Guest Spotlight – Mary Koukkari

​I remember the day I met Mary.  She walked into our underground location with a Minnesota Vikings fleece on and I knew immediately that we would hit it off!  She shared with me that she hadn't been able to connect with any fitness studios in her area and heard about labarre from a good friend. ​After her first class at labarre she was glowing and she proceeded to purchase one of everything we had for sale in our little store.... even a coffee mug!  From that day on Mary has been a staple at labarre.

She now brings along her daughter, Lia, who has connected and fit in beautifully with the community at labarre.  As much as I love Mary, however, I have asked one of our wonderful members to chime in as well.  I asked founding member, Jen Horne, to say some nice things and she was glad to contribute!
 
“Mary and I have been friends for nearly 20 years now. She is the most down to earth person I know and she has a heart of gold, which I attribute to her Midwestern roots. She always puts her family first and is a tremendously loyal friend.  It’s been wonderful experiencing labarre together and watching Mary grow as a person. She’s taking more personal risks to achieve greater balance in her life. I am very proud of her and truly grateful for our friendship.”
 
What a wonderful addition to the Guest Spotlight (Huge hug to Jen!)  Now its time to learn more about out star!

​Mary Koukkari 
 
Place of Birth:             Decorah, Iowa
Occupation:                 Home CEO
 
Hobbies?
Running, singing, photography and traveling!
 
Tell us about your family!
Married to Mark Koukkari for 21 years now!  Lia (13 years old), Rhys (10 years old).
 
My favorite meal is…
Mark’s spaghetti made with tomatoes from our garden!
 
Where I like to visit…
I have been fortunate to travel quite a bit in my life thus far, yet I don’t have a favorite spot.  France, Italy and Spain are high on the list, yet I also enjoy going to Mexico.  I also love going back to Iowa and Minnesota to visit my siblings and extended family.

Fun Facts!!
We are huge fans of the San Jose Sharks and the Minnesota Vikings!  We like to ski together and typically spend at least a week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico annually.
 
Why is fitness important to you?
Fitness has been a huge part of my life since high school.  To me, fitness makes a bad day better and elevates a good day to a great one!  I find that it makes me feel good and helps me to see life with a positive perspective.  It truly completes my day.
 
My fitness goals are…
My goals are to balance out my labarre classes and running and at the same time maintain the household and other responsibilities.  I also need to start drinking more water!
 
The most important thing to me is..
Being healthy and having a loving family are important to me.  I also cherish friendships and am grateful to God for the incredible life I have been given.
 
One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…
Through the many barre classes that I have taken in the past six months, the greatest thing that I have learned is to BREATHE.  Taking a few deep breaths when I am stressed, frustrated or worried has helped me greatly.

​The thing I am most proud of is…
The thing I am most proud of these past months is joining labarre!  This place has become my second home.  It has given me a whole new lease on life!  I have so enjoyed getting to know Lisa and her equipe and have just met so many wonderful people.