Claudia Takes Center Stage!

Meet Claudia who has spanned several countries en route to taking center stage at labarre studios!  Claudia hails from Belgium, and has spent time in South Africa and Saudi Arabia – before heading to the United States to go to school.  While in the States, Claudia met her husband, Anthony, and decided to call it home!
 
Claudia’s US journey began in Pasadena, CA where she attended community college and eventually decided to attend UC Santa Barbara where she earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics.

Putting her education to work, Claudia currently works in finance at Proof Point, a cyber security company in San Jose.  However, as an avocation, it was only recently that Claudia made the move from attending barre classes to leading them.

“I have always been a runner and love to get out and about and it was a great way to relax from doing work.”  Claudia explained that running turned to barre fitness when she was enlightened by a friend about the discipline. “My friend had really toned arms and I asked, ‘How’d you get your arms to look so great?’ She turned me on to barre immediately.”

A year and half ago, Claudia and Anthony, moved to the beautiful Rose Garden neighborhood of San Jose which is only a few blocks from The Alameda, where our studios are located.  
 
“I decided to check out labarre and did a year of classes there. I loved it and this year one of my bucket list items was to become a trainer and so I went ahead and did it!”
 
How does Claudia feel now that she is in front of everyone as opposed to among them? “I get nervous before every single class,” Claudia admits, “but after the class I am on cloud nine.”

“I instruct the same way that I am,” Said Claudia (and notes that some of her students tease her for being too ‘in charge’ at times.)  “It’s funny because I decided to become an instructor to boost my confidence and become more comfortable and it has absolutely helped with that.  I can think more clearly and think ahead much better because of the instruction and the classes!”
 
Claudia has fit in well and her classes will most certainly get you moving.  “If you really like to exercise and get your heart pumping in a group environment, labarre is a great place to be a part of.  You will see how your body will change and it is remarkable in a short period of time to see how much you can prove to yourself and to see how your mentality will change. You can have a bad day at home or work, come to labarre and walk out invigorated.”
 
Finance and fitness aren’t the only things that drive Claudia.  She enjoys being out and about and list some of her favorite things as traveling, running and loving Bella, her husband’s dog that she has more than adopted.

Like many of our loyal members, what drew Claudia to labarre was the convenience, location and accoutrements of the nearly 3-year-old studio space. Claudia expressed, though, that the physical aspect of the space was only a small piece of why she is part of the labarre family.  
 
“The vibe at the studio … I love how it is.  The teachers and Lisa are so invested in the people.  As far as I am concerned, Lisa really made it easy and held my hand to make me successful.  She was super receptive and set time aside and it’s hard to find people like that.”
 
Claudia, we agree and it is also hard to find great instructors but you are now among that group as the equipe of labarre is stronger with you on staff!

Come take a class with Claudia right here.