FROM NY to CA!

​It’s time to introduce Anthea Beckles - our vibrant, passionate instructor straight from the Empire State.  Moving years ago to California to be with her now husband, Anthea has made greater shifts than just traveling 3300 miles west.
 
In her prior life, Anthea was a headhunter for decades, owning an executive search firm on Wall Street in New York City.  She worked fast and she was nimble, making massive decisions for her company and clients.  Her move out west allowed her to slow life down and focus on her mind, body and spirit.
 
Shortly after moving to Cali, however, she was in a horrific car accident. 
 
“I had very horrible injuries” Anthea recounts. “I took yoga to replace physical therapy and I was preparing to face surgery but instead, I tried hot yoga and simply did so for the heat.  I just would lay there and enjoy the heat and didn’t care if people were staring.  It made me feel better and eventually I began to do poses and get more involved.”
 
Anthea became so involved that her love for yoga escalated into becoming certified in multiple disciplines of it.  This changed her life and thus, her wellness journey had begun.  “I experienced a clearer mind, I had weight loss of 30 pounds and I felt great.”
 
The shift had happened and this NY girl was becoming a NorCal girl quickly!
 
“In the past, I Had to blow my hair out, wear navy blue suits, pearls and heels.  Now I wear my hair naturally curly, yoga clothes and flip flops.  (she says with a gleaming smile) I’m very comfortable in my skin.”
 
As she continued on her journey, barre was the next milestone.
 
“I had heard about barre and thought it was something for ballerinas!  But its for everyone… yogis, athletes, so I became very interested.”
 
That interest followed with Anthea answering a call for instructors to labarre studios.
 
“I met Lisa and wondered, ‘where was this my whole life!?’ I connected with Lisa immediately.  Came in and met with her (Anthea snaps her fingers!) and instantly liked her spirit and energy and she came across as a kind and open person… we connected right away.”
 
Anthea will join the ranks of the incredibly talented and versatile labarre studios’ team and her understanding of what a good instructor should be is very simply, spot on.
 
“Number one for me is to not allow your ego to get in the way.  You are a vessel and you are there for support, guidance and your guests.  Motivation, support, encouragement - if you keep that in mind you will be the best instructor you can be” Anthea states with confidence.
 
If you peek in on one of her classes you will likely hear neo-soul, pop, house, oldies and even some rock & roll.  You may hear her and the students singing to the music and having lots of laughs!  Anthea loves to make her classes entertaining, but don't misconstrue the fun as a way to escape getting a hard workout in! She is determined to help her students sculpt their bodies and transform so prep yourselves for a serious workout!
 
Welcome to the family Anthea!!