working with plant based recipes simply feeds the two! Stepping out of the chef role, they both put on their explorer hats. California offers boundless sites to explore, and Rae and Landon are on the go in their down time, visiting all that the amazing state has to offer.
If you are in the area and thinking of taking a class with Rae… don’t hesitate! This Iowan turned Californian will tell you her classes – which will make you shake and quake – are also a great time! “My classes go by fast, and they are fun. You will work every part of your body before my class is over. Even if you come in on a bad or stressful day, by the end, you will be grateful and have a positive outlook. Your mood will change when we are done!” Why not come see Rae? If you know her, you love her as we do and she is waiting for you at labarre 10/31/2023 0 Comments Meet Morgan Goldstein! Morgan Goldstein - Photo by Kellen Zunich If you have been to labarre recently, then you know and love Morgan Goldstein. If you haven’t… well, here’s a chance to meet the student turned instructor and one of the studio's newest leaders on the floor! Morgan grew up in Fremont, California, however, she ventured to the east coast, attending school in upstate New York. Morgan graduated from Ithaca College, studying English and Theater, and continued her academic career in Boston where she continued to study Theater, specializing in Dramaturgy. Finally, to close out her academia, Morgan returned home to Northern California receiving a teaching credential at UC Davis where she put it to good work for nearly a decade, teaching for Fremont and San Jose schools. It’s no surprise to anyone who has spent time with her that Morgan’s creative and imaginative soul shines on in every conversation.
“I tell stories as part of my life,” Morgan exclaims, “even my playlists have some sort of unifying theme to tell a story.” Her insightful views have been a guide for her throughout her path but so has mindfulness for her body and physical fitness. Morgan was a competitive gymnast in high school and notes emphatically that “being a gymnast is truly hard on your joints. When I moved back home, I wanted to find a place to continue my fitness journey.” While eating at a nearby restaurant (shoutout to Zona Rosa!) she noticed labarre studios along with her husband Eric and decided to give it a try! “It was Mother’s Day, 2022 and the studio was offering free classes – it was so fun and so welcoming, and I was so concerned that it would be a bunch of snobby people who all looked the same. But it was diverse and wonderful; it was just a great place!” Morgan continues to evangelize her experience, “So I kept going and was up to 3-5 timer a week and I was loving it. I heard that there was potentially space for more instructors and so I asked Lisa Alberino (labarre’s Owner and Founder) ‘what’s the process because I’d like to contribute as much as I can?’ and Lisa mentioned that training was starting up soon and I jumped right into training and here I am!” That leap meant more to Morgan than just a chance to teach at the studio. The hard work paid off and joining labarre’s equipe (or staff) meant being a part of something she had witnessed first-hand as a member.
“Labarre is like home. People are warm, welcoming and genuine. Both the staff and members are excited to see new people, everyone is cheering for you, and everyone wants you to get stronger and meet your goals. That was very clear to me immediately. I remember people asking me ‘Is this your first, time? You are going to have so much fun!’ They helped me get prepared and even helped me get the right weights and get started. It was just home and as you go more and more you develop these relationships, and they are TRUE relationships. They aren’t just the people I see at the gym, but they are people who I have gone on double dates with, I’ve even had members join me on my bachelorette party! I have made true connections.” She finishes with a smile, “When I go back I am comfortable and I can be who I am and I am celebrated.” Her classes are tough but fun! Her style of teaching is simple, and Morgan explains it in the easiest of terms, “you are going to sweat in my class, and you are going to feel muscles you may never knew you had. We are going to do hard things and we are going to meet challenges! It’s going to be a good time with fun music and that music will take us on a journey.”
As mentioned, Morgan is married, and she was recently wed to the love of her life Eric, this past summer. (Kudos to a killer makeover and tutorial from the fabulous Mercedes! Keep reading for more context!) When not on the floor, Morgan and Eric can be found out and about as they are self-proclaimed “Major foodies and coffee heads.” If you want to know where to get a great cup of coffee, they are a fund of knowledge in this area. They also love to travel, and hiking is in their repertoire no matter what season it is. Of course, they also love craft cocktails and so downtown San Jose hosts their favorite haunts, beginning with Paper Plane. Their family doesn’t stop with the two of them. Parents to some furry friends, the Goldsteins added a new member to the crew! Joining their beloved kitty, “Behomoth” they also adopted a puppy this past summer. Neko makes the family an even four, and now joins the Goldsteins on their adventures! Lastly and maybe the coolest thing to know about Morgan is that she and Eric are big “makers.” “I knit, I spin my own yarn and you may notice that I have a big half sleeve tattoo with a sheep on it … that tells you what you need to know. Eric and I really like to make things.” That creative aspect is so key in everything that Morgan does, and you will feel it when you are around her. She exudes vitality and kindness and mentions that the studio is a place that replicates her positive energy.  “Labarre is going to give you a holistic community. There are a lot of places where you work out and they offer good experiences, however, most of those spots end with the working out piece. Labarre extends past that. People are together, events center around the people there. There are great wellness services that wrap around the entire place. There are pieces of the studio that influenced my wedding (See how Mercedes worked with Morgan to make her even more beautiful right HERE!) and changed the way I celebrated a monumental day of my life… that is what the studio is about. Labarre is truly a community that can touch every part of your life.
Won’t you join us and meet Morgan on the studio floor? To get started, simply click HERE! 8/6/2023 0 Comments Meet Kellen Zunich! If you’ve been to labarre studios recently you have certainly been welcomed by a smiling face that also wears many hats at 1445 The Alameda. Born in South Korea, Kellen Zunich was adopted by her lovely family that started her on a lifetime journey that brought her to the Bay Area. Spending her younger years in Eugene Oregon, Kellen called Ohio home for a little more than a decade before she headed west to live in Santa Clara. Her parents’ career in higher education was the catalyst for the move and her mom was the Dean of the Santa Clara University Law School as well as the acting President of the University for some time. A graduate of Santa Clara, Kellen majored in communications and has put her education to work in the marketing world as a writer, digital marketer, and more! (As a matter of fact, some of the brilliant imagery you see on our Instagram page is a byproduct of Kellen’s marketing chops! Labarre’s location, a mere mile and a half from the beautiful Santa Clara campus happens to also be Kellen’s connect to the equipe. It was at school where Kellen learned of the studio by way of our resident rockstar, instructor Sarah Hays!  “She is one of my favorite humans. We worked together at the school of education and counseling psychology… Sarah was the mom of the office, she was wonderful, everyone was able to run to her for advice and more.” Kellen continues to shower love on one of her mentors and a studio-favorite, “She often would wear her labarre sweatshirt and noted she had to teach a class or run to the studio and so it naturally came up. I was then in touch with Lisa Alberino (labarre’s owner and founder) to do some of the photography for the open houses and with that I was able to enjoy the employee benefits and it kind of just launched from there!” Photography and creativity were only the beginning for Kellen as she quickly decided that teaching at the studio was going to be the next step. You can often see her at the front desk when she’s not delivering shakes and quakes on the studio floor. “This was the first time in any capacity that I have taught…I never even saw this for myself. It’s been really fun… the community itself, people are so welcoming and kind and everyone chats with each other before class. If anyone struggles in class, we make sure people know we are all in this together, it’s been quite a comfortable transition and a great morale booster.”
Kellen has brought that air of acceptance and kindness to her class… but don’t let her fool you, with smiles, comes a little pain as well! “One of my top goals is to get a chuckle out of you, I want to make people comfortable and laugh. But on top of the you will 100% drip and sweat and get a fantastic class in without a doubt every time!” Away from the studio she’s a “Cat-Mom” (Sherlock and Watson), she loves to catch happy hours with her friends, sampling new restaurants with her crew around the Bay Area. In Hayward, CA an oasis of family resides. Kellen enjoys passing time connecting with and at times, spoiling her goddaughters. That family connection is seen in every interaction guests have with Kellen. She brings a positive and open vibe to match the one she feels every day at the studios.
“When guests walk in, they exhale, their shoulders drop, they lock their phones away, and its 45 minutes of just you, your friends, and the ability to relax and get healthy movement going. Whenever I am there, I don’t have to overthink, and that translates to a lot of the guests as well. Greeting guests is part of Kellen’s overall work with labarre as she is not only an instructor, but also our front desk lead and plays the part of training and overseeing our new front desk staff. Kellen is our “hostess with the mostest” striving to deliver the best guest experience every time a guests walks into labarre. Her optimistic view isn’t fleeting or manufactured, its expressed in everything Kellen does. A great example is evident in her favorite saying. “It’s a good day for a good day!” That kindness is shared in wonderful, square remembrances. You see, Kellen is one of the wordsmiths behind the sticky notes often found in peoples footwear post workouts! Although she humbly notes that she can’t take credit for the innovative way to touch hearts, she has certainly fueled the fun.
“The front desk started it while I was a guest, but after seeing some extra pieces of paper, I decided to pick it up and continue it on!”
As a part of the labarre community across the board, Kellen works hard to assure she can take her mentor, Sarah’s Friday classes, but notes “She kicks my butt! Her class is hard, but amazing!” We have taken Sarah’s classes as well and double-stamp the rating of “butt kicking.” If you haven’t taken a class with Kellen, treat yourself! She is a wonderful presence at the studio and a reflective part of her incredible family. Speaking of family, you can catch Kellen’s mom in class… and shoutouts are a regular occurrence if mom is in attendance, so get on the floor and be sure to say “Hi!” to Kellen and her divine mom! 7/14/2023 0 Comments Get Ready to RevIVe! Meet Nancy Moua, the newest addition to labarre studios as we introduce IV Therapy, Regenerative Medicine, and Aesthetics to our already robust wellness team. Nancy, who owns and operates RevIVe Therapy & Aesthetics, is driven and excited to bring her business to 1445 The Alameda for members and guests. “It’s been a long journey.” Nancy begins to tell her story as this California native, born in Orange County and made her way to the Bay Area via the Central Valley continues on. Her passion stemmed from when she was a young girl and watched her grandfather do what he did best, heal.
After 10 years in the healthcare field, the desire to have her own practice continued but Nancy's path remained steady, always hoping she could start her business but hesitating on the path to do so. As in the case of most journeys, there was a bump in the road. Nancy fell incredibly ill during Covid. She felt that she had built up immunity over the decade of serving patients and during 2020, this proved to not be the case. Contracting Covid proved to be an excessive sickness that lasted over 3 weeks, and the symptoms were nothing more than crippling. It affected her every hour of every day and that unfortunate event would be just what she needed as it sparked an epiphany within. Nancy knew, as she rose from nearly a month of pain, that she needed to change, and she had to reinvent how she was living. That’s when Nancy went on a naturopathic journey. She changed the way she ate, she meditated, she demonstrated restraint, and learned to decrease stress by accepting that many things are out of her control so stressing over such things was useless. That disciplined approach led to her hesitating no more. “As I delved deeper into health and wellness, my chronic body pain disappeared, my debilitating abdominal discomfort stopped, my skin cleared, and my autoimmune disorders were no more. It was empowering! I have absolute control of my health today! To me, my journey truly embodied the definition of Holistic. My mind, body, and spirit were all in sync. I want people to know that we truly have control of our health and the choices that we make can either heal you or harm you. I learned to be attuned with my body and I want to educate others how to do the same. Our body is so amazing, strong, and resilient that we often take it for granted. When I think back to my adolescent years, twenties, and thirties, I’m baffled by all the pain I had to endure to reach this point. As a teen, I had a doctor tell me that I got the ‘short end of the deal’ and ‘surgery would help.’ Our healthcare system isn’t focused on health but masking our ailments and making money. It’s unfortunate. This is why I’m so passionate about health and wellness. I cannot wait to help others on their path to healing and feeling their best!”
This led Nancy to become even more deeply educated on her health and the physiology of others. Nancy continued to reflect on her learnings, “From gut health, to insulin, to hormones and how blood sugar can affect us. All the services that I offer, IV hydration, Regenerative Medicine, and Aesthetics, will help to strengthen the immune system and make it more resilient to the environment we live in, decrease inflammation, and promote healing.”
And HERE is the end of her health journey and the beginning of her business, RevIVe Therapy & Aesthetics. “This all happened so I can help others. Everything I went through was to help and heal.” That desire to help others, as her grandfather did, is Nancy’s guiding force and her desire to do so is tangible. RevIVe’s offerings are unique and expansive, but a conversation with Nancy would be the first step and her welcoming attitude, gregariousness, and genuinely comforting approach is what makes her therapy stand out. “I simply want to help people by providing my services. Decreasing inflammation through the therapies I offer will help with autoimmune disorders” Nancy states. IV Therapy is great in combating inflammation and thus helping people on their way to better living. It doesn’t only stop at helping to decrease inflammation, there are options on options! Regenerative medicine is also a specialty in RevIVe’s list of services to help people achieve their wellness goals. “I love what I do, and I care about everyone, that is why I started this business. Come see me and let’s talk about your symptoms, let’s talk about what you are challenged with and I can offer suggestions and solutions. Then we can just go from there! I think what sets me apart from other providers is I listen. I know the questions to ask. My clients come to me because they feel comfortable with me and that makes me thrilled. Offering a safe, enjoyable space with a professional touch is absolutely in the visit.” This weekend, July 15th - 16th you can come connect directly with Nancy and ask the questions that are tailored to your needs. Our open house at the Studio will allow you to see RevIVe’s new space housed at the historic 1445 The Alameda. For more information and learn more about RevIVe Therapy & Aesthetics, email Nancy here or visit RevIVe’s site!  Confession: I’m afraid of makeup. I know, I know. I have two degrees in theatre and went through a major goth phase in high school; how can I be afraid of makeup? Perhaps it’s more accurate to say I’m afraid of regular makeup. If it’s not caked-on to counteract stage lights or provide an outward expression of the darkness of my (teenage) soul, then I’m utterly lost. As a result, my adult, everyday makeup routine consists of a tiny bit of eyeliner and some mascara. Sure, I’ve spent hours scrolling through Instagram, fascinated by the magic of contouring and intricacies of eyeshadow application, but I never believed I could do this myself. Then, I got engaged. I knew from my performing days I needed to wear makeup so that my features would be clear on camera, but my wedding was tiny - 14 people total - and in another state. Finding a makeup artist and using them without a trial seemed stressful, and, frankly, unnecessary. Still, I clearly needed some sort of help, so I turned to the place that I knew always had my back: Labarre Studios.  I knew that Mercedes, the esthetician at Labarre, did great work. She had given me a lash lift before and the results were beyond my expectations. The next time I saw her, I asked about makeup lessons and booked an appointment. Then I went to Ulta and bought every single product the salespeople recommended (#EasilyInfluenced). When the day of my appointment came, I was almost vibrating from nerves. What if I couldn’t figure out a technique? What if Mercedes thought I was hopeless? These fears were unfounded. Mercedes took me through applying a full face of makeup step by step; as she made up the right side of my face, she explained everything she was doing and mentioned some extra tips and alternate techniques that I could use. She was patient, encouraging, and reassuring. With each step, once Mercedes completed her demonstration, I tried to copy her work on the left side of my face. When the lesson was done, I was blown away by how good I looked. My fiancé couldn’t even tell which side of my face was my work and which was Mercedes’! The first test of my new skills came about a month later, at my bridal shower/bachelorette. I thought this could be a good test of how well I remembered the steps and the techniques. My best friend sat in my bathroom as I did my makeup. “I think this is why the kids call it ‘beating your face,’” she joked as I used a sponge to blend my foundation. I took a quick selfie and sent it to Mercedes, who immediately texted back that I had done a great job.  My makeup not only lasted a full day of celebration, but also – to my surprise – was the subject of many compliments. My friends and family, well aware of my general makeup avoidance, were shocked. “Where did you learn to do this?!” they asked.
On the day of my wedding, I was calm. Thanks to Mercedes’ lesson and ongoing support, I knew that my makeup would look great. After I put on my dress, I took a moment alone to look at myself. Reflected in the mirror, I saw exactly what I had dreamed of for my wedding day: me, but polished. I felt beautiful. I felt confident. I felt like Mercedes, along with the entire Labarre community, was there in spirit, celebrating this moment with me. Labarre is not just where I work out; it’s where I am at home. It is this potential to touch every part of our lives that makes Labarre so special.   Labarre is a very special place for me. It has shaped me physically, in ways I never thought possible. I went from a student in the underground days, to an instructor shortly thereafter, and now serve as the Wellness Development Coordinator and Master Trainer. I used to teach doubles and triples when I could. It was thrilling to be in class or in front of the class; both brought me joy. I get that joy in everything I do at the studio, no task too big or small, but in the past year, I have struggled more with my Lupus and Fibromyalgia, even though I’ve lived with both for many years. They seem to be taking a bigger toll on my body when one of them decides to flare up, reminding me of all they are capable of doing to my muscles and joints, to the strange brain fog that can descend strangely and lingers, only to leave just as quickly. These diseases take a toll on my body, often in ways no one can see, and that I don’t like to talk about, except with my closest loved ones. But here is why I share this with you: because even when my body is rebelling against me, when I am teaching or taking a barre or HIIT class, I can still move my body, giving me a sense of control when everything is misfiring inside. Even on particularly bad days, I can still make it to, and through, class. I’m thinking of this in particular today, when my body seems determined to take over and remind me of my limitations— I didn’t grab the heaviest weights, and I had to dial back my energy, but I did it. And I can’t wait to go back again tomorrow morning and the morning after that to move, however much I can, so that my body knows I’m still in charge.
That’s the physical shape (and save) Labarre has given me. But just as important (if not more so) is the emotional way Labarre has shaped me. It has given me a “happy space” for the past 5 years. If you’ve been in the studio, you know what I’m talking about. There is an energy, a brightness that welcomes you the minute you walk through the doors. You know you are there for your wellbeing, you know are welcomed, and you know that you are among friends.  Labarre helps me be creative and silly and joyful by being with “my people”. Everyone who walks into the studio is one of “my people”. If you are reading this, you are “my people”, and I’m so grateful for you. Labarre shaped me, but it’s also saved me. It keeps those little voices in my head quiet. You know the ones: Your thighs look a little dimply. Your belly seems a little big. Those voices that get even louder when you don’t feel well, and your body doesn’t want to work for you the way it used to or the way it “should”. Those dumb voices that you know aren’t real but sometimes just pop up when you least expect them and decided to rent some space for a while.  I struggled for years to love my body. I was a dieter, a compulsive exerciser, emotional eater, and my weight reflected my emotional states throughout my early adult years. I didn’t even begin to start making peace with my body until I was nearly 36 years old. Even now, nearly ten years later, those dumb voices still rise up. They’ve been loud recently, even though they aren’t saying anything truthful. When my physical body rebels, those voices jump in too. But in the midst of hearing those voices, I walk into Labarre and I see “my people” and my people see me. We share our 45 minutes or 60 minutes with each other, offering loving kindness, grace, and encouragement to one another. The voices get quiet after that, for a while, and I am centered. I can see and feel my muscles doing what I want them to do, and I am peaceful. I can feel my strength, and I feel confident. I know that the voices will be evicted soon, and my body will find its way back to balance, even if it takes a while. And through it all, I will have Labarre.
Photo work and imagery provided by Adam Hays Photography 12/3/2022 3 Comments Winter Gratitude! The labarre team welcomes YOU! (photos courtesy Adam Hays) To our valued Members and Guests: I wanted to wait until Thanksgiving had past and we were steaming towards December so I could express my gratitude outside of the convenience of a holiday. Let’s face it… everyday should be a day to give thanks and I wanted to make time to focus on being grateful to those who have rallied to keep the labarre community thriving in even the most difficult of times and circumstances. Life is a blessing, and we can be reminded of this on a daily basis, somedays… multiple times! Making time to be truly thankful is real. We all live busy lives and the hustle and bustle of this world seemingly intensifies this time of the year.  “Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.” ~Jefferson Bethke  Fun fact for the day; expressing gratitude can lower your blood pressure, keep one from getting sick all while helping relationships to grow.
Making time to be thankful can change your outlook on life and here at labarre studios we are on a mission to cultivate an attitude of gratitude! Here’s our gratitude for YOU! Thank you for showing up for classes in-person and virtually. Thank you for choosing a workout in our video library. Thank you for purchasing merchandise and booking appointments with our wellness providers. Thank you for referring your friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances to our studio. Because of this, we are gifting EVERY member and passholder one FREE guest pass to share the gift of fitness and wellness. A gift to share our love for fitness and wellness with our loyal community. So go ahead and pay it forward to anyone you feel needs a little wellness in their day. Share the Love, and from me, my equipe here at labarre and the Alberino family, Thank you for being you. ~ Lisa Alberino, Owner & Founder  Trinidad Pena, a staple at labarre with instructors. photo credit - Adam Hays It’s hard to believe that it has been over a year since I became a certified barre instructor at labarre studios in San Jose, CA. I was invited by Lisa Alberino (Founder and Owner of the Studio) shortly after my instructor certification to write a blog post about my journey from a labarre guest to becoming a certified Instructor. Today I am sharing my story about how labarre saved me during one of the most difficult times in my life. Like so many others, COVID-19 made me pivot in 2020. I was getting ready to open a new apartment complex of nearly 600 units. I was focusing on my overall wellness, and just trying to survive and stay healthy during those truly uncertain times. Fast forward to the beginning of 2021, when someone very close to me started struggling with their mental health and addiction. Simply put, this was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to face. On the outside, I was keeping myself together, however, as I reflect on this, I now realize I had a great deal of fear, anxiety, and sadness. I remember coming to the studio in order to prepare to teach class or even times when I was a participant in class and just feeling like I wouldn’t be able to pull through the work. When the session wrapped up, I felt this sense of ease and peace and I took this as a reminder that I was stronger than I thought and I was going to be okay regardless of what the end result was. We have a popular saying in the studio,’You are stronger than you know’ and this was a truth that took me many years to accept.  Let me share how my life has changed since 2021. When I decided to become a barre instructor, I knew that I wanted to be of service and inspire others along their wellness journey. In the last year, with the unwavering support of my labarre team, countless hours of therapy, and a heck of a lot of reading, I am slowly finding “Trinidad’ again. I never stopped loving myself and who I was, but I was so consumed with my loved ones’ addiction and making sure they were ok that, while trying to control their life, I forgot to put the love and effort into my own.
In the last year of teaching, I have developed more confidence and challenged myself to be more creative. The last few months have also taught me to be gentler and kinder, specifically to myself, and remember that I am doing my best and that's all I can ask of me. If I am lucky enough to have had you in one of my classes, you might have heard me say “set your intention.” I believe that when we live with intention and purpose in our life (or even for 45-minutes!), it allows us to be present and focused on what we are doing now versus 4 hours from now, 24 hours, or even a year later. I still get anxiety, fear, and stress but not at the levels that I used to experience in the past. When those moments bubble up, I ask myself “How do you want feel? What do you want to give? And what do you want to receive?” My loved one is doing better and getting the help they need in their recovery. Personally, I am happy to report that I am doing great as 2022 comes to a close. I recently received a promotion at work, and I have a career that I truly enjoy. I have a beautiful nephew/godson who is turning one and that adds extra joy in my days. I am in the best health and shape of my life, honoring my body’s imperfections, and most importantly I am learning to love myself one day at a time. Thank you labarre studios for creating a space that invites community and support! See you at The Barre!
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