labarrestudios

“Meet Elizabeth!”

doug@hellowalla.com (Doug Hecht) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:43:23 GMT

There have been some big changes in the studio in the past few months but one thing remains the same - our lineup of talented and mindful instructors who make up labarre’s equipe remains strong!

The list continues on with one of our newest team members, Elizabeth Striebeck, who has been a part of the equipe since January of 2025.

Born on the central coast of California, Elizabeth made her way to the Bay Area to attend San Francisco State University. Getting her undergrad (liberal studies) and master's degree (art history) at SFSU, this Gator loved the area so much that she made it her home. Remaining in the Bay meant she would also meet her husband of 24 years, Mark, and they would make San Jose their home along with their son Peter (20) and daughter Renate (18).

Sharing her fitness journey, Elizabeth was no stranger to keeping her body healthy and active.

“I’ve always worked out…quite a bit in fact! In high school I was so hyperactive, I just couldn’t sit still! From my late teens to my early 20’s I taught aerobics and took lots of dance classes. I have just always exercised.”

Her passion for the arts is a driving force in her everyday life as Elizabeth’s background inspires how she leads guests on their way to designing themselves.

“I enjoy teaching, it allows me to be creative. I have always studied the arts and I just like the process of coming up with something on my own.”

Being self critical, Elizabeth uncovers a few details on her work in front of people.

“It’s funny… I am terrible at public speaking and, as such, don’t particularly enjoy it, but teaching a class is very different. I like that people are all doing it with you and that makes it easier. It’s comfortable to teach because it feels like we are all in it together. I took ballet on and off my entire life, basically since the age of 5. It’s just in me and I think my class has more of a ‘ballet vibe.’ Many students seem to respond to that as there is a peace and a grace to it. I just try to instill a sense of peace or joy, like a reprieve from the real world.”

Continuing on about LaBarre, Elizabeth explains how she came to be a part of the studio.

“When I was first introduced to laBarre, I was working with one of the wellness providers, but I was taken by the architecture and the vibe of the building, it's just so beautiful and such a wonderful space to be in. It’s a special place and it's not your typical workout center. It's just lovely.

“I was looking to get back into teaching fitness again as I was a devoted stay-at-home mom, but it was time to get out there again! I saw online that labarre had this certification program so I signed up!

After working to become an instructor, Elizabeth put her heart into her work, especially crafting the musical theme of the classes.

“I put together my music and I really like the feeling in the studio to be happy and peaceful while trying to keep a ‘Bay Area’ feel and sensibility. I use a wide range of music - sometimes I even have some pieces in different languages - and at the end of the class, although it's typical to have some type of meditation music, like waves or owls hooting… that’s never been my cup of tea” she says with a chuckle.

“I play piano music and sometimes music you might hear in a ballet class to get those final safe stretches in!”

When not teaching a class at 1445 The Alameda, Elizabeth and her family are on the go! With Mark hailing from Germany, the Striebeck family finds themselves visiting his homeland while also enjoying Northern California’s best destinations as well. They are most definitely on the go!

The South Bay community around Elizabeth has been home for 3 decades and she has now planted her flag as a part of the labarre community as well. Under the leadership of Owner, Julie Saccento, Elizabeth is enamored with the Studio. Since its inception, labarre has empowered those who enter the doors to be a part of something special, something bigger than just a membership and that sense of caring continues.

“I love going to labarre and what stands out to me is that it is pro-women, not to say that men aren’t there. I have had several men in my classes just recently. I just really love that it's empowering and a place where people can come and feel welcomed.”

If you haven’t connected with Elizabeth, we suggest you give her class a try! See our current schedule right here !

Never Goodbye, but See You Soon!

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:07:32 GMT

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.

With gratitude, kindness & appreciation!
~ la

“Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day” Shira Tamir

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.

Let Go Lightly, The Legacy Continues

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 06:30:27 GMT

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.

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.

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.

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!

Meet Morgan Goldstein!

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:41:12 GMT

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.

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 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.”

“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!

Rae of Sunshine!

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:35:08 GMT

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.

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

“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.”

Meet Kellen Zunich!

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 06:45:28 GMT

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 !

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.

“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!

“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.

“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.”

Get Ready to RevIVe!

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 06:48:17 GMT

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 !

“My grandfather healed strangers… so many people came to our house to specifically seek his help. He was a healer in Laos and whatever ailments people had, they came to see him. I was fascinated by this, and I was fascinated when I was watching him work.”

Nancy’s grandfather’s impact allowed her to want to be a healer in her own right. She chose that path via Fresno State where she earned a BSN (Bachelor of Science, Nursing.) From there she went back to graduate school to be a Nurse Practitioner to deepen her practice and have more autonomy to be able to diagnose, prescribe, and become a mid-level provider. The thought of opening her own clinic was ultimately Nancy’s goal.

"Reflections" Confessions of a Makeup Novice

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 06:53:09 GMT

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.

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.

When I told them it was Labarre, more questions came. “You mean that fitness studio you go to?” Well, yes, but that’s the thing: Labarre is so much more than a fitness studio. At Labarre, we talk about caring for our bodies, minds, and spirits, and the space offers the opportunity for just that. The wraparound services available provide a place to truly address all aspects of ourselves. At Labarre, we know that we are cared for and deserve to feel that care.

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.

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.

How Labarre has shaped my life

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 06:56:29 GMT

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.

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

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.

Winter Gratitude!

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 06:59:32 GMT

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

How Labarre Saved Me During Trying Times

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 07:02:55 GMT

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!

A Wellness Journey

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 07:12:08 GMT

I realized I am coming up on my 5 year anniversary mark for my membership at Labarre and have been so inspired by the blog posts of fellow members in the community, that I thought I would share my own story. I don’t even like writing, so that tells you a little bit of what Labarre means to me.

When I was pregnant with my son, Eugene, I noticed this cool looking studio in our new neighborhood that I knew I wanted to check out, the moment I got cleared to work out post partum. I had tried barre a few times in the past and wasn’t completely sold but something about this studio was welcoming and warm plus they offered child care. Needless to say, I was intrigued.

Literally the day Eugene turned 8 weeks old and I was cleared to exercise, we were at Labarre Studios! I needed this for my mind, body and soul. First time parenting was hard for me. I was struggling with nursing and pumping full time, feeling all of the emotions as my body attempted to regroup and stabilize and while I enjoyed and acknowledged I was privileged to be at home, on paid leave, I really missed conversations with adults. I was talking to our dog, Bishop, a lot, and he does not make a great conversationalist.

In 2018, I got a scary new diagnosis related to my heart. I always knew I had irregular heart rhythms since college, and being a nurse, I was pretty well versed in what it meant and what my limitations were. This was different because this was structural and it gave me some anxiety as I read my cardiologist’s message. He was actually overseas when he messaged me so I was even more concerned (also appreciative). I have this vivid memory because I was on my way to Labarre for an esthetician appointment with Lorena and I happened to check my phone right before. As Lorena and I started to make small talk, I started to cry, because I was scared and not sure what this diagnosis meant, not only for me but also my son. She was so sweet and endearing. I am sure it wasn’t the Brazilian wax she had in mind.

It turns out, I needed to have a pacemaker/ defibrillator inserted for preventative measures. While I was ok with this plan, I wasn’t crazy about having a procedure as my last one(at a different hospital) wasn’t ideal. I remember asking Lisa Alberino (labarre's owner/founder) about pausing my membership since I couldn’t work out for some time after the procedure and again, the tears started coming, right at the front desk. Lisa came around and held my hand and reassured me that everything will be alright and they will be there for me when I can return. It made me feel so much better. Fun fact, I randomly learned another member also has a pacemaker as we were randomly discussing moves we had to modify. Again, the community welcomes you.

When COVID hit, I remember being at Labarre and Lisa having a calm presence at class, letting us know we were all in it together. Labarre really did everything they could to continue offering services to the community and I appreciated it because we needed to connect. I remember the barre happy hour zoom classes and the soccer field classes when part of the fun was making sure you didn’t get hit by a ball. Labarre was and is super committed to its members.

I also felt supported by Labarre during the violent crimes in the US against black people. Labarre didn’t stay quiet. I really respected it. They put out a message and commitment, which they hold true to. I noticed other local businesses chose to remain silent and they lost my business.

Above all, the time I felt I needed labarre the most was when my brother in law passed away last summer. DJ was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 26 and needless to say, it shook our family to the core. I leaned into my Labarre community for help. Lorena, the esthetician, actually became our part time nanny during COVID and she graciously stepped in, to help with our son Eugene, so we could make plans. Lisa reached out to me right away to offer her condolences and services as well. I felt truly supported by this group of women.
A day or two after his death, I took Claudia’s class virtually, just to try to clear my mind. It was mostly me laying on the floor and crying. It still felt cathartic and needed to happen.
Instructors always say random things throughout class and sometimes it invokes such an emotion in me because it is exactly what I needed to hear- it’s like therapy.

DJ, as well as several of my family members and friends, have been to Labarre with me and I am grateful I have this memory of us, enjoying something together as I can share a piece of my community with them.

If you are curious about classes or services at Labarre, do it! You will enjoy it and become a new member of a wonderful community; maybe I will see you there.

Welcome our newest addition, Mercedes Dandrea, Licensed Esthetician!

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 02:26:29 GMT

Born and raised in San Jose, Mercedes knows the Bay Area well. This hometown native will now be opening shop at 1445 The Alameda inside of labarre studios and is thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of the community she calls home.

Please give a warm welcome to Mercedes Dandrea as she is now the in-house esthetician in the studio and will be located on the first floor in the ROZ vault.

Always a fan of beautification of others, Mercedes’ calling came early. “Even as a little kid I loved make people feeling good about themselves. When my older brother would babysit me, he was always a trooper and I would play beauty salon with him (although it didn’t necessarily make him feel good, he was helping to spark Mercedes’ passion in her craft.). He was really cool and allowed me to be creative in that way.” She laughs.

After understanding that her career could be tailored to fit her love, she went to school in 2007 to pave her way to become a licensed esthetician. Her adoration grew for the beauty industry and Mercedes insightfully honed her business skills by managing several premium beauty salons in the Bay and surrounding areas over the course of the past decade.

Having a daughter (10 year old Siena) changed the course of Mercedes’ path and her thought process as well. The freedom of being her own boss allowed her to chase the dream as well as reinforce her strengths as an esthetician.

With her business now opening in labarre, the expectations remain the same and they are simple and direct. “I feel like I am personable, and I like to make people feel comfortable. People can get uncomfortable as some of these procedures are intimate and it takes some time. I like to create a warming, welcoming environment first and foremost. I want people to feel safe and comfortable.”

Mercedes’s continues, “I like to tailor my services specifically to my clients. I want people to get the most out of their appointment. I know that people have often walked out thinking ‘this is great! It was like a therapy session as well!’ and that’s what I am going for.

For a decade and a half, Mercedes has been tackling her mission of making people feel their best. When she came across labarre studios thanks to our friends at On The Alameda she saw that the studios and founder and owner, Lisa Alberino , was looking to vastly improve on the esthetician offerings. That was when everything clicked and it weas meant to be. So much so that it reunited Mercedes with her old roommate in a sense. The gorgeous and iconic mural that adorns the wall in the historic building (which was restored brilliantly in 2017) was painted by none other than world-famous artist, David Choe… who also happened to be a former roomy of Mercedes!

How labarre saved my life

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:33:20 GMT

How LaBarre Saved My Life….okay, that sounds a bit dramatic, but when LaBarre’s owner, Lisa Alberino posted her story, it reminded me how LaBarre came into my life at the perfect time and helped me heal.

My name is Heidi Parrish. I moved into the Rose Garden area in the Fall of 2016. I was moving from the Santa Cruz mountains where I had lived for the previous 3 years. Two of those years was with my husband of almost 30 years and one of those years was just me and my dog. I was excited about relocating down the hill to the Rose Garden for the walk-ability factor and closer to civilization. I was in search of a community, as well as, being more accessible to my friends.

The year 2015 was not good to me. In February of that year I lost my father, age 88, whom I was extremely close to. He was my champion and hero. Although his passing was expected, I missed him deeply, but did not let myself truly grieve because I needed to be there for my mom. My sister and I promised our dad we would take over her care, which meant flying to Boise as often as I could. We thought she would for sure die of a broken heart since my parents had been together since they were 17.

Fast forward 8 months later when my husband has a sudden fatal heart attack. And just like that I was a widow, and alone, at the young age of 56. We have 3 sons who were in their 20’s at the time – so all my strength went into comforting them and letting them know I would be ok. The rest of 2015 and most of 2016 my time was spent taking care of business, mine own and my parents which included not only selling my mountain home, but handling the sale of my parent’s beloved lake property.

When I moved in October of 2016, my mother was still physically with us (she hadn’t been herself for years due to dementia/Alzheimer’s). She and I could still connect through music and just looking at each other. Two years to the month after losing my father, my mom decided she was ready to be with him. So, by the time LaBarre opened in July of 2017, I had lost both my parents and my husband over a 2 ½ year period. The 3 people that truly knew me. I carried that grief deep inside me as I did my best to move forward with my life.

In the years leading up to my move, my level of exercise was yoga 1 day a week and a lot of walking. I had heard from a neighbor that a barre studio was going into the Italian Bank location and I was looking forward to trying it out especially since it was walking distance from my home. I had tried barre before, and although I liked that type of exercise, the previous studios left me unexcited to return. About a month after LaBarre opened, I tried the one-week trial and at the end of that week, I became a Founder Member.

I remember my first class, Amber was the instructor and I was in the back next to Jackie, another LaBarre instructor. We were on the floor, probably something ab related, and I notice I had a death grip on the mat. It was tough but I survived. During the early days of LaBarre, all classes were 60 minutes which left time for cool down stretching and savasana. During savasana, one of the early instructors would play this song about angels that always brought tears to my eyes. Tears that needed to be shed. Slowly with every class I took, as my body became stronger, I started to feel more positive and happiness again.

I began to heal the hole left in my heart and soul. Now 5 years later, with the encouragement of Lisa, Sara and the LaBarre community, I am still at it. I have never done any type of single exercise consistently for 5 years before. Through LaBarre I have met some wonderful people. Many I now consider my friends, in fact one of my closest friends I met at LaBarre. I have had the privilege of watching some of my fellow workout mates become amazing instructors. At LaBarre it was not only the class instructors, but also the service technicians who have helped me feel whole again.

Although I am still single, I no longer feel alone or lonely. For this I have several people to thank most importantly my dog, my sons and my growing family. I also thank Lisa, Sara and the LaBarre community.

Labarre helped create the "New" Me

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 02:37:15 GMT

When I joined Labarre, I was still recovering from ACL surgery from a skiing accident. I was about 1.5 years into recovery but the types of core fitness workouts I was doing still hurt my knee. I wanted to regain my strength as I have always been athletic, but was feeling low about myself as I was in my early fifties and wondering what could I do to stay in shape besides walking or biking?

There were also personal things weighing on me. My Dad passed away in 2013 and in 2014, my mother had a serious life-changing stroke. My mom was lost without my Dad. Her stroke left her 100% handicapped, and lost both her ability to speak and walk. I felt like I had lost my Mom in many ways along with my father.

We would speak everyday prior to her stroke and although it was a difficult decision, I took the initiative and had my mother live with me so I could care for her properly. At this time, I was only 2 years into my new marriage. I thought I had married my soulmate. In 2016, my husband left me and made excuses that he couldn’t handle the household. I was working full time and had caregivers in my home taking care of mom. My mom was needy as was my husband. So here I was at the end of 2016, alone again.

I was feeling low about my age and overall life situation.

In 2017 I did everything to create the “new” me.

I was a strong woman and knew I could survive anything. I needed to regain my body to feel better about myself. Labarre had just opened a half a block from my home in September of 2017. After 30 days of seeing their grand opening offers and signs, I walked in and spoke to owner/founder, Lisa Alberino. Lisa encouraged me to try the free week offer. I went the following Sunday and took a class everyday that week. My body was sore all over but I knew in time I would adjust and I felt I was getting stronger every month. I joined right away and I have long surpassed 1000 classes. I am 59 and feel great again. I am confident of my age and often told I look 10-15 years younger!

Last summer I was in Pismo Beach and a man my age told me I had great legs and what did I do to look like I do. I told him about Barre fitness.

I give credit to labarre for changing my life. Thanks Lisa & the team at Labarre Studios!!

Victoria with her father and mother (left), Victoria with mom post stroke.

Labarre Saved My Life

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 02:45:58 GMT

We have been receiving many stories after my initial posting of this blog about a month ago. The stories have not only been beyond inspirational for me but also, frankly, mind blowing to grasp the depth and importance that the studio has brought to so many who are proud to call themselves part of its community. Below is one from one of the most brilliant and kind people ever to grace our floor. Please take a few moments to enjoy.

Come spring of 2020, I was home for the shutdown. Lisa asked me if I would teach virtual classes and I readily agreed. For the first six weeks of quarantine, I taught a barre class every single day. Only two or three were through LaBarre, but on my days off, I would teach classes for my family and friends over zoom. That hour was a way for me to connect with my friends in other states and get my body moving after spending the day sitting in front of a computer.

I am a big fan of talking about mental health and am a true believer in the importance of therapy and medication. I don’t believe that having good friends or taking walks is enough to cure my depression. But I am confident that LaBarre played a major role in my recovery. The combination of physical activity, positive thinking, and a supportive community, filled the dark gaps the medication couldn’t reach. Whether I was taking an 8:00pm HIIT or teaching a 7:15am barre, my soul was being healed in that studio.

In May of 2020, I moved across the country for work and have not returned to San Jose for longer than 3 months. I have had amazing career opportunities in campaigns and now in Congress. But still, LaBarre remains the best job I have ever had. Not just my time as an instructor, but my time behind the front desk. Lisa and Sara have built a team that truly feels like a family. Furthermore, they prioritized my growth as a person and an employee by consistently granting me additional responsibilities and allowing me to use my previous skills in new ways to help the studio.

I am currently living in Washington DC, but I know that in a few years I will be making my way back to San Jose. I have no doubt in my mind that when I do, I will be able to walk right back into LaBarre and pick up where I left off — after updating my training certification, of course!

I’m not one for hyperboles, so believe me when I say this: Labarre Studios saved my life.

I discovered Labarre in the summer of 2018. I was scouring Craig’s List, looking for a summer job, when I came across a listing for a part time childcare attendant. I had experience with kids and I saw that the job benefits included a free membership. As a dancer looking to stay active that summer, that perk sealed the deal. I applied, interviewed with Lisa, and was hired. What I thought was going to be just a way to take free classes and meet cute kids, turned into a family and community that has changed my life over the past four years.

In the Spring of 2019, I was at college in New York when my mental health began to slip. I fell into a depression so deep, I completed the last six weeks of the semester from home in California. While most of my friends spent that summer with internships, I knew that I had to focus on healing. That involved lots of conversations with my therapist, but it also meant heading back to Labarre, where Lisa and Sara welcomed me with open arms. The summer of 2019 at Labarre most certainly saved my life. There were so many times that I felt suicidal and was literally pulled out of a hole by walking into that studio and taking a deep breath. That summer, Lisa encouraged me to become a certified instructor. The training and Lisa’s guidance gave me a newfound purpose that continued to tamp down my depression and bring out my old, happy self.

The summer of 2019 alone would justify me calling Labarre a life-saver, but anyone who knows the studio knows that Labarre is never there for you just once.

Labarre Saved My Life – Response

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 02:50:36 GMT

About a week ago, I wrote a story about how labarre had saved my life… not only once, but twice. That blog can be found right HERE . As the owner and founder of the nearly five-year-old studio I knew all too well that starting a small business in California was as risky a challenge as I could ever face. I hunkered down with the help of some incredible people and put my heart and soul into it succeeding and never lost sight of the goal. That goal was to build an oasis for the mind, body and spirit of all who stepped through the front door. Little did I know that labarre would have residual benefits that were exponentially greater than what I intended it to achieve…

This incredible story is in response to the post I created. Overly grateful for Carleigh Burdine and hope you will read her story as well.

So, I was limping down the Alameda with my double-stroller, after a particularly grueling barre class at another popular chain, when I met Lisa. She was warm, exuberant, intense, and authentic. And she saw my hurt.

Everything hurt.

And all they would tell me was that I had 2 babies in 2 years. And I needed time to recover.
I did not have time to wait. I needed to be a mom, a nurse, a wife, and a human today. Even though, I had already been doing barre for 4 years by then, Lisa brought a humanity to her practice, that helped me heal.

Labarre Studios saved my postpartum body, and got me through state-to-state commuting with a nine month old, and a move. I wish I could’ve taken the studios with me to Washington State.

I am a barre Instructor now, because of Lisa Alberino, her vision, and the incredible souls who’ve followed her . My second son was a large baby with a large head, and I went from running 5Ks, half-marathons, doing high-impact Hip Hop, and 12-hour night shifts high risk OB to limping on a long walk. There is not an option to not take your toddler to the park, or not baby-wear your 9 lb. newborn. You simply must solider-on.

I cried at the end of my first class knowing my babies were in loving hands. And someone gave a sh*t about me from the inside out. They encouraged me to heal that way. “Focus on yourself, your breath, and taking this time. The rest will come.” And they were right.

I tear up just thinking about it. The move to Washington State did not save our family or my marriage. But teaching barre has. And now, I get to tell my clients to take that moment of gratitude for their bodies, their breath, and their life.

What a gift, Lisa, words will never suffice.

How labarre studios saved my life!

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 03:01:32 GMT

I feel its time to share my story.

I know what you’re thinking … did I really read this correctly? The answer is, “yes you did!
I have been thinking about sharing my story for quite some time and with our 5-year anniversary coming up on July 14th, 2022, I feel now is the time to be real.
When I opened labarre studios in July 2017 my energy and enthusiasm was at an all high. During this time my dad was managing a terminal illness which ended up taking his life months before we opened. I lost my dad, and he didn’t get to see my dream come to fruition. This event absolutely broke my heart both figuratively and literally.

The urgency of this situation had me so hyper focused on our family and labarre that I ignored signs of an infection and was simply treating the symptoms while ignoring the signs. I was also being a good citizen by staying away from overly crowded hospitals that were dealing with the covid global pandemic with record numbers of deaths daily.

Here’s where I give a big “shout out” to our Acupuncturist, Angelica Acton , who pointed out to me not once but twice that she was seeing signs of kidney infection through her exams and treatments. I made an appointment right away but couldn’t get into a doctor for a few weeks. Unfortunately, this spread to sepsis and septic shock. I landed in ICU in the infectious disease wing with all the Covid patients and wasn’t allowed any visitors. Ironically, or not, the nurse that checked me in was a labarre studios member and she promised me that she would stay with me and assured me that I was in good hands. My, how the tables had turned ….

The excess stress settled in my heart and it started to beat out of rhythm in a very dangerous combination of Atrial Fib and Atrial Flutter. This condition is well known as “broken heart syndrome”. The only thing that regulated my heart was exercise, so when I was doing barre, this rhythm corrected.

Once I was diagnosed, the surgeons moved quickly to perform corrective surgery on my heart. As I was being prepared for surgery, I was quietly wearing heart rate monitors daily, while teaching classes to record my heart rhythm. No one noticed, and I didn’t make any mention of it.

Fast forward to the financial and emotional devastation of Covid-19 when my husband, Rob Alberino, lost his job as the Vice President of the San Francisco 49ers along with 33 million other Americans. Like many others, our world had crashed. Labarre Studios was in a forced shut-down and we were in limbo of what was next to come.

I don’t know what I would have done without labarre studios during these difficult times. Taking classes and seeing our community brought me so much joy I will be forever grateful. Interestingly enough I am not the only person who can say “labarre has saved my life” as I have seen and heard this over and over again from our community over the past 5-years. I have heard the following phrase multiple times, “if I didn’t have labarre studios in my life, I may not be here today.”

We have had staff and members who have lost siblings, husbands, children, nephews, friends, aunts, grandparents, parents and more. We have had members who have experienced mental health challenges, lost their careers, experienced illnesses, death and divorce who and have clung to labarre studios during the toughest of times. We have boarded up our building during the instability of this world due to events like George Floyd’s murder and the epidemic of gun violence we experience all too often.

Today we can shout that we are still standing as a business, and we are even stronger and better from the inside out. Again, both figuratively and literally!

I even had a mental health therapist cancel her membership due to a conflict of interest because she recommends labarre studios to her patients to help them in their own personal healing.

So when someone says to me, “why do you put so much effort and time into your studio? Wouldn’t you be better off to sell it or move on from it now that you live in Kansas City?” My answer is simple, “because labarre studios saves lives.” We cannot be everything to everyone, but to someone we can be everything.

We would love to hear how labarre studios is helping you or has made a difference in your life ... maybe even saved your life! Lets not keep secrets any longer and see if together we can help others!

Xo ~ Lisa

Meet Karen Zell!

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 03:07:21 GMT

If you have ever been to a labarre class, then you must surely know the fabulous Karen Zell. Yes, Karen… you know the one who has been here since the VERY beginning!!

“My family was going to dinner at Zona Rosa, and we saw the coming soon sign on the bank doors as we were walking by and I thought … ‘Ohhhh a new barre place! I’ve got to get in at the ground level!’ So, I went that night and I joined without even taking a class. I looked at a lot of other places before, like Pure Barre and Barre 3, and I like that type of modality as I have had a lot of sports injuries and barre worked for me, so I joined that night. I took the first class the next morning at the underground facilities and that was that!”

Karen joined labarre in the underground days of 2016. She is what we consider a labarre OG! She is also a Bay Area OG as this Santa Clara native was born in raised in the South Bay and proudly continues to call it home.

But the underlying reasoning for instructing was insightful and important as well.

“The big motivation for me is defining healthy. Being healthy means having freedom. My family history has a lot of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, things that have prevented my family from going out and doing normal, healthy things. Especially with COVID and the past years, it means being able to continue to do the activities that I want to for the rest of my life. It’s now more important than ever. Labarre has really allowed me to keep that alive.”

Karen continues to share her journey, “The timing of it was key and the state of the world was a part of it. I was at an all-time weight last spring. I had a little ‘come to Jesus’ talk with myself and something had to give. I was tired of online classes and tired of seeing what I was, and I needed a big kick in the pants! I was feeling low and enough was enough. I needed something bigger and that’s when the decision to teach came. It was a commitment because I would have to continue this on… it couldn’t just be a one-time thing. You must be fit to be an instructor. You just can’t get fit for one event… continually creating and getting better is what it would take to get there. It was a big picture thing.”

Karen notes what labarre founder and owner, Lisa Alberino put out a call to add to the instructor lineup, “That was it! I signed up.”

The community of labarre has also been home for this fitness warrior who has done everything from aerobics to gymnastics as well as outdoor activities across many levels including horseback riding and more!

It’s no surprise that she immerses herself in the place that she lives. As a matter of fact, Karen has taken that love for the community and Santa Clara with her throughout her career. She is part of the Santa Clara Unified system and she supports a team of 18 librarians as she herself was a librarian at an elementary school. Now at an elevated position, Karen visits schools to help with lesson planning and best practices across the area.

If that is not enough, Karen is reaching her year anniversary at labarre as an instructor and her journey to get there was one of motivation and commitment.

“When I look back” Karen notes, “It’s been a lot harder than I thought it would be!” Karen was a student for 4 years and shifted less than a year ago into a lead role.

“I thought this was going to be easy I had steadily done it, but I didn’t realize the many layers that were involved! Doing the exercises while thinking through the music and movements… I just had no idea. It’s been a great challenge which is why I wanted to do it. I needed to fill my mind and my body with a good active challenge and its definitely doing that.”

She is feeling out her style and she loves to have fun. “I feel funny and silly, and I am chattery and really like to keep the class going. I try to go next to people and motivate and teach. It’s really been fun and I know the students enjoy it.”

Karen’s passion for life is infectious and when not better herself and others at the studio, she loves hanging out with her friends and this may come as a huge shocker… she is an avid reader! Yes, this librarian practices what she preaches! (By the way have you joined the #labook club yet? If not, you should because its free and awesome… but back to Karen!)

Both of her kids are now in college so travelling is always a wonderful escape for Karen and her husband when she’s not cuddled up with a book. Any chance they can get out of town and explore is time well spent. “Just travelling, camping… doing the empty-nest thing is wonderful” she says with a smile.

So why try Karen’s class? Why try labarre? Why change up your routine??

“Just go for it – you lose nothing in trying! Try it on and see how it feels and you will never be sorry for trying!”

Words of wisdom from Karen Zell.

Karen (center) teaches a full class at labarre!

Transformation at its Finest!

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 03:11:46 GMT

When we last connected with founding member, Trinidad Pena, he gave us some great information. Born and raised in Santa Clara, CA, Trinidad is a staple in the neighborhood. He’s coming up on his 4th anniversary as a married man (lucky husband, Francisco better have a nice gift for him!)

He loves to cook and over the years he’s become a (horrible) baker (or so he says!). In the last year he has found a passion for meditation which is something he practices daily. Although not a big TV watcher, he does enjoy documentaries about history, culture… and will pepper in “Shas of Sunset” every now and then for guilty reality pleasure!

But we also know that Trinidad, like many others, struggled in the past 18 months. He discovered things about himself as it became a time for introspection and reimagination for many.

“I took a manifestation challenge. Asking myself, what do you desire? And I thought about it for a while, I really thought it through. The truth is, the thought of barre kept coming through my head. I kept a journal and reviewed it often. 98% of it was all about becoming an instructor – manifesting that desire.” Trinidad shared.

“There was a significant focus on the mind, body, spirit connection and I was ready to go for it.”

For Trinidad, dealing with the stresses of COVID was as simple as two core thoughts: Stay healthy and stay sane.

That pride has led Trinidad to the front of the class in one of the most difficult times this country has ever seen. Going front and center not only in studio but also virtually means taking your game to the next level. In his class you expect to get great instruction because of one key ingredient: The willingness from the members to embrace the situation as well. “We are going to work big time, but we are going to have fun! I go into the studio and get people inspired. New members allow me to see their progress in only a few class sessions and that fuels me!”

Trinidad’s methods are simple, effective, and embraced. He ‘goes with the flow’ and works alongside of those lucky enough to come to his classes. And what occurs during class?
“Let’s see what happens – we may not be perfect. But I know we will surely be having fun!”
After speaking with Trinidad, he closes the interview with a great thought. “For me, yesterday a member said, ‘I love coming to your class – there’s just something about your energy… it just turns a tough day around.’ That warms my heart because that’s inspires me and allows me to serve with purpose to my La Barre community. That’s why I chose to do this!”

Won’t you try and feel that energy from Trinidad? Sign up for one of his amazing classes, HERE !

“Mental health has always been important to me. Like most people I was a victim of high anxiety and depression, but COVID amplified it. So, I moved forward with the thought of becoming a barre instructor, but I was quiet about it and figured I would share it when I was ready.” Trinidad notes that owner, founder, Lisa Alberino helped in the decision making as well as the process of transforming from student to teacher. “Lisa was a huge influence in this and the equipe she has carefully assembled was incredibly supportive. As a student I was unconsciously being taught to be a teacher at labarre the entire time.”

Trinidad has seen his fair share of classes as he began with the studio over 4 years ago completing hundreds and hundreds of classes.

“A big influence was a purpose to serve and be in studio with people since the underground – seeing their hard work and seeing them becoming healthier inspired me.”

How was Trinidad going to use this inspiration and switch places from pupil to instructor? Easy. He was going to use his creativity.

“Personally, and professionally one of my goals this year was to be more creative. The opportunity to do so and to lead while doing it was right there.” He continues. “I had to get out of the cycle of ‘Is this good enough?’ I needed to boost that confidence and as I always say ‘Chest is proud, dig a little deeper!’

My Story

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 03:29:09 GMT

A little over eight years ago I moved to the Bay Area and was in search of ways to keep my mind, body and spirit satisfied. As someone who has run in the past, I willingly signed up for the infamous San Francisco ½ marathon sponsored by Nike.

With every business venture, a good story should follow. I feel as if my journey into barre fitness was a combination of circumstance, reaction, introspection and solutions. I guess what I am trying to say is, I’m a runner who hates running! I know it may sound a bit crazy and off topic, but for this fitness enthusiast it happens to be the beginning of my story.

I had never run more than a 10K in my life, but ½ marathons were trending at the time … I justified the race as a great way to meet people and I do love the way running shapes my body. The irony is, I adore the excitement of race day and the camaraderie that ensues, but I absolutely detest the act of running!

Having a degree in physiology & kinesiology, I am familiar with physical therapy and what it entails. PT is neither fun nor engaging for the mind, and it is certainly not built for consistency. While pondering options, a friend mentioned to me that she had maintained her running weight for an entire year by replacing running with barre classes. Barre workouts are engaging and focus on building strength in the hips, glutes, and core. The structure of a barre class is inviting, along with a friendly and welcoming environment which also engages the mind. I felt more comfortable committing to something that had this type of appeal, plus it’s no secret that PT is expensive and can add up fast!

Plain and simple, what happened next changed my life. I joined a local barre studio, took 5+ classes per week, strengthened my hip, avoided surgery, and ran my personal best ½ marathon time!

But this race was different … It was sexy! First off, it was held in San Francisco, what a better backdrop to take my mind off of every pace of the run? Secondly, all finishers receive a Tiffany necklace (maybe that should have been my first bullet point!?) Lastly, there are firefighters in suspenders waiting to party with the runners at the finish line. Oh, and did I fail to mention that Ghirardelli chocolates are given to everyone after they complete the race? SOLD!

The bummer is, through all of my training for the 1/2 marathon, I unfortunately tore my right hip labrum. My hip would periodically “lock up” and I would have to endure the most excruciating pain I had ever felt. I consulted with a Stanford surgeon who noted that the only way to repair this type of injury was with surgery. The surgery would be evasive, boasted a long recovery period, and required the use of a walker for six months. Compounding this woeful news, this doctor also shared that there was no guarantee that the surgery could fully eliminate the challenges I was facing. He recommended trying physical therapy (PT) a minimum of 5-days a week in lieu of the aforementioned surgery.

My story isn’t over there. It continually evolves, like labarre studios which I founded in 2017. The studio at 1445 The Alameda in San Jose, California has become a testament to shifting and pivoting and allowing people, like you and I, to expand our horizons and give us the best fitness experience around. Barre, Pilates, Yoga, HIIT, meditation and more are on the menu when you walk in our front doors. This balanced menu of options is amplified by some of the finest wellness providers in the Bay Area including esthetician and facial services, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, lashes, skincare and more!

My story has twists and turns and still remains to be fully written. Are you to write new chapters in your story? We at labarre would love to be a part of it!

Introducing Arbonne

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 06:16:31 GMT

I have learned SO many important details about nutrition since beginning my journey with Arbonne.

Completing the #Arbonne30 , their 30 Days to Healthy Living program, was an eye opener and complete game changer for me. NOTHING had changed my physique in 30 years. Truly. No diet, no amount of exercise, three lovely kids, eating well, and thankfully a fairly stress-free life.

Yet, after 30 days of removing the top five allergens/foods high in alkalinity causing inflammation (wheat, dairy, sugar, coffee and alcohol) I saw a dramatic increase in afternoon energy, loss of sugar cravings, better sleep and yes! pounds lost. Using the Arbonne products made the whole process SO easy.

And now I have a term for this process; Cellular Cleansing.

What is this Cellular Cleansing you ask? Excellent question! First of all "pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, air pollutants, preservatives and other chemicals enter our body through foods or the environment. Alternative medicine practitioners believe these substances accumulate in your cells, causing fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and weight gain. A homemade cellular cleanse eliminates these toxins and restores good health.

Homemade body cleanses restrict the types of foods you eat. Cut all processed foods from your diet for the duration of the cleanse. Replace your typical diet with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eliminate all white flour, dairy, caffeine, alcohol and sugar for the duration of the cleanse. Choose organic foods to eliminate intake of pesticides and other toxins." Thanks Aurora Harklute.

According to Dr. Daniel Pompa, "The average fad diet or clean eating program lasts for a few days or weeks, but regular cellular cleansing is a lifestyle change. Dramatic shifts in health may not occur overnight (although people have lost 5 to 30lbs in a month, have come off medications, and improved their overall quality of life using the Arbonne30), but cleansing on a cellular level is the only way to get real and lasting results in your health."

I had no idea. I understand clean eating, but not to this extent. And by continuing to eat clean, let's say following the program 80/20, really does keep the energy up, the cravings at bay and the weight off. Wicked cool.

Want to learn more...? Email me here or visit me in person as I will be in the Bay Area at labarre studios connecting with guest and equipe members on Wednesday February 7th and Thursday February 8th to answer any questions!

Margo Dukesherer, Arbonne Representative

labarre Spotlight: Julie Saccento

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 03:32:56 GMT

Birthday: September 27th

Hobbies: travel, barre (!), online shopping, learning about the enneagram, trying new & awesome restaurants (can’t wait to be able to do this again someday), visiting and exploring my favorite city and old stomping grounds, NYC.

Family Life: Husband, 3 kids (Luke-13, Mia-11, Jack-6), cat, bunny, and a new puppy … pure chaos!

Day Job: Montessori School Administrator

Favorite color: PURPLE

Food: Sushi

Song: SO many. I love many genres of music spanning several decades, so it’s hard to pick just one song. But, “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates always, ALWAYS brings a smile.

Playlist: Actually, I’ll never forget Leilani’s 80’s barre playlist with so many of the songs from my childhood - Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, Debbie Gibson, Fame, Huey Lewis. I loved that playlist so hard!

Book: Anything by Glennon Doyle

Thing to do during lockdown: well, not really a THING to do, but I have grown a DEEP appreciation for spending all day in yoga pants. To the degree that I now feel quite offended when I have to put on “real” pants.

Philosophy/their WHY: Because everyone deserves to find something that fills them up and makes them feel good, inside and out!

Classes they teach: drumming & barre

Favorite classes to practice: drumming

Instagram handle: julie.saccento

Training: Drumming with Krissy KT in November 2019, and then (finally) Barre Intensity in August 2020

What led you to barre: I was drawn to barre because of my background in dance. As an adult, I struggled to find an exercise modality that I enjoyed enough to stick with. I knew that if I could tap into the only exercise that I had ever truly enjoyed - dance - that I would have found something that I would want to come back to again and again.

What led you to labarre: I first came to labarre at the recommendation of Amber (Bilak Yip) during the end of the underground days and I believe that the universe led me to this incredibly special place. Labarre came into my life at a time when I truly needed healing. I had recently lost my little brother and was searching for a way to find myself again. I first fell in love with the way that labarre’s classes made my body and mind feel - an hour when I could focus on myself and not my grief. However, before long I recognized that there was more going on and that labarre was also helping to heal my soul. There is a magic here for those who are open to accepting it and letting it in. I am forever grateful to have found labarre at a time when I needed it most.

Advice for new students: My advice to new students would be to know that there is no judgment here, this CAN be for everyone, regardless of body type or previous experience, and to make it work for you. And if you’re trying drumming for the first time … just have fun, keep moving, and come back again because I’m not sure anyone feels like they nailed their first drumming class!

First class experience: I convinced myself that I was “just there for the workout," but of course everyone was so encouraging, warm, and welcoming that I was hooked by the feeling of the community. I came back the following morning for my second class!

Piece of gratitude from the last year: Oh gosh … it’s been a crazy year, but I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for my own health and the health of my family. Gratitude for my job because it’s given me purpose despite the many challenges that COVID has presented. Gratitude for my kids’ school and the fact that they have been learning despite all of this. Gratitude for a safe, warm home, wine, grocery delivery, and Amazon Prime. Gratitude for labarre for encouraging me to get outside to take classes in the sunshine and fresh air and for fostering a community of truly amazing and KIND humans.

labarre Spotlight : Sarah Hays

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 03:36:40 GMT

It's time to spotlight our guests, instructors, and those who make labarre studios the oasis that it is right here in the South Bay. We have written about our amazing members and equipe in the past and, in this new series, we will dig a little deeper and have some fun as we shine the spotlight once again... and first up is the lovely, Sarah Hays!

Birthday - November 2nd
Person I'd most like to meet: His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Favorite TV show - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (yes really!)
Hobby: Coloring (I can even stay inside the lines! LOL)
Day Job: Senior Director of Student Services, School of Education & Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University; Lecturer in Public Health Program, College of Arts & Sciences, Santa Clara University
Instagram handle : sidhaysnamaste

Advice for new students: Remember that we were all new students once. You are here with us, and we are so excited to see you! Try everything to see what speaks to you. You will find your tribe, your teachers, and your classes that bring you joy.

My first class experience: I found labarre at the tail end of the underground days. I was so excited to sign up but nervous as hell the first day of class! I wanted to be perfect but had no idea what I was doing, so naturally I wasn't going to be perfect; I wasn't perfect (and I still am not!) but had a wonderful time and couldn't wait to come back...and here we are, in 2021, still learning and growing, teaching and sharing the joy.

Piece of gratitude for 2020: I'm grateful for the little things. I love the little things. The biggest little thing was a driveway in April when we had to cancel our wedding; it's where I got to say "I do" to the love of my life. It was all we needed-- that driveway, our officiant, our rings, and each other. The little things are the best things.

What brought me to labarre: I had done kickboxing for quite a while, had done the big gym stuff and wanted something "else". I found labarre, signed up, and my life has never been the same. I have made amazing friends, I have my Labarre family, and my happy place.

What is my barre philosophy: My barre philosophy, my 'why' for taking barre (and HIIT, yoga, fusion, and drumming!) and teaching nearly all of them, is that it makes me better. I look better but I feel better. I'm more confident; I am happier after every class. I am a better wife, a better coworker, better daughter, sister, and friend. I am more joyful after all those endorphins are rocking through my body and I want everyone in my classes to feel the same way!

What do I teach: Barre Signature, HIIT, and Fusion

Favorite to practice: Barre!!

Time to PIVOT!

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 03:41:04 GMT

2020 strikes again. And with every hit this year lands on labarre studios, my equipe, and those around me, I brace for impact and regain my balance only to swing back.

We have pivoted over and over in the past few months as you already know!

2020 hits: we create a massive virtual library.
2020 hits again: we take our classes outdoors.
2020 hits yet again: we take our wellness providers outdoors.
2020 hits yet again: we add LIVESTREAM to our virtual platform
2020 hits harder, yet again: we find a way to pivot and that is where we are now.

Introducing, #OperationPivot!

During this time, I needed a space to achieve this lofty goal, and I was lucky enough to connect with Donna Maruoka, Founder and Director of Roundhill Studios . Donna has been a part of the ballet & dance community for decades and after her studio suffered crippling damage from a fire, she relocated to her space at 1043 Garland Avenue in San Jose, CA. There she continued on with her work with dancers of all ages.

Donna and Roundhill proved to be a great landing spot for labarre to launch, and we created our underground classes which were the foundation of our business! In under a half of a year we left Roundhill Studios and opened our doors on The Alameda always keeping Donna and her studio in our hearts and our family. You may notice the photos in the lobby of the ballet dancers around our studio, those photos were gifts from Donna and Roundhill Studios!

If we only had a DeLorean, we’d go back to the future, because 2020 has me feeling a little bit like Marty McFly !

In 2016, I had a vision of bringing a barre-inspired studio right here in San Jose, specifically in our historic building, and I faced pushback from a few angles including franchised studios.

It didn’t stop me.

With focus and passion I assembled an incredible team of founding instructors and we began building out 1445 The Alameda… but I needed to get labarre studios off the ground as our build-out took almost 9 months and rent had to be paid. So, I decided to teach classes for free for 5+ months, certify instructors, and start building our community as we were creating our oasis before the drywall was up and the building was completed.

Well call Doc Brown and find some plutonium… because we are back at Roundhill!

Thanks to Donna and Roundhill, we have found a way to keep in-person classes alive as the pandemic is forcing our in-studio classes to be shut down for the third time at labarre. Her open-air studio – which is a safe alternative as we slide into the Purple Tier here in Santa Clara – is ready to roll! With a huge garage door and open windows to allow for great air flow and safety for the members and instructors, we are returning to where it all began. We are headed back to the future for the time being!

This movement has been coined, #OperationPivot! It’s not ideal but neither is anything that 2020 has thrown at you, your family, your friends and your life!

We here at labarre are losing sleep so you will have one less thing to worry about. Assuring that you are doing your very best to feel good physically and mentally is what we strive for. The good news is that our wellness providers are still at 1445 The Alameda and open for business with safety protocols in full effect. Even better, ALL of our classes will continue to be livestreamed so you won’t miss a beat!

Have questions or thoughts – email us at info@labarrestudios.com and we will get back to you immediately!

It’s time to PIVOT! So grab your mat, props, and smile and we will see you at Roundhill Studios until further notice!

Drumming Up A Story On Julie!

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 03:46:53 GMT

Born and raised San Jose you may know Julie as she has been around since, well, the beginning! She is also a wonderful drumming instructor and valued member of our equipe.

This original member of labarre transformed into one of our terrific instructors but before we get to the present day, let’s jump into the time machine and get to know Julie and her journey.

This Northern Californian decided to head to UC Santa Barbara for school as she received a bachelor’s degree in communications. After school, Julie headed to New York for a change of scenery and fell in love with the city that never sleeps.

“I worked at an investment bank and waited tables… I was doing the New York thing.” Julie met her husband, Michael, who also in the finance and banking world. He was of great support to her as she realized there was much more that she wanted to accomplish and that calling quickly had her making a career change. After receiving her master’s degree in education, Julie began to chart the next move while teaching elementary school in Brooklyn.After a few years, Julie and Michael decided to think long term and looked to start a family. The first step in that plan would begin with a move back to a familiar place.

“I had tried a lot of exercise programs, but none of them ever stuck. That was until I tried labarre!” Julie was drawn to the fact that it fit well with her dance background and ballet training, something she had done for the greater part of her life. The unique classes at labarre were a wonderful addition to her routine, but it was the drumming format that captured Julie’s heart. “The fun of the musicality and rhythmic feel was amazing, and it really fit well. I love tap dancing and I feel like when I am drumming, I am tap dancing with my sticks!”

The change from student to teacher was about to happen. Never having taught a fitness class, Julie’s love of labarre would catapult her to the front of the class.

“The transition from student to instructor was challenging, but it was Lisa [Alberino, Founder] who said ‘I know you can do it and I believe in you!’ I wondered if I should really be instructing, but after making the leap I was thrilled. I think my next step will be teaching barre”.

Relocating to San Jose, Julie discovered labarre in the Summer of 2017… for those who have been around, we refer to those as the “underground days”!

“What I have learned from the lessons of 2020, is that the ability to adapt to technology has really been amazing but not as amazing as the ability to connect with people.” Julie continues “As isolating as this all has been, it has been hugely connecting at the same time.”

2020 has affected all of us and when some semblance of normalcy returns, that means Julie and her family will hit the road once again. “We love to travel! We love Tahoe and have spent quite a lot of time skiing and snowboarding, but we adore the beach too, specifically Cabo. We go there as a family every year.”

Julie has taken her drumming class outdoors and is set to pull out her sticks and get people moving once again! “I tell my friends, come to my class. First of all, it’s the warmest most welcoming place, there’s absolutely no judgement. When we are drumming, it’s just a release, you can get a workout and rock out. Plain and simple.”

Get rocking with Julie as she takes to the great outdoors this week! Sign up HERE

Julie is a busy mom of three and she also runs a non-profit Montessori school, so her time is limited but she gets her reps in whether she is instructing or enjoying the fruits of being a part of the labarre equipe. An important step in keeping her mind, body and spirit balanced in such challenging times.

In Your Own Words

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 12:33:46 GMT

Stopping and saying something kind can change the outcome of someone’s day. These days, especially, it is imperative that we find the beauty and kindness in the simplest of things. A friend’s phone call, a held door to assure someone can enter a store before you do, letting someone in your lane so they can merge without anxiety. The little things.

As we all work to get our minds free of worry, our bodies renewed with energy, and our spirits soaring with hope of what could and should be, we need kindness and gratitude to be our beacon.

Along with the entire staff at labarre studios, I know that we are here to cheer our guests on and make their experience an empowering and beneficial one. It is our job to push you that extra 10 seconds when you don’t have a lot left in the tank and then remind you that you are stronger than you think you are.

In that very same spirit of gratitude we are looking to put your thoughts out as it pertains to anything you would like to evangelize. Whether it be the instructors, wellness providers, fellow members helping to push you that extra mile in an outdoor class, a virtual class or even the virtual library that helps you get that workout in when the rest of the world is sleeping, but you are just returning from work.

Let us know, as we want to hear your words and what you love about the labarre experience.

It’s as easy as sending a line or two to rob@labarrestudios.com. Nothing fancy, nothing formal. We will then create a small post using your own words to help inspire instructors, members and guests to push on in these challenging times.

Thanks for being a part of the labarre family and let’s stay labarre strong.

PS: I will go first!

Lisa Alberino
Founder/Owner labarre studios

A Little Housecleaning!

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 13:06:50 GMT

As September crept into our calendar in this ever so challenging and unique year, we realized that we had stockpiled some incredible videos of your favorite instructors doing what they do best; helping you to design yourself in the comfort and safety of your homes.

Although we were producing a robust library for our members, we didn’t realize just HOW robust it was. With nearly 400 videos it became, well, a little overwhelming! It was time to re-imagine a more manageable way for you to get the workout you need with little searching.

Our exclusive library is organized by different disciplines such as quick clips, 30-minute workouts, barre, HIIT, Yoga, Meditation, and specialty classes. We have trimmed down the content to simplify your search for the perfect workout. We want you to get right to what you love most; a great workout for the mind, body and spirit.

If you haven’t visited the library lately, take a look and don’t be afraid to give us feedback or critique. If you are looking for a class and are unable to find it, send us an EMAIL and we will be sure to get that session posted!

We feel we have been as nimble and flexible as any company in the Bay Area during this time, and we will continue to innovate and find ways to bring you the most value as we navigate, together, the remainder of 2020 and what it holds.

We are with you every step of the way and we greatly appreciate your loyalty, commitment, and understanding. Thank you for keeping us working hard and keeping yourself labarre strong.

Get To Know Laura!

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:21:23 GMT

Laura has been with labarre for a little nearly a year and a half now and this staple of our community is also one of our shiniest examples of positivity and kindness.

The youngest of 4, Laura grew up in Alabama. Her father, a preacher, had the family relocating a little bit along the Southeast portion of the United States, but her Southern roots kept Laura grounded as she left home for college.

A graduate of Mississippi State, Laura paused to note fellow instructor, “Katharine and I went to rival schools… she went to Ole Miss.” Laura met her Wilson, her husband, while at school and married right after graduation, beginning their life together.

This new chapter meant moving across the country and settling in California where Wilson was offered a position at a high school, teaching English. “He then got a job doing music at a church. He’s all over with the instruments he plays; Guitar, banjo, piano… he can pick up anything… he’s a prodigy!”

Her path to fitness began prior to her move out west. In high school, Laura enjoyed basketball, volleyball and tennis and once she enrolled in college, to stay active, she took up running and Pilates.

Yearning for activity once she settled in California, Pilates reentered Laura’s life and a barre studio sparked her interest in different disciplines of fitness. Barre, however, ignited a true connection of the mind and the body to help engage her in her workouts and it was a move to the Rose Garden that brought her to labarre studios on The Alameda.

“The studio (labarre) was more diverse in its clientele than the other barre studio I had worked out at and it was affordable. I loved it… I was all in. So much so that after taking classes for a year I decided to take the barre instructor training.”

That transition from student to teacher is always an interesting one for those who make the leap and for Laura it was “great, but intimidating. I always said I could never be a teacher at any level and I took that as an opportunity. I had to do it. The community and the training are great. Lisa (labarre’s owner and founder) was very empowering. It was surprisingly better than I could have imagined. When I was in the training with everyone, I immediately noticed that we all shared the same goal and that was to strengthen our bodies and minds. I didn’t feel like I had to fit a specific mold, there was no cookie-cutter instructors. Again, labarre’s diversity was what drew me to it.”

Recently, Laura and Wilson have welcomed an addition to the family… a baby boy! (as a matter of fact, she is prepping all expectant moms with amazing pre-natal classes… which are free to ALL right HERE !)

With so many great instructors at labarre, how does a member differentiate them? What makes Laura’s classes – in person or virtual – special?

“My classes are light-hearted. They are fun but can also get intense. I will make you sweat if you come to class but not in a boot camp sense… You are going to sweat but I won’t yell at you.” Laura says with a laugh.

Those classes have helped Laura to have a great perspective during these challenging times.

“I am seeing the power of the labarre community as everyone is motivating each other.” Laura said. “The choice to do online classes that are live, show the strength of working out together. Anyone can take a YouTube class by themselves, but the connection of the community is so strong. That is the difference. People miss people. They’d rather connect online than not connect at all and that is powerful.”

When she is not breaking down exactly how we all feel, perfectly, Laura is patiently waiting for life to return to normal so she can do the things she loves. Besides being outdoors, backpacking and camping, she and Wilson love travelling and connecting with friends and loved ones… soon, we hope we can all do that.

Committed-to-Change

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:47:08 GMT

We recently sent out an email to all of our subscribers that was directly from the heart. As a business owner, community member, wife, daughter and most importantly, a mom, I wanted to re-share this for those who may have missed it. Thank you for taking the time to read.

Three years ago, labarre studios was founded with the vision to touch as many lives as possible through fitness and wellness programs. We envisioned a community living in peaceful balance in which every person lives strong in their bodies, happy in their minds and confident in their spirit. Where every person knows and feels that labarre and its loyal community has their back.

Our team has been committed to our core values of unity and diversity, however, observing the events over that past few weeks has made it painfully obvious that we simply have to do more in our fight for equality.

We have spent this time listening to our employees, guests, and community. We have chosen to not be silent; Black lives matter and we will act and fight for an anti-racist world. We have already begun to take action.

  We are creating an internship program promoting
underrepresented groups in barre fitness.

·     We are re-directing our product lines towards black
business owners and educating ourselves on options in this area.

·     We will mirror our beliefs in our messaging by adding
an equality statement and logo to our company’s foundation.

·     We will honor and observe Juneteenth every year.

·     We are seeking organizations to share with our guests
(see buttons below.)

As we continue to serve the community we ask that you find what you are passionate about, here are some great organizations to start with.

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation.

Bring The H.E.A.T. is an organized intervention to protect the basic health, safety, and well-being of all people by demanding a series of immediate and sweeping changes to the current policing system in the United States

The BIPOC Project aims to build authentic and lasting solidarity among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), in order to undo Native invisibility, anti-Blackness, dismantle white supremacy and advance racial justice.

The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.

The most important way to change the world starts right HERE.
Enough said.

We know there are many more organizations, people and movements that are making sweeping changes. Please let us know who and what they are so we can continue to share with our community!

From my family to yours, let's make a change together.
~ Lisa Alberino, Founder & Owner

Challenge Accepted

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 14:16:19 GMT

Committed to Change

2020 has ushered in exciting times at labarre studios. The Gold Barre Standard Challenge was introduced as the calendar flipped to the new decade and with it debuted the studio’s first year-long challenge.

A great deal of thought and energy went into crafting the Gold Barre Standard Challenge as it needed to achieve a few key goals. We wanted it to be both beneficial and functional. To be clearer, it had to deliver the results our members expect and it would have to be sustainable over the course of a calendar year. We also wanted to encourage our new guests to be able to join in throughout the year, so they could participate in the fun and enjoy the benefits of taking classes 3+ times per week.

What was the best way for me to assure that the challenge would hold its water? Personally, be a part of it and experience the journey as a participant, not a bystander.

For me, the very first month is best described as a rough start with a brilliant finish. That month had me immediately reflecting on the age old adage, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish.” That’s how success is truly defined. So the bigger question is, 'Why set a challenge?'

This is a great question to ask and the answer is simple; It challenges us to be our best while keeping life exciting! Setting events to look forward to and, more importantly, setting goals for yourself will help you move in the right direction, while experiencing more enjoyment out of life. Whether it is your career, family or physique, goals are a great way to challenge the mind, body and spirit.

Just like other goals we set, the Gold Barre Standard Challenge is realistic and considers things that can be deemed as setbacks. Illness, injury, vacation, career pressures, family… all of these are accounted for and weighed as the labarre equipe fashioned a doable, but difficult challenge for you so that your membership works to achieve the results you had hoped for when you first entered the studio.

A refresher on how it works, we begin the challenge on the 17th of each month with attending 14 classes is the set goal. This structure even allows for members to miss a full month without falling short of achieving the challenge. We know! We get it!

Everyone needs at least one “re-do or mulligan.” Better yet, if you find yourself getting off track and need a “re-set” we allow members to jump back into the challenge by rejoining it in April, July or even October. And don't worry … we will remind you!

For more context, I want to share my personal journey along the Gold Barre Standard Challenge. I finished December and the beginning of January strong, taking classes almost daily. Frankly, I was on a roll … and then I hurt my back while putting away Christmas decorations.

It happens to us all … I was rushing trying to get too much done with too little time. I reached over to pick up a heavy bin while bending and twisting and I felt my disc slip out of place in my lower back. No carols, mistletoe or sugar plum fairies, just pain and setback. I have a history of lower-back disc challenges and I have had a herniated, bulging and even a ripped disc in my lower back L3-L5. Amazingly, I am able to manage my back injuries with barre-inspired workouts and many of you may not even realize this is part of my life.

Barre is gentle while strengthening the body and even with injury, is an activity that can be done daily to improve such ailments. The tough part for me, though, is to remember proper body mechanics while doing everyday activities that are “automatic.” Simple actions like making beds, emptying the dishwasher, loading and unloading the groceries from the trunk, and the one that seems to sneak up on me when I don’t pay attention… working in my garden.

The point is we can typically experience injury when we are not being mindful.

This time, however, luck and years of barre fitness were on my side as I had a positive and speedy recovery. I immediately went to see our Acupuncturist, Angelica Acton , and I was teaching within days of my injury. Within one week, I was feeling exceptionally well. Luckily, this afforded me the time to get in my 14 classes for January and even I was amazed with how quickly my body recovered. (Again, a shout out the heavens for Angelica’s Acupuncture techniques!)

Your story may be different. Again, setbacks might occur in the form of time, commitments or injury. But those obstacles are not insurmountable and we want to be here to help. The labarre community and all who have partaken in the Gold Barre Standard Challenge are in the same boat: We have a goal and we are here to reach it, together.

Let this be a little motivation to keep pushing to design yourself and achieve the goals you originally set out to accomplish. Need a little more motivation? Take a look at these fabulous guests that are tracking well through the challenge… or should we call them our Gold Barre Stars ! See you at labarre!

Welcome Chuck Lee!

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 14:53:45 GMT

Once again, we have updated our service offerings at 1445 The Alameda and this
time we welcome you to get to know our
newest massage therapist, Chuck Lee!

Chuck, who grew up in Cupertino,
currently calls San Jose his home.
A graduate of Deanza College, Chuck
earned an AA degree in massage therapy.

Prior to receiving his degree, Lee’s love for massage was preceded by an extreme
interest in health, diet and nutrition as he experienced health problems in his earlier
years. Looking to make changes in his lifestyle, Chuck astutely chose to begin with
a change in diet and the food that he would consume.

Through self-discipline, perseverance and research, this would only begin to be a
transformative time for Lee and one that would lead him down a path that would
begin to focus on wellness for both himself and others.

Healthier choices slowly healed his body and soon an interest in meditation and
yoga would follow.

Meditation retreats also proved to be
helpful in Lee’s renaissance as was the
discovery of Qigong. A predecessor to Tai
Chi, Qigong is a centuries-old system of
coordinated body-posture, movement,
breathing,and meditation used for the
purposes of health, spirituality, and
martial arts training. With roots in
Chinese medicine, philosophy, and
martial arts, Qigong is traditionally viewed
by the Chinese and throughout Asia as a
practice to cultivate and balance qi or "life energy".

Lee explained that “All of these health
disciplines that I practiced over the years
add up to abetter experience for my
guests.”

That practice received its initial hands-on spark from a friend and mentor Lee trained
with a few years ago.

After Chuck felt a small clicking in his hip from strength training and calisthenics,
his friend asked if he could work on it to relieve him of the pain.

“That was my first experience with massage therapy. One that was oriented in giving
peoples results, specifically more functional range of motion and removing blockages
that were hindering me from training better. It was great and it changed how I viewed
therapy.”

His friend had learned a great deal both in the states and in China and shared the
information. That inspired Lee and thus his journey began.

“That’s when my eyes were opened into the world of healing. We live in a society that
is so much ‘go go go’ all the time, that we really forget to do minor adjustments that
would make a difference in the longevity of our body and just feeling ‘right.’
It propelled me in to the world where I wanted to further my education and
practice professionally.”

He’s been practicing for a few years and that hard work led him to labarre studios.

“It was really great timing and it synchronized perfectly. I wanted to be in a professional setting and use my skills. I wanted to put myself in the right place and I found labarre.
I came across many places that weren’t for me. I didn’t want to be limited in what I was
able to do for clients. I wanted a place that allowed me the freedom to offer a lot of
different modalities, and came across labarre on line and quickly reached out to Lisa
(labarre’s founder.)

“We had a great deal of candidates when Chuck reached out.” Lisa Alberino notes. “As we build our wellness services and ultimately the ecosystem for the studio,
it is paramount that we get the best, most passionate people in here who excel
at their discipline. I initially put Chuck on hold as I was looking at the candidates,
but simply was taken by how professional and thorough he was. Then we met
and I knew he was a perfect fit for the people that call the studio home and the
rest of the equipe here at labarre.”

“Comfortable, secure, professional and relaxing” are a few words Chuck used to describe
labarre studios and the massage therapy area he now calls home.

“I truly stress comfort and how comfortable I want the client to be … as massage can
be a vulnerable experience.” Chuck wants them to be worry-free in their choice and he
also points out that his hope is each and every client feels that he cares personally for
them, their body and what they are looking to achieve in the sessions.

“Understanding the history of what their body has been through is key. Knowing
where it is today and where therapy can take it is very important and I am here to help.
We have very specific goals we set before we begin and, after the session is completed,
we get a post-session review and report. It matters and I want to be here to help
them through anything they need.”

With so many choices in San Jose alone, why come visit labarre and Chuck Lee?

One word, “Intuition” as Lee explains.

Chuck has an Intuitive sense of the inner working of his own body and by a greater
understanding of the guests he will get in tune with their body and needs and,
along with their comfort to share what they are looking to accomplish, Chuck seems
to get to another level with those guests who will allow Chuck to tackle their needs.

“Working on patients means gaining valuable information about how they feel and
respond to the therapy and techniques that I use.” Different techniques work better
for some people and really listening to their body and being mindful of the sessions is
what separates the good therapists from the great.

Lee concludes, “It is simply about being sensitive to how they feel.”

When he is not working with a client, Chuck is enjoying life. A lover of music, specifically hip hop. Chuck loves to be entertained and enjoys creating music himself. His
favorite influencers in the genre are J. Cole Logic, Royce the 59.

If it is time to get your body in tune, we suggest you connect with Chuck Lee!

To learn more, simply click HERE.

Lissa's Lashes is now at labarre!

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 13:53:54 GMT

Lissa's Lashes is now at labarre!

As labarre continues to expand we want to introduce you to our newest service provider: Melissa Pascua!

Born and raised in San Jose, Melissa’s family roots are firmly planted here as is her husband, Danny’s.

A mom of 2 amazing boys (Alexander 10, Marcelino 5) Melissa is a strong business woman with a pathway that began in the high-tech industry, as an inside sales person. After becoming tired of the marketing and sales grind, it was time to do something she loved.

“When I was working with my past employer, I would return home after a long day and realized I was missing out. I was missing my son grow up (Alex, her only child at the time) There was time only for dinner, a book and then bedtime with him. It was time for a change.” That change began a new chapter that Melissa is writing on a daily basis.

Pascua found someone who had perfected her craft in lashes and she acted as a mentor and beacon for Melissa’s second career. After checking out schools to further this new found passion, Melissa made the bold move and began to go headfirst in to her calling. “I started going to night school while I was working and did that for a year and Lissa’s Lashes was created!” The move would not be without its rewards. Nearly a decade later, this Bay Area veteran has a great client base and it will continue growing as she recently decked out a new space at 1445 The Alameda!

The connection to labarre was through a once member now the studios community program coordinator and instructor, Leilani Borer. Leilani introduced Pascua to the studio and sparked her interest in the drumming classes that are held on Fridays. After attending drumming and a few other classes, Melissa fell in love with the space and realized an opportunity was available.

Melissa noted “I got really lucky, labarre is so pretty and the equipe are all wonderful. The client experience is very important to me. I want clients to feel comfortable, relaxed and safe, all in a clean space. My studio in labarre is key for that and I just love it.”

Melissa primarily focuses on classic lashes, volume and volume mixed lashes (which both give a fuller look, she notes) but her goal is to have people “look natural when they leave the house, with or without makeup.” On top of lashes, Melissa offers a variety of facials, chemical peels and waxing.

With knowledge, dedication and skill, Melissa makes the most of her time with her clients… and her family when she is lucky enough to break free.

“When I am not working we plan family fun days. Our family definitely loves the beach, Monterey, park hopping, museums, hikes, you name it.” Both of her boys are in Jiu Jitsu so that keeps them active as do the Cub Scouts. With the flexibility to be involved in the boys’ everyday lives, Melissa and Danny are making the most of every family opportunity.

How does Pascua describe her craft to those who have not tried it? “When someone is new I walk them through what I will be doing before they get a service and I tailor the experience to them during consultation. Facials run 30-75min. A full set lashes, could take 2-3.5 hours and after that touch ups run about an hour. A lot of people take that time for themselves… I tell them that this is your time to nap, relax, listen to some music or chat!”

Want to be one of those lucky customers, check Lissa’s Lashes out right here!

Juniper Acupuncture is HERE!

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 14:17:40 GMT

The studios at 1445 The Alameda are growing steadily. Constantly adding to its array of classes and offerings, labarre studios is headed into its third anniversary and a new year and we are doing so with a focus on wellness services and true commitment to our members.

With that, we have recently added our newest service provider, Juniper Acupuncture, and it is headed by the amazing Angelica Acton.

California born and raised, Angelica has been an acupuncturist, believe it or not, since she was a child! “I was lucky enough that my dad was an acupuncturist and traveled from Boston to Japan, where he also met my mom, to pursue his calling.” Angelica explains.

“My mom and dad met in Osaka, Japan, and that is where he quenched his thirst for this knowledge; the knowledge of healing the body in a more natural way. There are great holistic ways to heal like physical therapy” Angelica continues, “and like therapy, acupuncture helps us avoid side effects and invasive healing processes that come from medicine.”

As a kid she practiced on her dad and she “lived and breathed acupuncture.” That is where Angelica decided this would be her passion as well.

“It is very modern, and it is instituted in hospitals, health care plans and it is very applicable.”

Her training to become an acupuncturist included complete immersion in Chinese medicine and manifested itself in a 4-year master’s degree from Five Branches University located in Santa Cruz, CA. Because of California’s strict education laws, acupuncturists have to dive deep and learn western medicine, orthopedics, herbs, diagnosis and more. Though the entire process, Angelica was hands on, training and treating the whole way through at different levels. Angelica’s expertise is extensive but furthering that proficiency is important to her and she looks to continue on and receive a doctorate in the discipline. Praising its practicality and popularity, Angelica states, “It’s really a wonderful integrated medicine and we are considered primary healthcare providers.”

Practicing for over half a decade, Angelica is a veteran in her craft and has a tremendous number of hours under her belt. This fully-licensed practitioner is experienced in how she treats patients, both in their physical and mental needs.

“I base my treatment on the patient. I might have five different patients who come in with seemingly the same challenge, but I may have a different plan for each one. Each treatment is adhered to individual people. Everything is tailored to the individual.”

Angelica continues on about the benefits of acupuncture and dispels myths about it being painful or mysterious.

“It is very calming… people feel relaxed and meditative. It’s understandable that people believe it might be painful prior to receiving treatment but once they take part in it, it’s a different story. People tend to feel rested and rest is so important to the healing process.”

After connecting with Angelica the question that seems to be on everyone’s mind… How DOES Acupuncture work?

Explaining it perfectly, Angelica illuminated us.

“It creates a micro-trauma, a stimulus inside the skin, and it tells the body to increase circulation into that area, manipulating the body’s own capacity to heal in order to address issues we want addressed. It increases white blood cell count in that area, and it increases the vessel capacity. It also allows the body to pull away waste from a particular area. It really is a biomechanical process and it is stemmed in very ancient medicine but it has a very western way that it works.”

Angelica continues, “Acupuncture has multiple benefits. It works with stress management and digestion. It works with abdominals and digestive points which helps circulate blood flow, working with the immune system and releasing endorphins. People sometimes don’t realize that these areas heal the body in many ways.”

One fascinating fact that came from the conversation with labarre’s newest service provider was that facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a ‘thing.’

“All of the channels we use in Chinese medicine… they eventually go to the face. The face is the reflection of the body. The glimmer in people’s eyes and their face reflects how they feel. You can tell how someone feels simply by looking at them and acupuncture can help you look and feel better.”

If you are a weekend warrior and have nagging injuries or simply need a boost, we urge you to set up a consultation with Angelica. If you have never tried acupuncture but are interested or if you are looking to continue on care that you are already getting, this is a great opportunity for a face to face connect with one of the Bay Area’s best.

Enjoy the newest service from labarre and find new ways to design yourself. Click here for more information about Juniper Acupuncture!

Set The Barre For 2020!

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 14:36:48 GMT

To all of the labarre community out there, I wanted to take the time to wish everyone a wonderful healthy and peace filled New Year. This is my virtual hug to you all for getting through 2019 and looking at 2020 as an opportunity to better yourselves. I often wonder what I could be doing better and as the calendar flips, I become introspective. Could I have used my time more wisely?

Did I need to focus my energy in this area or that? If I could do a few things to amplify “Me” what would they be? These have all crossed my mind.

Just taking a moment to help create great habits and long-lasting behaviors of the guests that I see week in and week out. Many of you have walked into labarre and walked out changed in many ways, but I know more can be accomplished.

Fact: 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February… FEBRUARY! It takes effort, commitment and will to stick to something and even more so, when there are distractions, careers, kids and life that can get in the way.

We want to help simplify this for you and allow you to not only design yourself, but truly focus on YOU. The Gold Barre Standard will help you do just that.

It was created to keep members on pace, not as a gruesome taskmaster, but more of a beacon of optimism and the prospect of keeping your sights on what’s important without having to be overwhelmed by massive changes in diet, timing and schedules.

If this is the first time you are hearing of it, I will oversimplify it for you. The challenge is to take 14 classes a month, all year long.

That’s 3.5 classes a week! That’s it.

We also know that there are events that might keep you from the studio on any given week…. guess what? The Gold Barre Standard has a built-in safety net for you. You are allowed ONE Free month away from the studio… think of it as a workout mulligan! You work hard to pay for your membership, and the Gold Barre Standard will put it to optimal use!

The challenge is doable… the goals are attainable. It’s that easy.

Each month that you achieve success, you are rewarded with 2 free guest passes and even more as the challenge continues on… but what better prize than a clear mind, strong body and full spirit ?

This all starts January 17th so be sure to sign up at the front desk and pick up this fun Gold Barre Standard bracelet!

Here’s to a fabulous 2020 and we will be with you every quake and shake of the way!

Lisa Alberino
Founder, Owner labarre studios

Claudia Takes Center Stage!

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 14:52:59 GMT

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.

Go For The Gold!

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 15:11:41 GMT

Here at labarre we strive to make the studio a place where members can work hard to achieve their goals as well as strive to design themselves in a multitude of ways. As fall turns to winter we are challenging the incredible women and men once again to raise the bar. Resolutions are easily created and forgotten and as the calendar flips, our focus is on helping you to turn your resolutions into habits by entering into our Gold Barre Standard Challenge for 2020. The goal is simple but will take determination and commitment.

We are looking for our loyal members to take 14 classes a month, every month, all year long. Taking 14 classes a month will transform your body and help you become your strongest, best version of you. Our highly-trained equipe and supportive community will help motivate you to stay on track. Commit to the Gold Barre Standard Challenge by signing up as early as December 1st – then, mark your calendar as the challenge will begin on January 17th, 2020!

Exclusive “mini challenges” and prize opportunities will be awarded throughout the year. This will amplify the potential and desire for Gold Barre Standard participants to stay on track. Gold Barre achievers will celebrate at our year end “Design & Shine Celebration” where they will receive special gifts and their name forever etched on a plaque in studio.

The New Year is only a few shorts weeks away, so it is time to focus on 2020 and that means it is time to focus on you.

We are here to help you design yourself every step of the way.

Lisa Alberino, Founder & Owner, labarre studios

Get To Know Phoenix!

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 15:35:59 GMT

Our equipe has grown since we have opened the doors in 2017 and with every new instructor comes a great story and a better personality. With that, we want to introduce you to Phoenix! Phoenix has been part of our equipe as she began this year and has been leading classes brilliantly for labarre studios.

Phoenix embodies San Jose as she comes from a family that boasts the city as their home for 7 Generations. Amazingly, her family has been a part of the fabric of the area for decades and she continues on the tradition.

If you were wondering where she went to school… a safe bet would be San Jose State University as it was a clear fit for her. Many of her family members are alums and Phoenix is a proud Spartan who graduated with a BS in Hospitality Event Management.

Her love for dance and fitness, however, started prior to her college career. She started teaching Yoga in high school as a senior project and before that, she was a competitive Irish dancer at a young age. This form of dancing took a toll on Phoenix’s body, however, and her mom, who enjoyed Yoga, introduced Phoenix to its healing power.

Yoga became a huge form of relief for Phoenix and it prompted her to do a 200-hour certification training when she was 18. That led to the ability to teach full time throughout her college career.

“I love yoga and have been practicing it for years….and then a friend found labarre and said ‘Hey! You have to come to a class here you will absolutely love it!’ I walked in and decided I needed to add it to my resume!” Phoenix states.

“I came and immediately fell in love with labarre. The format of barre, the space and what Lisa (Alberino) has done with the studio there. She has created this incredible pocket of happiness and fitness in what can be a crazy hectic area of San Jose.”

After becoming certified to be an instructor at labarre, Phoenix is able to use both Yoga and Barre in her repertoire of classes she teaches. Phoenix delivers a very different outlook for each discipline and explained what a class she teaches would feel like to those who have never taken one with her at the helm.

“My Yoga class includes basic foundations and postures but I sprinkle in active and high intensity at times to have a change in pacing to what traditional Yoga is all about. It includes core and breath work as well as intentional mindful movement of the body. Otherwise you may as well stay at home if you are not going to do the work! I want a quality experience for everyone in my classes.”

Phoenix continues, “Barre is different, the high energy you have to bring to a barre class is phenomenal and yet very challenging. At the end of a work day for me, I hype myself up and bring as much energy as I can because I know the students will feed off my energy. Quality of movement is key in these classes.”

Her musicality is also a big part of what makes this former dancer a special addition to labarre. She is “obsessed” with music as she has been immersed in a musical household her entire life. Her dad is a musician (drums, guitar, bass, piano, mandolin to name a few of the instruments her father can play!) and that is where the seed was planted for her.

In her free time – which she most certainly doesn’t have much of – she loves to travel and be around her family. Her older sister and boyfriend's family live in LA so she often travels down south. "My littlest sister recently moved to Wales for University so I can't wait to pay her a visit and continue my travels abroad. I love my California roots but love to travel out of state or out of the country any chance I get! Next on my list is Italy, Bali or perhaps Aruba! Anything active is always welcomed.”

And when she is not out on a trail or traveling, she also loves to cook and bake and has currently stumbled on a recipe for healthy Twix bars… if she patents this she may be a billionaire!

Come see Phoenix for yourself and find out why we love her as much as you will!

October Update!

Sun, 13 Oct 2019 00:28:54 GMT

It has been a while since we have updated everyone but we have so much to tell you about… so here we go!

First of all, “Cheers” to a great Fall!! We hope you and yours have been able to reflect back on a wonderful and prosperous summer as labarre studios was busy this summer. We created special events for our guests & community and we wanted to take pause and rewind to catch everyone up!

It all started with our 2nd birthday which we celebrated in July. A cake and candles can’t emphasize how incredibly excited we were as we enjoyed our busiest month EVER. We rocked our open house with sold out classes, delicious cookies from Desserts Designed and healthy food samplings from our neighbors, “Whole Foods.”

Our studio was buzzing… and we love company so it was all good! Speaking of company, our Century board has seen some wonderful additions since we began honoring those guests who have taken part in 100+ visits. When you come to the studio be sure to walk down the alley inside and look to your left to see whose gorgeous face graces the wall!

Later that month, we treated our Las Madres members to an afternoon of pampering and a specialty class with beats & barre that was a total hit.

As the summer progressed, we held our “100 Days Summer Strong Challenge” where our members and guests shared their vacation posts by hashtagging #labarreafar on their Instagram accounts, challenging themselves to take 15 classes in August and got to know our service providers (chiropractic, massage therapy, and our esthetician.) Wait… you didn’t know we had these services? Well if this is the first time you are hearing this we need you to get back in the saddle and head to labarre because we have not only expanded to a wellness center with chiropractic & massage therapy offerings, but we are constantly refining and evolving based on what our guests have suggested to us.

Our Total Reset Program grew as well. It took a new spin this summer with field trips and Yoga classes, and an educational experience at Whole Foods.

It didn’t stop there as we have added more classes that our guests have also pined for. That means more barre, HIIT, Yoga and Drumming! As a matter of fact, drumming has now become a Friday staple on the calendar.

We entered fall excited about our Faithful Fridays (Go Niners!) and the chance to win $49 Faithful 4-packs with every 49ers home win.

Our Breast Cancer Swag has JUST arrived and is flying off the shelves. With 50% of the proceeds going to Cancer Connections you will look great and be helping to kick cancer’s ass while doing so.

Get to know Tiana!

Sat, 28 Sep 2019 00:49:31 GMT

It’s time to get to know another instructor and we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Mayo!

Born and raised right here in San Jose, Tiana comes from an athletic family as her four siblings all had “skills” at one sport or another.

“I was known as the black sheep,” Tiana says half-jokingly, “My brothers and sisters are all-star athletes across disciplines like volleyball, basketball and even MMA!” As she recounts their accomplishments she laughs at her lack of prowess on a court or a field.

She may not be the feature player on a sports team, but this business-minded mom (Her son is a vibrant 3-year-old named Tua) is a true leader off the field. As she completes her final year at San Jose State University, her business background has served her well as she works with developmentally disabled people in the Bay area alongside her mom, grandmother and aunt.

After having Tua, Tiana became more mindful not only of succeeding but also of her health and well-being. She began to truly think about what she was putting into her body and was determined to treat “herself” better. Tiana had gotten involved in group fitness and Pilates and had become interested in teaching. “I was over 200 pounds and I knew I needed a change,” She states, “and then I found barre and I truly fell in love.”

Along with being an amazing mom and possessing acute business talents, Tiana is an accomplished dancer. From ballet to Polynesian dancing, rhythm is in her heart. That has played well and has been a part of the reason she is such a shining light at labarre studios.

“I love labarre, out of all of the studios I have been to it is the best. I love the community within… the camaraderie between the instructors and service providers that Lisa [Alberino] has built is amazing. I have never felt so warm and welcomed. I also love the things that are provided at labarre. If I wasn’t an instructor I would be a member!”

The reverence of labarre is a direct reflection on the leadership starting at the top. “I admire her (Lisa Alberino, founder and owner), she is just gold. Her energy and abilities are terrific… she is so rounded in everything she does.”

So, you now know what Tiana is about… can we say the same thing about her classes? When asked what one of her sessions would be like for a first-time student Tiana perked up with some immediate honesty.

“I am always nervous before any class. The reason why is that I know I have the capability to transform someone and I have felt those changes in my life, I try to bring that same intensity and determination. I tell students that their best is enough. I want them to leave stronger and more determined than when they came through those doors. I am definitely high energy”

When she is not on the instructor floor you can find Tiana somewhere out and about! “I love being with Tua. We do everything from basketball to surfing, he loves the water!

We have a sweet tooth, too! We love to go out and have fun and try new foods.”

Sometimes though, busy moms like Tiana need a break. “Above and beyond I love being a mom, but when I have some time for me, I love documentaries and TED talks, reading, but mostly I love to choreograph, dances, barre routines…. Just about anything.”

Come see her in action at labarre!

Wallie's World!

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 01:00:50 GMT

If you have not been to the upstairs sanctuary at labarre studios, you are most certainly missing out. Our complete array of wellness services are in full effect and we thought this would be a great time to highlight our second dedicated massage therapist, Alyssa “Wallie” Perez. Wallie is a proud San Jose native who attended Oak Grove High School. Soon after, she received an associate’s degree in business, and was working as a hospice nurse.

The work was incredibly rewarding and she simply enjoyed helping people in need. During her time working, she suffered a devastating car accident which sidelined her path and a debilitating injury to her leg put her career on hold.

Through perseverance and great influence from her family, she decided that the path to continue serving others would come via massage therapy. With advice from her brother who graduated from the National Holistic Institute, Wallie enrolled and thrived. Once she began taking classes at NHI, it was clear as day and she was enamored with the entire organization.

Wallie explains, “I fell in love with the staff, I fell in love with the school, I just loved everything about it! I grew and grew and truly felt myself while I was there.”

The connection to the school allowed her to absorb a great deal of knowledge and she took advantage of all it had to offer. As she was graduating she was also working for TrioSpa which is where Lisa Alberino, Founder and Owner of labarre studios found her.

“Wallie is an exceptional therapist and people who have worked with her and her therapy have truly benefitted.” Lisa continues, “I think her greatest strength is that she listens to the clients and can translate exactly what they are asking of her.”

This statement rings true as Wallie echoed the statement, “What people should expect when they come to see me is a person who wants to help them and will listen to them. I have post-massage exercises that I suggests to some of my patients and I care for everyone who walks through [labarre’s] doors.”

Wallie noted, “When I help others I always feel a connection with them, not only in body but also in spirit. I can tell the knowledge that I have gained throughout the past years is coming to light and it is very fulfilling for me.”

Another fulfilling part of Wallie’s life is spending time with her husband of 4 years, David, and their German Sheppard / Labrador mix, Scooby Doo!

“The little moments that we cherish together are the ones that truly count.” Wallie laughs as she notes that she and David enjoy everything from Baseball games to art shows…. It’s all fair game as long as they are spending time with each other.

Wallie also cherishes the people who have helped her to get to become a successful businesswoman. “My hope is that I make them feel comfortable and more knowledgeable about their bodies and their wellness. I like to explain the sessions we have and I like to explain the gameplan so they are a part of the entire journey. The one thing I love are questions, I always say, ‘don’t be afraid to ask any questions!’

So, the question is, when are you going to go see Wallie and experience her for yourself! Click HERE to make your appointment today!

Hello Angeliki!

Fri, 24 May 2019 01:24:56 GMT

Born and raised in Gilroy, CA to Greek parents, Angeliki Menig has a view of life that makes her a kind and caring soul that is in touch with the world around her. “My parents wanted the family to be outside and love the land, explore and be in touch with nature. We were always very active” she states.

Her formative high school years sparked a deep interest about science and health which began to blaze a path that would match her personality. Angeliki attended UC Davis and majored in neuroscience and psychology so she could better understand the brain, human beings and what motivates them. She had a passion to understand why people choose what they do and how it shaped their behavior.

Originally hoping to study with efforts focusing on pre-med, Angeliki did some soul-searching which led her to explore many different options. This allowed her to get a greater understanding of what the medical world would offer from a career standpoint. That research uncovered occupational therapy, which, Angeliki explains, is part of the rehabilitation umbrella. “In rehab there is occupational, speech and physical therapy, but occupational therapy resonated with me because it’s about meeting the person as a holistic whole – something that labarre studio also believes in with their guests.”

Angeliki continues, “It’s in encapsulating not just the person as a body or brain but meeting the person for who they are and coming up with creative solutions to make their life better.”

Angeliki currently works at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View where she serves mainly geriatric patients who may be facing challenges brought on by accidents, trauma or surgery. Her mission is to help them to get back on their feet and become physically and mentally stronger.

Angeliki along with her husband of 5 years, Peter, love to travel when not working to help others. That love includes exploring new culture on their journeys, which she defines as, “People watching, eating and meeting new friends.”

Getting to know people seems to be built into Angeliki’s DNA as she uses this same methodology when leading the studio floor at labarre studios.

She truly enjoys getting to know the class and defines her style as intentional.

“I really like people to get into the pose and know what muscles are working – it covers the occupational therapy, the very nerdy muscle part of me. I want people to understand what they are working so they can activate it. (When working out) many of us are doing the motions and we aren’t in touch with what we are actually doing. When you bring attention to a move it can transform that move into true strength training. I try to tell people what muscles they are working and give them a visualization. For example, I’d say ‘there’s magnets between your legs – zip them together!’ Of course, I try to make them have fun too!”

Although a true student of the body, teaching was never on her agenda, nor was being a barre instructor. Her teaching began when she instructed Pilates classes in 2011 and loved everything about strengthening muscles that she never knew she could engage or even knew existed! Something else she didn’t know existed was labarre studios.

“Every so often I look through Yelp! as San Jose is shifting and changing all the time. I was looking for a workout place and labarre popped up on my search and I was overjoyed! I was just hooked after I went and I knew labarre was going to be my home. Barre was a great medley of some terrific things – ballet, dance fusion and more!”

So now that this ambitious Californian has two jobs, what does she think about her new digs at 1445 The Alameda? “Oh, the studio is so beautifully manicured in every way… aesthetically pleasing in every way. The art is gorgeous, the lighting is ambient and the staff is so friendly! There is a sense of empowerment as you are greeted with care and joy and the fact that it is female owned is amazing. Being in this community of strong women is truly encouraging. All of the services, the merchandise they sell, the juices and salads, there is just so much there. That holistic approach and the fact that they are building up the community is great.”

Angeliki continues to talk about how the guests and equipe connect on many levels. “I just love to be able to go to a place where I don’t have to compete with everybody and instead I can be filled with love and encouragement from the people around me.”

One interesting element about Angeliki and her leadership is she is looking to help expectant and new mothers as they begin or continue their wellness journey. Angeliki has been focusing on and working with the perinatal community as “They’re bodies are going through a totally different process and some people even call it the 4th trimester.” Angeliki is looking to tailor exercises for that population and states that she has support from the studio owner and founder as well. “Lisa was very open to curating a well put together program for ladies in these different trimesters. That excites me and that is what we are doing.”

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If you haven’t met Angeliki we strongly encourage you to do so. She is one of our newest members of the equipe and her smile, kindness and passion to help those around her make her classes a “must take!”

Meet Alyssa Thompson

Tue, 14 May 2019 01:46:34 GMT

You may or may not have met a staple at labarre studios but we want you to get to know Alyssa Thompson! This terrific instructor, wonderful mom, professional and South Bay Native, grew up in San Jose and Campbell and continues to pay it forward for her hometown. Attending San Jose State to pursue her undergraduate degree in Sociology, Alyssa also minored in Nutrition. Upon graduation, she added to her wealth of knowledge, focusing on receiving a Master’s degree from UC Berkeley in Social Work.

It was there that she was immersed and learned a great deal about mental health and, more notably, about children’s mental health. This discipline was in line with the path that Alyssa has taken as she is a mom to a “vibrant beautiful fun little girl, who loves to dance and sing and play. Amara (Alyssa’s daughter) is very emotionally intelligent, artistic and creative,” the beaming mom says with a smile.

Alyssa is an expert with children and is a Mental Health Counselor at a middle school in San Jose. Her work with children doesn’t end there as Alyssa is School-Based Mental Health Therapist and has worked in that capacity for over half a decade. “I’ve always loved working with kids and doing so in a school system.” To add to her accolades Alyssa has recently become a licensed clinical social worker furthering her value to the people she serves.

Above and beyond her work with children, she adores teaching fitness and stumbled into the avocation while at UC Berkeley.

“I was taking adult dance classes and tried something new while there. I did Bikram Yoga and just loved it.” Alyssa also began prenatal yoga and did so when she was recovering from having Amara. That love for Yoga would lead to barre classes.

“I walked into labarre when they offered a free week and I met Lisa (labarre’s owner and founder) and that was it!” Alyssa connected with barre and the wonderful studio space at 1445 The Alameda and decided to add that to her already large list of talents.

“Teaching is so much fun. I am already used to being out in front, used to talking and encouraging people. You get to know everyone who comes to your class and get to know what they are working on in their personal life.” That gregariousness and familiarity is also met with a great philosophy on how Alyssa classifies her style. “I have a nice balance in my class of being calm and consistent as well as motivating and high energy.”

Away from the studio, Alyssa loves being with Amara. Travelling (Costa Rica was one of her most recent trips!) is high on her list of breakaways. Dancing continues to be a true love for her and when she is not on the dance floor you can find her sharpening her skills as a connoisseur of microbrews and tequila.

We welcome you to spend some time with one of our studio’s finest. Alyssa’s class is rhythmic and fun, and you will most certainly get the workout that you deserve. “When you come to my class, we will get into working out parts of your body that are not often used. I want you to leave everything you have on the barre floor!”

Sounds like a challenge to us! See you at the studio.

Chiropractic Care

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 02:07:08 GMT

Dr. Kimia, a California native, 2019 has seen tremendous additions and improvements to how labarre has redefined itself as a holistic boutique fitness studio. Approaching its second anniversary (July 14th by the way, so mark that date on your calendar for sure), labarre has become an oasis for not only barre, Pilates, Yoga, drumming and great workouts, but also a center for wellness, rehabilitation and overall body restoration. In large part this growth is due to the exceptional providers who have locked arms with studio founder and owner, Lisa Alberino; Dr. Kimia Shakerpoor, D.C. is a perfect

example. Dr. Kimia, a California native, attended UC Davis while pursuing a graduate degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Originally setting her sights on a medical degree, Dr. Kimia took pre-med classes and found chiropractic care to be her passion. Realizing it was her perfect middle ground between holistic beliefs and a medical practice, she knew that mastering chiropractic care would be a great service to people and her journey had begun.

“Chiropractic care is a non-pharmaceutical approach to health care, for the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. We use adjustments/manipulations which are quick, short forces into joints to provide them with more movement and less pain,” Dr. Kimia explains. “Chiropractic care can also help with the side effects of allergies and congestion, increasing blood and nerve flow, decreasing inflammation, and more.”

Specializing in women's health, dancers, Yogis and athletes, Dr. Kimia’s style is all about catering to the patient and their needs. She looks to make them “feel welcome, safe, and taken care of” and continued to assure that for those who have never received chiropractic care, “It’s not painful at all and although side effects might include muscle soreness parallel to that of after working out due to the release that occurs in the muscles and joints” the benefits can also be seen right away.

“Chiropractic care is a common form of treatment for headaches, chronic migraines, low back pain, correcting poor posture, strains, and sprains.” Dr. Kimia adds. Working on all extremities in the upper and lower body, even fingers and toes, chiropractic care can be as inclusive as the patient and doctor would like it to be. And when asked about age restrictions, Dr. Kimia has experience from those who have been around for quite some time to the newest of patients. “I can adjust new born babies. The trauma from birth on a baby can be helped with chiropractic care.”

But for our newest addition at labarre, it’s not all work. Although she loves what she does, Dr. Kimi makes time for play. “When I’m not working, I love weightlifting, hiking, spending time with family and friends, trying out different ice cream and dessert shops, and playing the piano. I try to make trips to Disneyland as often as I can to keep myself young and the nostalgia alive. I also call myself an avid cat lady, as I have a very entertaining one at home!”

Dr. Kimia Shakerpoor’s addition to labarre seemed to be fate. Life and health coach, Jacquelyn Miller, one of labarre’s founding instructors as well as the leader of the Total Reset Program (returning to the labarre studios in a few weeks!) was pivotal in the relationship of getting a top-flight chiropractor to call 1445 The Alameda her home. “I got connected with Lisa through Jackie, as I was working with her through Designs For Health. We started talking about how through my previous practice, I often partnered with local yoga and Pilates studios, and she told me that she worked at labarre and the owner was looking to bring in an in-house chiropractor. Thus, I met with Lisa and the rest was history! I like to think that we fell in love with this idea of bringing in chiropractic and that the new partnership is our marriage.” She says with a smile. “I’m forever grateful for both her and Jackie for giving me my dream job!”

As Dr. Kimia settles in and begins working with patients at the studio, we asked about her philosophy and thoughts on her care and more so why labarre members and guests should consider using her for their personal care. “My approach to chiropractic care is a little different than what most people are used to, in the sense that I incorporate a ton of individualized muscle work, stretches, and exercises for patients. While I do chiropractic adjustments, I spend about 30 minutes each treatment making sure that not only the joints are moving properly, but the muscles surrounding them are working to their full potential as well. Often chiropractors are “adjustment only”, focusing only on the joints, and patients spend about 5-10 minutes in the office. This method neglects the muscles and if the muscles are not loosened and functioning properly, then they can pull the joint back into its originally dysfunctional state, making the adjustment practically useless. This causes the patient to have to get treatments very regularly, and while I love seeing my patients often, my ultimate goal is to get them on a maintenance plan and promote independence instead.”

We encourage everyone to connect with our newest equipe member and understand what chiropractic can do for you. Take a look at the page we have dedicated to all of our services or reach out directly HERE to set up an appointment with Dr. Kimia!

Meet Katharine!

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 02:25:22 GMT

Our newest blog is here to welcome a wonderful equipe member to our staff. Many of you already know Katharine McCallum and have taken some classes that she has led, but for those of you who do not, we are sure you will love her as much as we do!

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Katharine spent the first 18 years of her life surrounded by familiar faces. Going to school, socializing and dancing and with the same group of people, she knew that the time to spread her wings was fast approaching. It was time to leave and that calling came by way of the University of Mississippi.

“I loved the SEC school experience” Katharine states, as she thrived at Ole Miss, receiving a degree in both history and education. “I wanted to teach history as my dad is a history professor and I just loved hearing his stories and was fascinated by it all.” (small fact: her parents own llamas as well as property in the Bahamas… I know…it rhymes.)

The short path of growth as a teacher and hopes to stretch her wings in a greater capacity led her to veer away from teaching full time and take the LSAT, pursuing a law degree. This opportunity was a great chance to follow her dream of living in California and Santa Clara University was the landing spot for this adventurous Texan.

The grind of law school has its obvious challenges and, in the summer of 2018, Katharine was enduring what most do in the academic cauldron but decided to take matters into her own hands. “I was very stressed so I looked up yoga studios nearby and up came labarre!” She was able to go to a Signature class and simply fell in love with it. Upon meeting the owner and founder, Lisa Alberino, a connection was made and Katharine was asked if she’d like to work at the studio and the rest is history.

Being in front of the class and teaching was not a difficult leap as Katharine previously taught dance for 8 years and already had a comfort teaching in the fitness realm. Musicality and ease of routine came natural to her. The arduous part of the process was understanding the anatomical and science terminology. “I had very supportive friends from law school help me along the way and my certification process, of course, happened during my law school finals! That was hard as I was getting up at 6am to study, teaching class at 7am, going to the library all day long and then teaching a class 8pm and then taking a final somewhere in there as well! My friends were supportive and they came to every single one of the classes and, come to think of it, I should really thank them for being so caring.”

Katharine is full pf personality and says with a smile, “I would color myself as a pretty energetic and loud person but I really try and push my classes as hard as I think the guests can handle being pushed. I like to put in as much cardio as I can and keep people moving in class. Barre offers so much and I don’t want to do my guests a disservice … I want to keep their heart rates up and keep the blood pumping.”

Off the studio floor Katharine is equally as dynamic as she is when she is leading classes. Multi-talented and clearly cerebral, Katharine loves to write and does so regularly for the Santa Clara Law School paper. She is an active teacher of not only barre but also in the field of academics. She works on the ASP (Academic Success Program) which is a fancy word for tutoring and guiding students as they navigate the turbulent waters of Santa Clara’s law program. Scuba, surfing, she does that, too! After all of this, Katharine also knows how to dial it down and does so by enjoying her favorite show, Grey’s Anatomy (and she is proud to say she never misses an episode!)

Please help us welcome Katharine to the labarre family and find time to get to know her by taking one of her classes!

Meet Our Massage Therapist!

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 02:38:42 GMT

Massage Therapist, Macaylan McNeill’s story begins at the tender age of 5 when she recalls receiving a book on the human body for children. At that point, she gleams, “I was hooked!” As a youngster, this book was an epiphany which led to Macaylan excelling at science and anatomy throughout her schooling and inevitably, a passion was lit that would be the beacon for a rewarding career. Born in Augusta Georgia, one of our newest equipe members has had a lifetime journey that took her right to our front

doors at labarre studios. As she continued on her path, Macaylan pursued a bachelors in biology at the University of South Carolina as her love for science manifested itself in a degree and a mission. She loved to learn about the human body and simply wanted to be hands on.

Early on, Macaylan was a stay at home mom as her husband, Austin, proudly serves in the United States Navy as a nuclear electricians’ mate. She and Austin have 2 gorgeous sons, Kashton (4) and Chance (2) and as they grew, so did Macaylan’s desire to reimagine her dream.

Enrolling in the National Holistic Institute in San Jose, Macaylan was entirely sold on the curriculum and completed the 900-hour program. “I ended up at labarre by chance as my externship was at TrioSpa and I fell in love with the studios at 1445 The Alameda,” Macaylan shares. “I ended up reaching out to owner and founder, Lisa Alberino, and we struck up a great relationship. That’s where it all began and I am very excited to get started at the beautiful space.”

Drawn to massage therapy to combine the love of science with her love for wellness and simply helping people, Macaylan has jumped in with an enthusiasm and desire that warms our hearts.

Her eagerness spawns not only as a culmination of her journey, but also as a true believer in what she is doing. As a recipient of massage therapy, she knows first-hand the importance and healing effects from massage therapy. From prenatal to Swedish massage, all of the modalities have done something special for her. As an expectant mother Macaylan notes “It was the only thing that alleviated the pregnancy pains and allowed me to sleep in the final trimester.”

This information compels her to assure guests and clients that she is an expert in her craft. One reason she is such a terrific therapist: “I listen to my clients.” “That’s the most important thing. If that client comes in with a specific body ache or may just want to relax, I will suggest therapy based on what they are telling me. Let’s say they just want to relax, I am going to offer a Swedish massage and maybe some

aromatherapy using some lavender, which is an essential oil. I want them to pick their music as I want them to be able to escape. I am a mom and I understand how important it is to get that hour or so to escape.

I also have experience with a lot of different clients, body types and personalities and that suits me to understand so many different needs. I want to adhere to everything the client needs.”

The studios were a perfect fit for Macaylan and she was a perfect fit for labarre!

“Everything is so well decorated and put together… it’s the cutest place I’ve ever seen in my life. I just love it. I show pictures to my friends all the time and they tell me they want to come! I also like the sense of community. The way the staff members interact with each other and the guests as well. Labarre feels like a big team and everyone supports one another and are pushing for the same goals. The sense of community is really there.”

We want to open our arms and hearts to Macaylan and her family and we also want to introduce you to her! Click here to learn more about her services.

We’d also like to thank Austin for his service to this great country and want to remind all guests that we have special rates for those who served and currently serve proudly.

Welcome to the fam, Macaylan!!

Reflecting Back on the final months of 2018 : Q4 Update

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 03:38:03 GMT

As January comes to a close we want to reflect on a wonderful fall and winter and look forward to the spring. Our new and improved “update blog” will feature a different twist than we have had in the past with our month to month updates. Taking a wider swath labarre studios, we will look at community events, partnerships, our philanthropic endeavors and some things you simply need-to-know as a loyal member or faithful guest of the studio! Let’s start outside the studio doors!

The fall has been a veritable bounty of exciting community events! We were able to participate in some of our favorite yearly events and we introduced some that we believe will become annual traditions for labarre. Trick or Treat the Alameda was even more charming this year than in the past. The equipe was (tricked and) treated to some whimsical costumes across all genres and ages! Members and staff dialed up their Halloween vibes and partook in the festivities showing that we too, can raise the barre in the neighborhood when it comes to the Holidays!

Our Open House was a magnificent time getting to meet so many new faces! Big thanks and shout out to our contributors from: ROZ, Desserts Designed, Shakerpoor Chiropractic, and Zanotto’s Market!

We also loved the fierce crew who turned out for our very first ‘flash mob’ and we simply couldn’t have been more thrilled with the reception. Stay tuned for more opportunities in the future to join in the labarre family fun!

Our Community Programs Coordinator, Leilani Borer, is working as hard as ever. A visit to Levi’s Stadium to connect with our friends at the 49ers yielded the very first WON (Women of the Niners) event. This debut program by the Forty Niners saw business from all over the Bay Area, including our very own labarre studios. The WON event was followed by a relaxing pop-up yoga class at Whole Foods on The Alameda and culminated in bringing Senior Drumming to Belmont Village. We have just scratched the surface of what we can do in around Santa Clara County and are always open to new ideas which can be suggested right HERE!

Within the studio doors, the good will continues. Our Beat Breast Cancer Class which delivered 100% of its proceeds raised $1,000+ for Bay Area Cancer Connections! A portion of the proceeds from all pink ribbon merchandise also added to that number and we are so very pleased to take part in such meaningful, emotional and impactful events.

Speaking of meaningful and impactful - Toys for Tots was a complete success! New and unwrapped toys, books, sports equipment, bath gift sets, backpacks, purses, and games brightened so many needy families’ holidays. Thanks to our United States Marines for launching this incredible program which is now 7 decades old and counting! In our inaugural year we were honored to serve along the brave women and men who proudly protect our country.

Charts, words of wisdom and bingo cards often hang in the “alley” inside labarre. This fall was no different. Our 2nd annual Fall 15 Fitness Challenge grew this year with 19 people earning swag, gift cards, facials, and even an entire outfit. Big props are due to Bevin Baldwin and Mila Borodavkina for attending 27 classes during the challenge! Extra congratulations go to Cathy Torrisi, Katherine Richmond, Eliana Nathan, and Mila Borodavkina for going the extra mile to earn themselves each one of our grand prizes.

The star charts may be out of the alley for now but they’ll be back in 2019, we promise.

As the calendar turned to 2019, the equipe grew and some great new faces and names are leading the charge along with our strong core of founding instructors.

With that ROZ and our esthetician extraordinaire, Lorena Garcia is making magic for our members. If you haven’t checked out all the offerings ROZ provides you are missing out. Our labarre members get a 20% discount off of all ROZ services, including seasonal specials to skin clearing facials and restorative treatments. There’s something for everyone to benefit from at ROZ and if you think that is an added value, in about 1-week labarre will be exploding with great news as we are now offering massage therapy and chiropractic care. Be sure to check the labarrestudios.com as these new services will be available February 1st!

Notable items that are leading off the

Winter / Spring hit list are:

$98.00 7-day class package (expires January 31st for those non-members looking to get some studio time!)

Krissy KT returns for

One Hit Wonder themed Drumming Class!

Friday & Saturday

1.25 / 1.26

Reminder! New Services start Feb 1st so be sure to check out the in depth info coming to our new "Services" page on the site!

B-I-N-G-O

is going on throughout all of February so be sure to play along!

And lastly, the sun will come out soon and winter will be gone so let’s get ready for the next quarterly report by enjoying all that the studio has! See you at labarre!

Lisa Alberino, Founder

Time to Celebrate You!

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 03:53:38 GMT

So often, going into the New Year we tend to set unrealistic expectations and instead, we set ourselves up for failure.

At labarre studios, we track progress because progress is the true measure of getting to our personal goals. It’s the journey that counts the most and those milestones that make a difference in our everyday life that help us to truly achieve what is possible.

Many, if not all, will stumble… that is okay.

When we stumble it reminds us that we are fallible and it allows us to get right back on our feet the next day and re-focus on our expectations.

This year, we are going to make working hard – and facing those stumbles – fun, challenging and most of all rewarding. We are going to ask you to track your progress with the ever-popular “bingo cards” (Yes! You asked for them and they have returned!) These cards will help you not only track tangible progress like completing classes or achieving physical goals, but also tracking good deeds like helping someone in need or reading a book or even something as simple as going to bed early! "Not enough" you say?? Well, if you play bingo we will also be awarding those who achieve these mile markers and do what it takes to track their progress. Chips and guacamole at Luna sound good? How about nail art at our neighbor, Pro Image Nails? There's so much more, just pick up a bingo card and get started!

Let’s play bingo and track away. And lets head into 2019 with the mindset to “Bring in the New, Celebrate You!” Our equipe will assist you on your journey and as the calendar flips to 2019, let’s get started right away. Safest and happiest of New Years to you and your family.

Lisa Alberino

Founder, labarre studios

Get to know Lorena!

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 04:39:59 GMT

Although she has been a part of the labarre equipe, we thought it was time that you really got to know Lorena Garcia! If you have been one of the lucky people who have enjoyed her incredible services as our in-house esthetician, then you already know what a complete ray of sunshine Lorena is.

Operating ROZ at labarre, located at 1445 The Alameda, Lorena has been servicing our guests and quickly becoming one of the Bay Area’s best esthetiticians. Her drive and passion is only eclipsed by her knowledge and warm demeanor.

Lorena grew up in small town in Northern California town that you may have heard of due to its unique name; Weed. She attended Weed High – which brings with it too many punchlines to list here – and notes that her family was down to earth and “hard working.” Lorena also notes that her extended family is HUGE – as her parents, who have been married for 35 years, both have 8 siblings. Lorena’s immediate family is a bit tighter as her sister, Erica, has two daughters and Lorena’s face lights up when talking about her nieces, Shaila and Anayelli.

This Northern California girl eventually broke away from the nest and made her way to the Mid-West as she attended Avila University in Kansas City, MO for a few years.

Studying journalism, Lorena dove deep into her craft and became a beauty blogger as she sharpened her journalistic skills. She attributes that work to launching her skin care journey as she notes with a smile, “I have always had a fascination with beauty and makeup artists, but there’s more to the craft as it’s an evolving industry. For me, the education is endless so I am always in ‘school.’ I am constantly researching everything I can to be the best I can be.”

When she returned to California, she connected with a friend who was a renowned makeup artist and that sparked Lorena to gain a greater interest above and beyond just doing makeup. She began diving into becoming an esthetician and chose to focus on this path.

A chance meeting between labarre owner, Lisa Alberino (who also spent 4 years in Kansas City!) happened when Lisa walked into a waxing establishment and met Lorena. Lisa, rocking a KC shirt, instantly connected with Lorena. “Are you from KC” Lorena noted saying to labarre’s founder, “I lived in KC too!!” and it turns out the two were not only there in the same time frame but living fairly close to each other. The discussion continued on and shifted into talking about what Lorena wanted to accomplish, career wise, and an opportunity presented itself. Lorena, thankfully, joined the equipe and ROZ was born!

“ROZ is very customized, it is very unique to the customer. I will never offer something I don’t think is good for the customer.” Lorena continues to talk about her philosophy and the intimate experience her guests have. “You are going to be really comfortable with me because I know it is a personal and vulnerable thing for customers to do. People get really nervous at the thought of working with an esthetician but all of that anxiety goes away the moment we begin. We get to talking and I truly want to know about my customer’s lives… I don’t even like calling them clients, I like calling them friends!!” Beaming about ROZ and satisfied clients, she also has a message to those who have not tried her services. “I would say to those people looking for a great esthetician should pay us a visit at ROZ. We are beyond clean and sanitary, incredibly comfortable and I know that you will want to return once you come in!”

Researching best practices and the science of beauty is a forte for Lorena, but that research doesn’t stop there! It has extended itself into a more sinister world.

In her spare time, Lorena keeps her skills as a journalist sharp as she works alongside the producer of “Once Upon a Crime.” You can hear her work on the “Once Upon a Crime” podcast which has us a little worried because – if you were unaware – she works in the building’s old vault! (labarre studios history lesson – it’s the original Bank of Italy branch which means we kept the historical building intact, including the giant steel bank vault door that happens to flank the entry to ROZ!)

We often wonder if, instead of her trying to be the best esthetician she can be, she is simply planning to become a safe cracker in her spare time!

When she is not assisting on entertaining podcasts, Lorena simply likes to chill. “Winery picnics in Napa and Sonoma, going to the movies or just hanging at home is what I like. I’m a true homebody.”

Finally, Lorena states, “Where I work is beautiful, its homey and it has personality and you will feel at home if you come visit us.”

We second that emotion… so to learn more about labarre simply click HERE or stop in and see Lorena in person!

10.22.16

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 04:52:59 GMT

Every day I show up to labarre and go through the same routine.

I walk through the original doors that still welcome people into the gorgeous historic building and I am faced with the custom sign that beams the namesake of the studio. Pride fills my heart as I start my day. I am greeted by talented and openhearted faces, bustling to help people achieve their own goals. The vision I had for a space that would be an oasis for so many unique people had come to life. Every day we try, as a team, to vastly improve it and not a moment goes by that we aren’t self-critical of what we are doing and how we run not only the physical studio but the philosophical thoughts of how labarre can truly serve to help its members design themselves.

Many who are close to me know that this mission was created from years of being a businesswoman and also a lover of dance and fitness as well as understanding the mechanics of the human body. What they may not know is that this vision came to fruition on this very day, 2 years ago.

The story, which I believe was shared with many, starts with me ultimately challenged to choose between being the owner of a chain barre franchise, or venturing into the scary waters of being a small business owner. That weekend, I recall, I had family in and there was the quiet and lovable hysteria of hustle and bustle when your home is invaded by loved ones. Noise, meals, movies and laughter were happening all around me, but inside, I was laser focused. I knew a decision had to be made and so I did what every true business owner must do… I didn’t sleep that weekend and plotted my plan on paper. Using my heart as my compass, I grabbed my oars and hopped in my small boat and ventured away from the safety of the shore into those scary waters.

How could we afford it?

Would it be what I expect – and others expect it to be?

And maybe the most valid question… would it succeed?

All of these questions were compounded with a subset of questions and a pros and cons list was created. If I were to choose a franchise operation I would have instant rocket fuel to launch the business – marketing tools, website, name recognition, etc. If I didn’t head in that direction, I would need to accomplish all of those things myself, however, I could do it my way.

That meant coloring outside the lines and working with other small businesses in the area to promote their livelihood (whether it was nutrition, merchandise or more.). That meant I could offer different disciplines in classes and class times so that when asked to promote diverse styles and the newest fitness routines, I would be delivering something unique and extraordinary without resistance. I could grow the business to offer skin care and classes on wellness promoting the mind, body and spirit of all who would be willing to be a part of it. I could, at a moment’s notice, shut the doors of the studio and offer classes to seniors or go Christmas caroling with members, delivering gifts to our neighbors who needed a little warmth in some colder times.

The decision was easy. Grab those oars.

Here I sit, typing at my kitchen table, albeit I did get a new table if I am being 100% truthful as the other one had grooves in it, and the food would get stuck there and it was hard to clean… but I digress…

Here I sit, reminiscing about the decisions I made and the course I charted. Still rowing, my heart as my compass and the members who have allowed me to bring them labarre as my Northstar.

Thanks to all who have been and will be a part of this journey. Happy October 22nd!

Falling for labarre studios!

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 06:35:29 GMT

October is here and we can feel the change in the weather already. Cooler temps mean a chance to work hard and heat up in the studio!

Some of our guests were red hot as we finished our 100 Days Summer Strong challenge and some stellar prizes were awarded for those who participated!

Congratulations!

Grand Prize : Outfit Winner : Katherine Richmond

Total Reset Winner 1: Victoria France

Total Reset Winner 2: Eliana Nathan

Total Reset Winner 3: Luz Zamora

Total Reset Winner 4: Angelee Flores

Total Reset Winner 5: Angeliki Menig

Total Reset Winner 6: Amanda Cardenas

BOGO ROZ 1: Dominque Watt

BOGO ROZ 2: Kerrie Smith

BOGO ROZ 3: Lisa Jastram

SIC Water Bottle: Rosana Davidson

$30 gift card: Liz Thomas

$25 gift card: Leticia Magana

$20 gift card: Sasha Go Pao

Juice Alize: Teri Uveda

BOGO ROZ 4: Vanessa Gregory

Yoga Socks 1: Laura Salcido

Yoga Socks 2: Kelsie Bottorff

$15 gift card: Jennifer De La Cruz

$10 gift card: Kimi Lovely

Pumpkin spice lattes are catching a lot of flak on social these days… and who knows why – they are DELICIOUS!!

Speaking of pumpkins, ROZ, is offering Pumpkin Peels this fall so be sure to sign up for an appointment with our in-house esthetician, Lorena Garcia. Keep in mind that facials are great birthday and holiday gifts, too, so grab one for you and someone you love!

Design Yourself … Design Your Studio!

Please keep us fresh by sharing what you would like to see at labarre studios. Everything is on the table and we are listening; massage therapy, spray tans, additional esthetician services, express class feedback, suggested class times, theme suggestions for drumming, and new classes and disciplines… bring on the ideas!

We are always listening and learning from our guests so click HERE to make your suggestion!

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Welcome back our Faithful Fridays. Wear Niners red or gold on Friday and receive 15% off any merchandise (non-sale) item. Every time you do, we will put your name into our grand drawing at the end of the season to win some GREAT prizes. The more Faithful, the better your chances are to win! Go Niners!

(come on CJ you can do it!!!)

Our September Drumming Classes were a hit. We love seeing our loyal and first-time drummers rock the house. Be sure to sign up early, as classes do fill up quickly. Please note our monthly drumming class times have changed to a little later time frame. They are now held on Fridays at 5:45pm & 7:00pm – so mark it down and grab your drumsticks!

Don’t miss out on October’s festivities, and make your reservations early!

The following days will see some class changes!

Tuesdays

8:15a EXP 30 Drumming will be replaced with HIIT

9:00a Fusion & 10:15a Power Yoga will be replaced with Signature

Fridays

12:00p EXP 45 Fusion will be replaced with Signature

“Beat Breast Cancer” (Breast Cancer Benefit) Drumming Class

Friday, October 26th, 5:45pm & 7:00pm with Krissy KT

New Theme “Musical Madness”

Cost $40

(100% of class proceeds will be donated to Cancer Connections)

Also BCA swag is coming to the studio soon. These seasonal items sell out quickly so don’t miss them! (We are also proud to announce that a portion of our specialty merchandise proceeds will be donated to Cancer Connections as well!)

OktoBARREfest Open House

at labarre studios (tell a friend!)

Other Notables for October!

Yoga pop up class at Whole Foods

Sunday, October 28th at 8:30am

Join us upstairs at Whole Foods Brewery for a Free Yoga Class

Thriller Flash Mob

Rehearsals at labarre studios 8:00p-9:00p

Monday, October 18th-22

Wednesday, October 24th-27th

Learn dance HERE!

Trick or Treat The Alameda

Wednesday, October 31st

3:00p-5:30p

The updated CENTURY BOARD has some new and veteran names!

Hit 300th Class

Eliana Nathan 301

Almost to 200

Amanda Cardenas 197

Trinidad Pena 196

Cathy Torrisi 190

Hit 100th Class

Angelee Flores 108

Luz Zamora 106

Janice Sapigao 105

Lauryn Cederblom 102

Carla Breidenback 101

Athena DellPenna 100

Almost to 100

Barbi Phipps 98

Dunia Hassan 98

Barbi Phipps 98

Kerrie Smith 97

Melinda Denton 94

Kate Tengberg 90

Jennifer Del Corso 89

Fabiola Latisnere 89

Winnie Mcfarren 87

Becky Kindle 87

Reyna Ybanez 87

Nicole Roman 86

Avoiding Allergy Season
By Total Reset Program coach : Jacquelyn Hollenkamp

Fall is officially here and with the changing of the seasons often comes seasonal allergy flare ups that can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, stuffy noses and a host of other symptoms- even fatigue and brain fog. Many people utilize over the counter and prescription medications to alleviate their allergy symptoms, but many times these medications only address symptoms and not the root cause of allergies. Allergies are actually one of the easiest conditions to treat naturally; read on to learn how!

To help alleviate your seasonal allergy symptoms AND address the root cause of allergies, try some or all (for the most efficacy!) of the following tips this fall:

-Utilize a quality air purifier in your home to cleanse the air of toxins and allergens, and when vacuuming, use a HEPA filtration system if possible
-Try flushing your nasal passages with a NetiPot
-Avoid sugar, dairy and wheat products, which can exacerbate allergy and inflammation symptoms
-Consider taking 1 tsp daily of local, raw, organic honey
-Eat foods rich in Vitamin C and Quercetin, such as berries, citrus fruit, pineapple, broccoli, onions and dandelion greens
-Take a high-quality probiotic daily
-If symptoms are severe, looks for a high-quality Quercetin + Nettles supplement from a GMP certified producer

Recipe of the Month - Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Great as a breakfast or pre-workout smoothie, we couldn't resist hopping on the pumpkin bandwagon for this month's recipe! Remember to use organic ingredients when possible.

1/2 frozen green tipped banana

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (can use canned- look for BPA free can)

1 Tbsp almond butter

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 scoop plant based vanilla protein

Blend and enjoy!

September Spotlight!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 06:57:55 GMT

We usually write something personal and insightful about our “Guest Spotlight” to help set up how important they are to our business and fitness community overall. I say “usually” because this time, I want to share an incredible excerpt that Katherine Richmond sent to me after she was chosen as this month’s Spotlight. She is such a special woman and someone that we all admire greatly, and her kind words touched us. Please get know her by reading further but first, we wanted to share this.

Lisa, I hope you realize how much labarre means to me and how fortunate I feel that Karen Ashley invited me to her Family and Friends classes. From my first visit I felt completely at home and it didn't take much soul searching to know how deeply dissatisfied I was with my yoga studio of more than 10 years and how ready I was for a change. Why? Because not only is labarre gorgeous, but everyone is a reflection of YOU - warm, friendly, welcoming and most importantly non-judgemental. The teaching is phenomenal, challenging us always to be a better us and yet in a non threatening, non competitive way. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE labarre. It truly is my haven where I not only remember to breathe, but actually breathe. It took me time to understand at the end of a stressful day that the reason I sometimes yawn throughout class is because I'm decompressing and relaxing.

I'm so blown away by your dedication to perfection and your dedication to making sure your members get the workout they deserve. I will never forget the first day that Maria came to workout and how you and Lorena held one of Maria's son's for the whole hour he cried just so Maria could workout. I wished I'd had my phone to take a photo of you cradling her son fast asleep in your arms when class finished. But that is just who you are - utterly selfless and dedicated to your members. I hope you are incredibly proud of your amazing achievement - not only of a beautiful space, wonderful staff and classes but of the "family" you have nurtured in all of us lucky enough to participate in labarre.

A million thanks,
Katherine

OK, with that, let me dry my eyes and allow you to see why Katherine is such a gem. Thanks Katherine, you are the epitome of what we want here at labarre and what we strive to be.

Katherine Richmond

Place of Birth: Liverpool, England
Hometown: Saratoga, CA

Occupation: Supervisor Referral Coordinators at Planned Parenthood. So blessed that I love the work I do serving the under served. "Being there" for patients as they deal with scary and life changing diagnoses - breast cancer, cervical cancer, etc. - and helping them navigate the healthcare system is so rewarding.

Twitter & IG Handles: Neither - I'm strictly a voyeur and an obsessive follower of labarre!

Hobbies: Travel (I've visited over 80 countries and every continent), gardening, skiing, hiking and reading.

Family Members: My husband, Pete, and I started dating when I was 15, and married when I was 20!!! Even we can't believe we've been together so long! I have a brother and sister in England and a sister in France. We also have an army of nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces.

The Best Thing I Make Is.. Desserts!! Fave of friends is a killer dark chocolate, almond, orange tart.

My Perfect Date Night : Let's not limit it to "night.” Perfect date day would be to hike with my husband and friends, zoom over to labarre for a class, head up to San Francisco for an art exhibition and exploring a new neighborhood and then checking out a new restaurant - too many choices!

Celebrity I Want to Cast as ME When They Make A Movie About ME! First thought is Penelope Cruz because she is stunningly gorgeous, but let's be realistic and go for the right accent! So.....Helen Mirren, because not only is she an incredible actress, but she is my age range, is sexy as all get-out and seems great fun. Her boobs are way bigger than mine, but other than that she's the perfect fit!

Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere in Europe because it’s “home” and easy traveling - or Africa, but honestly it's hard to choose because I am beyond happy whenever/wherever I'm travelling.

My fitness goals are.. Stay strong and fit so I can continue participating in all that life has to offer until well into my dotage! Never be smug about your health because you can't control everything, but try your hardest and enjoy the results

The most important thing to me is... Living life to the fullest, being kind, positive, gracious and honest. Taking an interest in everyone who crosses my path - everyone has a story and it’s fun connecting with new people. Particularly love doing this at labarre - no new face is safe from me - I try to make new people feel welcome and connected.

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is.. Age is just a number, not an excuse. With a little work, I can be as strong as many in the class. I've always been uncoordinated - not for nothing my nickname is Katy Crunch (!), but with focus and great instruction even I have been able to master drumming and have a blast!

The thing I am most proud of is.... Other than wonderful relationships.........that I am never bored and that I'll always have a "Go" at anything. I may be scared and I may not enjoy it, but at least I tried.

Goodbye August...Hello September!

Sat, 01 Sep 2018 17:52:54 GMT

August … and summer… faded away with a wonderful event this past Sunday. Again, we took part in Stroll the Alameda and the sweet sounds of Richard Nieset playing classical guitar was only made better by the amazing vintners from Loma Prieta Wines. A great way to close out a wonderful summer and prepare us for a fall packed with amazing new classes, equipe members and opportunities to ‘design yourself’ here at labarre studios.

ROZ, our in-house salon which is headed by the fabulous Lorena Garcia, is going stronger than ever. Leading the services at ROZ, our guests have enjoyed the facials among many of the offerings. If you haven’t taken a look at our new facial menu, be sure to check it out right here or stop in yourself to see what ROZ has to offer.

Calling all IDEAS! We have a new suggestion box, up at the front desk. Please keep us fresh by sharing what you would like to see at labarre studios. Everything is on the table, from massage therapy, additional esthetician services, theme suggestions for drumming, new classes and disciplines, we are always listening and learning from our guests and the old-school suggestion box is just another way to connect. Of course, you can always email us at info@labarrestudios.com as well!

We have received rave reviews on our new express classes and these are a result of listening to you and hearing your suggestions loud and clear. We can’t wait to introduce our new schedule in September, which includes more morning express classes and new disciplines as well. Here are just a few of the amazing things you have had to say!

Welcome back our Faithful Fridays. Wear Niners red or gold on Friday and receive 15% off any merchandise (non sale) item. Every time you do, we will put your name into our grand drawing at the end of the season to win some GREAT prizes. The more Faithful, the better your chances are to win! Go Niners! (Wanna get hyped… check this out!)

Our 90’s Drumming Class was jam-packed! We love seeing our loyal drummers and first-time drummers jammin’ to those favorite 90’s hits. We are eagerly crafting more fun sets for our drumming sessions so get ready because we will have some fun soon. Returning in September is our “current music” drumming theme. Be sure to sign up early, as classes will fill up very quickly. Please note our monthly drumming class times have changed to a little later time frame. They are now held on Fridays at 5:45pm & 7:00pm.

We are in our last few days of “100 Days Summer Strong”.

Continue to track your attendance by adding a star next to your name with every visit. The more visits, the greater the chance you have of winning cool prizes and many have taken part… and won!

As you may already know we have locked arms with our neighbors, Red Dot Fitness, and you can enjoy this new partnership.

If you haven’t taken advantage of this special offer, ask the front desk how you can bring some barbell into your barre workouts. The crew at Red Dot Fitness shares our love and desire for you to design yourself, so add something new to your core labarre workout, we promise it won’t disappoint.

Lets take a glance at what is to come this month!

New classes and class times begin September 10th

“PowerFlow & Roll”
a new blend of conditioning, strength, and therapeutic roll-out.

Express 30 & Express 45
More of the classes you love in express formats. Get in, get sweaty, get out …. or stay for another class!

New class times:
7:15am Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8:15am Monday – Friday.
9:00am & 10:15am Monday – Friday
4:30pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday
(reminder to check in for all classes right HERE!)

We have been busy training our new instructors and they will be offering “Community Free” classes in September. If you have someone that would like to try out labarre for free, or simply support our new instructors in training take a look at our Community Free class offerings in September.

Before we look at the amazing Century board as we do each month, we wanted to share the great news! We have received the MINDBODY Visionary Award! On the heels of being the 2018 Best Small Business of the Year by the Silicon Valley Organization, we brought home some more hardware as we have been using MBO to help you get to your workouts fast and efficiently. Keep up the great insight and thanks for helping us continue to innovate and expand!

Century Board

Hit 200th Class!!

Leticia Magana 203

Sabra Diridon 200

Almost to 200!

Julie Saccento 192

Mary Hanna-Weir 189

Trinidad Pena 186

Hit 100th Class!

Jennifer Del Corso 123

Erin Higgins 118

Approaching the Century mark!!

Lauryn Cederblom 98

Barbi Phipps 98

Carla Breidenback 96

Athena DellPenna 95

Melinda Denton 92

Becky Kindle 90

Reyna Ybanez 87

Nicole Roman 86

Janice Sapigao 85

September Health Wellness Tip:
Jacquelyn Hollenkamp,
Total Reset Program Coach, Instructor

Timing is Everything

One of the most common questions I get while working with women on their health and nutrition habits is “what are the best times to eat?” There are a lot of varying opinions on this, but when you look at the research on meal timing and frequency of eating, it’s pretty clear how to time your meals so they support your body as best as possible. Your meal timing should aim to support steady blood sugar, a healthy metabolism and consistent energy levels throughout the day. Here are some tips to get the most out of your meal timing:

Eat within an hour of waking. This gives your blood sugar and metabolic rate a healthy foundation for the day. Research shows that those that skip breakfast are more prone to weight gain and inability to lose weight. Ideally breakfast would be around 6:30-7:30 am.

Eat every 2-3 hours. Again, this helps keep blood sugar and energy levels consistent, and helps us from overeating later in the day. Ideally meal timing would look like: 7 am breakfast, 10 am snack, 1 pm lunch, 4 pm snack, 6:30 pm dinner.

Finish dinner at least two hours before lying down to go to bed. This will give your body a chance to process your meal before resting, so it can focus on restorative sleep instead of digesting your dinner!

Allow 11-12 hours between when you finish dinner and when you eat breakfast the following day. This helps support detoxification, keeps blood sugar within range and balances leptin, one of our key “hunger hormones”.

Recipe of the Month:
Açaí Veggie “Thick-Shake”

One of the keys of this “thick- shake” (thicker consistency than your average smoothie!) is steamed then frozen zucchini. Zucchini is in season right now, and this preparation makes them easier to digest. You can’t taste them at all in this thick-shake and would never know there’s a full serving of veggies included!

1 cup steamed then frozen zucchini

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 pack unsweetened açaí (I like Sambazon)

1 scoop vanilla plant based protein powder

1 Tbsp almond butter

1 tsp cinnamon

12 oz unsweetened almond milk

Optional: top with raw cacao nibs and goji berries

Blend and enjoy!

How do I even begin to thank the folks who have supported, evangelized and helped build labarre? I can only do what I do and that is remind you that without you – the incredible guests of labarre – we are without purpose. Thank you for allowing us to help you design yourself.

Happy Days!

Lisa

Guest Spotlight – Maria Brandone

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 18:22:53 GMT

Its time once again to turn on the amazing spotlight to a member who has embodied what we the labarre family is all about. Enter stage left, Maria Brandone!

Maria is active in our community, loves our neighborhood, the San Jose Sharks and, of course, labarre studios. She constantly brings us ideas of how to grow and wants to share her little secret (labarre studios) with everyone she knows! We are so excited to let you know a little bit about her and she is well-deserving of the spotlight. Congrats, Maria!

Maria Brandone

Place of Birth: Hartford, CT

Hometown: I’m lucky to have multiple home towns!

(Prior to San Jose I lived in Corvallis, OR., Boise, ID., Carlsbad, CA., Lake Zurich, IL. Westlake Village, CA., Clifton Park, NY. My parents live in Frisco, TX – so that is where I go “home for the holidays.”)

Occupation:

Account Executive with the San Jose Sharks, & Bartender at Famous Dave’s on the weekend!

Twitter Handle:

I have 2! My personal is @infinitycords and my work twitter is @SharksTicketRep

Insta Handle: @infinitycords

Hobbies?

Going to Drum Corps rehearsals/shows over the summer, hiking, traveling and eating at new places.

Tell us about your family!

My mother and father (Jeanne and Mike) currently live in Texas. I have two brothers and one sister-in-law. My other brother John is married to Jaqueline who he met in Germany. They live in Orlando, FL. My younger brother recently graduated Louisiana Tech with a BS in Cyber Engineering and minor in Mathematics degree!

My favorite restaurant is…

…hard to pick! A few come to mind, though. House of Nanking in San Francisco or Tidal Raves Seafood in Depoe Bay, OR.

Favorite Vaca Spot:

I love going back to places I’ve lived – but Boise takes the cake. I vacation there 2-3 times a year!

Music I LOVE…

I’m a Justin Timberlake fanatic, so much that I saw him both days he performed at SAP Center!

What am I watching, right now?

Right now I’m on a huge “Ice Guardians” kick. It’s a documentary (on Netflix) that showcases the world of enforcers in the NHL/AHL.

Bucketlist item…

Drink Champagne out of the Stanley Cup, of course!

Why is fitness important to you?

My new year’s resolution was to attend 200 Labarre classes in 2018. Fitness has become a part of my life this past year, mostly because it’s the structured outlet I was missing before!

Advice you would share with a new labarre guests....

Try as many different classes as you can, you’ll never know if it works until you try it! I’m certainly not a morning person but I love the occasional 6am to get my day started. Don’t let certain things scare you – you’re already here, so why not try it out!?

The most important thing to me is…

Relationships and building them. Because I moved so much when I was younger, I know I need to make the most out of my time wherever I am.

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…

You have more control over your body than you think! In December I decided to go on a 30-day plant-based diet really changed how I eat every day. I don’t eat 100% vegan any more, but changing up this part of my lifestyle helped me realize that a lot of my health problems I was causing myself. I’m more powerful than what I put into my body.

The thing I am most proud of is...

The time in 2013 I won a World Championship with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. I started the off season as an alternate but right before tour, I obtained a member spot in the front ensemble. The obstacles I faced in obtaining my spot, on top of winning the championship… It was hands down the hardest thing I’ve ever done and a memory that will last a lifetime!

I look forward to…
making better and more meaningful connections with other members at labarre. Heading to the studio is the highlight of my day (and so is having a glass of wine next door after class!)

Welcome Andria!

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 19:04:46 GMT

Our newest equipe member is as kind and lovely as she is talented and interesting. Meet Andria Reta who hails from first generation Ethiopian immigrants. Making their way to California, Andria’s family settled in Fontana. Years later, Andria would attend nearby UC Riverside and receive her undergraduate degree in sociology, as she proudly states that “I always had a profound desire to help people.”

Furthering her education, Andria added a Masters in Health Administration and Gerontology, as her desire manifested itself perfectly as she is now working in the field of public health administration where she gets to help people every day. Advancing her career in health administration meant a move to NorCal 5 years ago to take a position at a Medicare Advantage Company, a health insurance company that tailors to people over 65. Change was instantaneous in her personal life as well. Immediately after moving to the area, Andria met her husband, Kip, and they are celebrating 2 years of marriage and reside in Oakland.

Andria now works at the public health department in Santa Clara County. While in Santa Clara she tried out a lot of different workout options. She says with a smile “labarre was one of them and I had heard really great things about it and it was actually suggested to me by my dentist! (Here is where we pause and give a big shout out to Anthony Vitarelli DDS – brother of founding member, Nancy Vitarelli… and an AMAZING dentist if we say so ourselves!)

“I have always been relatively athletic and staying in shape is key for me,” Andria notes, “and barre was a perfect balance to get a really great workout and where you do not feel defeated at the end of it. I decided I want to pursue it further as I am a lifelong learner and took advantage of the instructor training that is held a few times a year [through barre intensity.]

“From there it manifested into something bigger and the opportunity to instruct presented itself. I am a firm believer that the universe gives you the things that you are supposed to have.” She says confidently.

“I am enjoying it so much – it reminds me of when I was younger and wanted to help people – and now I am standing in front of the room and I can see how I am helping people make changes in their life, and it is so empowering and so fulfilling.”

On the studio floor, Andria defines herself very clearly. “I am going to push you – I want to bring out the best in my students. People may come in not knowing what they can achieve and I want to be there to help. I am going to encourage and challenge you to try your best.”

These words rang true as Andria received similar treatment as a student prior to becoming an equipe member.

“The other instructors at labarre saw my potential and saw what I was trying to achieve and honed in on that and helped me pull out my own strengths.” She continues to be insightful and states, “when I do my affirmations I always say you came here perfect, you were perfect when you arrived, and now you have challenged yourself to be even better. That is something that I find gratifying and if I can have my students feel good about what they have been able to accomplish in that 60 minutes, I feel that I have done my job.”

We agree completely, but we asked Andria what does she do when she is done doing her job! “Me and my husband are big travelers. We take multiple international trips a year as we love to explore the world.”

That world can be local as well… and it revolves around coffee beans and a great meal when listening to Andria.

“I am a big fan of coffee, wine and overall I am a foodie! I like to immerse myself in other cultures.”

Because they are both very busy – the weekends are key. Hiking, picnics, exploring and mini getaways are the norm for Andria and Kip. Lots of date nights and a “monthaversary” to celebrate the relationship keeps the marriage fun and interesting. That “date-night” may put her on a trail exploring with Kip or place her squarely on the couch binging Netflix.

“I listen to myself and hear myself say, ‘This is what you need right now, and that’s OK!’”

Andria’s journey is fueled by passion and education and at times, by loss. Her mother was diagnosed with colon cancer 6 years ago and that life changing event created a shift in Andria’s lifestyle. She was self-admittedly “skinny fat” as she didn’t eat very well. Her mother’s illness was eye opening and prompted a profound change in Andria’s life. With the passing of her mother 2 years ago, she has taken her commitment to health and wellness to another level. She is the healthiest now that she has ever been. “I am a practitioner of good health and I even help create action plans for people around me,” she says proudly. She focuses on her wellness through small changes and primarily focusing on a proper diet.

“It takes time, but it’s a commitment to being healthy”

We know that you will find Andria as spectacular as we do and hope you get a chance to be taught by one of our newest equipe members! We are so lucky to have you Andria and welcome to the family!

Reflecting on a GREAT July

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 20:13:58 GMT

July was epic at labarre celebrating our first year with our community and our first year as business owners in this amazing city.

Our B1RTHDAY was an entire day of fun with free facials from ROZ, cupcakes from Dessert Designed and treats from No Cow and Radical Snacks. Our guests gobbled up both our treats and our anniversary merchandise!

Thank you labarre members and guests for bringing your friends to labarre for our anniversary open house. Many of our guests took advantage of our anniversary class packages as well as great savings! We loved seeing all the cool hair designs by Maria @ Vemo Hair Braiding and watching you get pampered with chair massages compliments of our great friends at Trio Spa.

A special thanks to Whole Foods who spoiled our guests with a variety of healthy treats that really “raised the bar”! Juicealize provided samples of some of our favorite cold pressed juices; a great way to complete your workout.

We have received rave reviews on our express sample classes and these are a result of listening to you and hearing your suggestions loud and clear. We can’t wait to introduce our new schedule in September, which includes more morning express classes and new disciplines as well.

Our 90’s Drumming Class was jam-packed! We loved that many of you stayed for the extra class… and we know why. I was just to make sure you didn’t miss any of your favorite 90's songs!

We held our first ever Seniors Drumming & Dancing to the Oldies Classes and this might be the coolest thing we’ve taken part in. We took the show on the road on July 29th and visited Belmont Village Senior Living on Santana Row. Then on August 1st Belmont Village reciprocated and took a field trip to labarre studios for a class. We never felt so youthful as the energy from our seniors made us smile and charged the classes with passion and movement.

Did you know we have locked arms with some amazing neighbors? Our partnership with Red Dot Fitness has just begun and if you haven’t taken advantage of this special offer, ask the front desk how you can bring some barbell into your barre workouts. The crew at Red Dot Fitness share our love and desire to design yourself.

We are in our last month of “100 Days Summer Strong”.

Continue to track your attendance by adding a star next to your name with every visit. The more visits the greater the chance you have of winning cool prizes and many have taken part… and won!

What is happening in August? Lots!

We have new classes and class times in August.

Mondays & Wednesdays at 7:15am HIIT EXPRESS 45

Wednesdays at 6:00am PowerFlow & Roll (begins 8/22)

We have added Facials to or ROZ menu. Be sure to take a look at our different types of facials offered at ROZ (click here!)

Fall brings back our Faithful Fridays. Wear Niners red or gold on Friday and receive 15% off any merchandise (non sale) item. Every time you do, we will put your name into our grand drawing at the end of the season to win some GREAT prizes. The more Faithful, the better your chances are to win! (And here’s a huge shoutout to the Niners and 1445 The Alameda… The Home of the Faithful!)

Master Trainer, Jinger Di Vito, is back teaching barre fusion on Saturday, August 11st @ 11:30am and Sunday, August 12th @ 10:15am. Be sure to reserve your spot, classes will fill up!

Stroll the Alameda is Sunday, August 26th, from 2:00pm-5:00pm. We are being paired with Richard Nieset who plays classical guitar along with Lima Prieta Wines. Be sure to stop by for a glass of wine and enjoy the music.

As we do to every month, let’s take a peak of the ever-growing Century Board located down our alley at 1445 The Alameda!

Our Century Board:

200 in the rear view!!

Katherine Richmond 217

Victoria France 205

Almost to 200!!

Sabra Diridon 191

Leticia Magana 191

Mary Hanna-Weir 189

Hit 100th Class!

Carleigh Burdine 132

Letecia Corona 120

Elizabeth VanAlstine 116

Maria Brandone 114

Kelly Spain 113

Lauren Mitchell 108

Lisa Jastram 106

Claudia Saenz 105

Lori Kamal 104

Sarah MacGregor 104

Laura Salcido 104

Leila Gogani Khiabani 103

Almost to 100

Lauryn Cederblom 98

Melinda Denton 92

Athena DellPenna 91

Barbi Phipps 91

Becky Kindle 90

Jennifer Del Corso 89

Carla Breidenback 87

Reyna Ybanez 87

Nicole Roman 86

August Health Tip:

Total Reset Program coach, Jacquelyn Hollenkamp

Change with

the Seasons!

All of the things in nature- our bodies included- change with the seasons. It simply makes sense that we would also shift our eating patterns and the produce we are consuming to match the shift in our environment. When we consume produce that is in season, we increase the nutritional value that we receive from the food, flavors are enhanced, we cut down on the toxins and eco-footprint that come with transporting out of season produce, and we also tend to save money! One of the best ways to purchase seasonal produce is at your favorite farmer's market, where you can support local farmers and also ensure you're getting produce that is organic (i.e., less toxic and harmful to your body!)

As we get into the early fall season in NorCal, we will start to see plenty of berries, artichokes, sweet potatoes, eggplants, green beans and so many other flavorful and colorful creations. Encourage yourself to try something new and celebrate the change that mother nature is bringing!

Recipe of the Month

Zoodles with Homemade Basil Pesto

Zucchini is in abundance these days! Enjoy this =dish with some chicken for added protein as a meal, or alone as a side dish! Try to use organic ingredients where you can.

For Zoodles:

1 lb zucchini noodles

1 Tbsp ghee or unsalted grass fed butter

sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste

For Pesto:

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/4 cup pinenuts

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1-2 Tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice

sea salt to taste

*Optional: hempseeds to top

Melt ghee/butter in a medium sized pan. Cook Zoodles over medium heat until as tender as desired. Place all pesto ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth. Serve 2 Tbsps of pesto over 1 cup cooked zoodles, top with hemp seeds if desired. and title styles, go to Site Theme.

Thank you labarre studios guests! YOU are the reason we have been awarded Silicon Valley Organizations “Best Small Business of the Year” It is because of you that we built labarre and we appreciate your support, referrals, reviews and your love to grow our community.

Happy Days!

Lisa

Christine is in the House!

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 19:21:56 GMT

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Our newest equipe member comes from over 3000 miles away, but her story begins from an even greater distance. Christine

Lam grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. The daughter of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants, Christine comes from an extensive east coast family. When it was time to go to college, Christine didn’t want to venture too far from her family so she went to UMass, Amherst and studied business operations and information management.

Upon graduation she began to grow more into herself and launched her career. “I somehow stumbled on human resources,” Christine said with a chuckle. But soon she wanted more personal and professional growth. That desire took her out to Northern California, as she wanted to see what the Golden State had to offer.

Her arrival meant a world of new experiences, something Christine wholeheartedly embraced and continues to do so. She was able to cultivate her curiosity about the fitness world by taking a multitude of fitness courses and became passionate about pilates, barre, and yoga.

The genesis of becoming a Pilates instructor was simple, “It all began because I love learning about myself and my body. Also figuring out how that translates into helping others engage with their body to get a better workout. ”

Even though she has only recently begun teaching she is taking it very seriously and has become a natural leader. As a HIIT Pilates teacher, her job is to encourage and push her students and allow each person to decide what level they desire to strive towards.

Working with novice students and experts alike, she modifies her workouts in layers so that members can “challenge and engage at their comfort level.”

When not in studio at 1445 The Alameda, “I love travelling, visiting beaches, arts and crafts, knitting, sketching… I have always been interested in the arts. I am interested in trying a lot of different things!” Christine beams.

We are delighted that Christine is bringing her bright energy, creativity and zest for life to labarre studios-- help us in welcoming Christine Lam to the equipe!

Welcome Sarah!

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 20:50:57 GMT

It’s time to formally welcome one of our newest instructors, Sarah MacGregor!

Born in Mountain View, this 3rd generation Californian was reunited with the Bay after being whisked away to the Midwest where she made Mt. Vernon, Iowa her home as her parents worked for Cornell College.

A graduate of Cornell College, herself, Sarah decided once she completed her undergraduate studies that she longed to head back home to the Bay. After doing so, she continued on her academic pursuits and received her masters in counseling at Santa Clara University. Sarah’s allegiance to the school continued on as she worked with SCU’s school of education and recently returned after a stint working in the human resources world and receiving yet another masters degree.

Sarah was a quarterly adjunct lecturer for the public health program, working directly with the young men and women and helping guide them on their journey before she was promoted in May of 2016 to the Assistant Dean of Student Services and Assessment in the School of Education & Counseling Psychology.In this role, she works directly with the students from the moment they accept their offer until they become alums.

Leading people has never been a problem for this Bay Area go-getter and she has transferred those skills to the front of the class at labarre studios.

“I love working at the University, but this is where I come to fill my soul, [working as an instructor at labarre] is my passion” Sarah notes.

Teaching in front of a class offered both anxiety and excitement for the newest equipe member. As a singer and performer, Sarah enjoyed musical theater and felt the same butterflies she does now when she takes center stage, but the limelight suits her well and has helped her at 1445 The Alameda.

Standing up and speaking in front of people comes easy to her as ushering people on their journey is in her DNA.

“Realizing how much fun and how rejuvenated but exhausted you get at a class here, that is the best feeling ever and I want to make others feel how wonderful I feel. That is what brought me from the back of the studio as a student to the front of the studio as an instructor.” And that shift from student to teacher serves both Sarah and the labarre members well.

“Although I am leading the class, I am so laid back.” Sarah further defines her teaching style as a reflection of her personality. “As I become more comfortable I have let a little more of my humor come in – I want everyone to leave feeling that they got a great workout – but just as important that they actually had time to be happy. Once they are here it’s their time and I take that very seriously I want them to have the best hour possible.”

Assuring that everyone is getting the most out of their workout is key as it allows the down time to be that much more enjoyable. In her downtime, this workout warrior is happy to just chill. When not working, she loves to relax. “Sleeping in, having a nice cup of coffee and walking my 10 year old dog, Tessa is what I love to do. In a perfect world, I would follow all of this up with a nice book.” Sarah says with a smile in her voice.

On top of all of this her boyfriend, Adam, a professional photographer and Adam’s son Eric, complete Sarah when she is away from the office and studio and we can see why they love her!

Be sure to take a class with Sarah if you haven’t and we know you will love her as much as the people in her life!

She finishes the interview with, “It’s a joy and a pleasure to be part of this team.” The feeling is reciprocal! Welcome to labarre studios, Sarah!!

July Update!

Sat, 30 Jun 2018 22:08:16 GMT

We are beyond excited to say it, and we can’t even believe it has been 1 year since we opened the doors to 1445 The Alameda, but it has! In October of 2016 we began working toward making labarre studios what we envisioned it to be. The ribbon on one of San Jose’s historic buildings (#87 to be exact!) was cut and July 14th became an important day in our history.

With that, we welcome all to come to our Birthday party on Saturday, July 14th 2018… as we turn 1 year old!

Enjoy free express facials, birthday treats from Radical Snacks and No Cow, and exclusive anniversary merchandise! Receive 30% off labarre logo’ed swag and win prizes by participating in our donation-based raffle. A portion of our raffle proceeds will be donated to research for IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis).

What else is new?

We are offering new anniversary-class packages:

30 Class Package $375

7 Class Package for $98

There is no limit to the number of class packages purchased and no expiration date but this is a limited offer and can only be purchased July 14-29 so don’t pass it up!, and more.

Our anniversary celebration continues as we welcome you to bring friends on the weekend of July 27th-29th. Show them what you have experienced at labarre and let them enjoy it at NO COST along with refreshments, snacks, chair massages, hair braiding and 30-minute sample classes that are sure to get them moving (and a little sweaty!)

If you weren’t here for the 80’s rock party don’t worry because we kick off our anniversary open house at our Friday night drumming party introducing our new format "90's Hits" with master trainer, Krissy KT!

This drumming session on July 27th will showcase our 30-minute sample drumming classes and we will have 4 slots starting at 4:30p and then continuing on at 5:15p, 6:00p, and lastly 6:45p.

Class Capacity

Please make note that our busiest class times are weekend mornings and weekday 5:45pm classes. Its imperative that you make a reservation to guarantee a spot.

If you are not a fan of busy classes, we do have over 40 class times a week to select from so find something that works for you and use your membership to the fullest. We will continue to expand our class offerings as w e grow!

The next 2 days (Saturday, July 28th & Sunday, July 29th) labarre will be offering free 30-minute sample classes galore. Be sure to reserve your spot, as classes will fill up quickly!

Our Yelp “Wellness Expo” at Red Dot Fitness was a huge success. We have created a partnership with Red Dot Fitness. Now both labarre studios and Red Dot members can visit each other’s venue up to 6 times a month for just $80. This offer is extended to all labarre studios and Red Dot Fitness members and pass holders. For more information, please inquire at our front desk.

We are going strong in our second month of “100 Days Summer Strong”.

We have asked members to track attendance by adding a star next to their names with every visit and the stars have come out! Not only are the charts getting filled, but the Century Board is also getting populated so keep up the great work!

Guests also continue to participate in our 14 weeks of Instagram challenges. They have posted imagery and won great prizes… so don’t miss out. There are plenty of weeks left to get involved as we have 1000’s of dollars in prizes we are awarding, so start “gramming!”

Quick heads up – we will only offer one class on the fourth of July (6:00am) due to the Red, White and Rose Parade! If you want to enjoy the parade we have included parking and road closures here! Also, a quick heads up for the July 4th week. At labarre, we are hoping you have a wonderful holiday and can steal away for a few days. Our team will be doing that as well but we will have classes, of course, to assure our members can keep their regiment strong during these summer months. We will have a modified schedule, though, and want everyone to be aware so please check the holiday weekly class schedule and lock in your workout times!

As we do to every month, let’s take a peek of the ever-growing Century Board located down our alley at 1445 The Alameda!

Hit HER 300th Class!

Karen Zell 300

Hit HER 200th Class!

Venessa Gregory 205

Sneaking up on 200…

Abby Hanes 186

Victoria France 178

Katherine Richmond 177

Mary Hanna-Weir 176

Julie Sacento 174

Passed the 100 plateau!

Erin Higgins 109

Lori Kamal 103

Claudia Saenz 101

Almost to the Century mark...

Kelly Spain 99

Letecia Corona 98

Maria Brandone 97

Lauryn Cederblom 97

Lauren Mitchell 97

Lisa Jastram 96

Sarah MacGregor 95

Elizabeth VanAlstine 89

Jennifer Del Corso 89

Barbi Phipps 88

Melinda Denton 88

Leila Gogani Khiabani 88

Barbi Phipps 88

Becky Kindle 87

Nicole Roman 86

Laura Salcido 84

Laarni Bulchand 77

Carla Breidenback 76

Reyna Ybanez 76

Athena DellPenna 75

Lastly, a wellness tip from our Total Reset Program coach, Jacquelyn Hollenkamp

July Health Tip: Have No Fear of FAT!

When most people think of fat, they think of something they want to avoid. In the late 90's, there was a boom of low-fat foods, and fat was vilified as something that was bad for our health. However, current research is showing just the opposite. Fat is a necessary part of a balanced eating pattern, and is the foundation of hormonal balance, brain health and even sustainable weight loss.

Where we need to be cautious is selecting the types of fats we eat. Fats such as shelf stable oils (think: canola, soybean, vegetable, cottonseed, etc.), shortening/margarine, and anything with the word "hydrogenated" are best avoided. These types of fats are highly inflammatory and end up sticking around in our bodies for far too long. The types of fats we want to include in our daily eating patterns are things like avocados, extra virgin olive oil, salmon, nuts, seeds, coconut milk/oil and grass fed butter. These fats support our delicate hormone balance, mental power, cardiovascular health and so much more!

July Recipe :

Savory Strawberry Basil Oatmeal

This power breakfast is an ideal balance of macronutrients and is a delightful flavor combo!

Happy Days! ~ Lisa Alberino, Founder

The Spotlight Shines Bright!

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 22:34:48 GMT

Erin Higgins has been an inspiration to many at labarre studios. She is committed to her health and it is evident every time she steps in the studio and more importantly when she steps out. Erin has been consistently attending classes at 1445 The Alameda; she plans her schedule and doesn't waiver. She is a regular at our 6:00am classes rain or shine and we are blessed to have her as a founding member at labarre studios. Many of our guests comment on her strength and commitment as she continues to inspire us all!

With that, we introduce you to this month’s Guest Spotlight!

Erin Higgins

Place of Birth: Birchrunville, PA (small town outside Philadelphia, PA)

Occupation: Education researcher for the Institute of Education Sciences

(U.S. Dept. of Education)

Hobbies?

Beach bum, reading historical fiction when I can find the time/energy, barre, cycling, tennis, skiing (though it’s been a while!), and before kids I played/coached soccer.

Tell us about your family!

My husband is Steve and we have a daughter Addy (who is almost 3), and another daughter on the way due in late August!

My favorite restaurant is…

We moved here in July and are still exploring, but in the neighborhood, I love Luna Mexican Kitchen. My other favorite place to eat is my house when my husband cooks. He cooks great food. In fact, while we were in grad school, the local paper wrote an article about the cold smoker he built in our backyard and the block party pig roasts we used to throw in our old neighborhood!

Favorite Vaca Spot:

Vieques, Puerto Rico. It’s a beautiful, small island off the coast of Puerto Rico.

My grandparents retired down there and I spent my childhood visiting them often. I have so many great memories there. I can’t wait to bring my kids there someday.

I also love traveling to Charleston, SC, where my family now lives. Steve and I had our wedding there. If you’ve never been, it’s a wonderful place to visit.

Bucketlist items…GO!

I want to travel more - all over the world!

I would love to learn a new art form - painting, pottery, etc. I’m in a family surrounded by artists and want to fit in :).

Movie everyone should see….period.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (please click here!) we watch it every year after Thanksgiving dinner.

Why is fitness important to you?

Fitness is how I release stress and make time for me. I do it to feel strong and remind myself what I’m capable of. My goal is to be in the best shape of my adult life. I was a three-sport athlete in middle and high school, and I dropped the ball a bit after college. I made a commitment to myself when we moved here that I would make the time to get back into shape and set a good example for my kids. Some weeks are harder than others, but I’m getting there!

Advice you would share with a new labarre guests....

Barre is difficult at first! Your legs will burn for days after a single class. Stick with it though and you’ll be surprised at what your body can do. All of the instructors are wonderful and motivating, and they all have their different styles. Try them all out!

The most important thing to me is…

My family, but I’ve learned over the past few years that I support them best when I take time for myself. For me, labarre fills that role. It’s a wonderful community of people, and after every (6am) class, I feel great and ready to start my day!

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…

I embrace challenge and change. My family moved across the country to San Jose last summer, where we knew only a small handful of people, and in a short time we have built a wonderful community of friends. At the same time, my husband and I challenged each other to get back into shape and live healthier, and we have been successful in sticking with that.

The thing I am most proud of is...

Sticking with labarre throughout my second pregnancy, and hitting the 100 class mark during that time!

Some weeks have been really tough, but I feel great right now, and it’s largely thanks to the time I spend at labarre. Anthea’s new freestyle power barre class has been especially great for me during this time.

I look forward to…

Spending even more time at labarre while I'm on maternity leave this fall. Bring on the planks!

June is here!!

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 19:08:17 GMT

There are more “noons” in June!

Welcome to June and we are now offering 12:00p noon classes everyday of the week, beginning June 1st. We wanted to make it exciting by offering a variety of classes, including barre, Yoga, and Hiit Express 45. Take a look at our updated menu of classes here!

Our next 30-day Total Reset Program kicks off on Monday, June 11th at 5:45pm-7:15pm right here at 1445 The Alameda.

By the way, are you a returning resetter? If so, we are now offering a reduced rate of $99 to partake in this fabulous wellness program that can help you kickstart great habits and get your mind, body and spirit right in time for that summer vacation!

We are partnering with our Alameda partners, Red Dot Fitness and YELP on Wednesday, June 6th, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Join us at Red Dot Fitness for “Yelp’s Health & Wellness Expo.” There will be sample classes, free gifts, yummy treats and raffles. Be sure to ask about our Barre Hopper that allows labarre guests to visit Red Dot Fitness (6 times a month) and for Red Dot members to do the same! Oh… and if you want to show us some love on Yelp, don’t let us hold you back! Just click here!

Our next labarre studios’ challenge begins now! “100 Days Summer Strong” began on Memorial Day and runs all the way to Labor Day. Here is the full rundown but it’s abbreviated below!

Track your attendance by adding a star next to your name with every visit. The more visits the greater the chance you have of winning a prize! Are you a shutterbug? Well, participate in our weekly Instagram challenges. Every time you post you have a chance to win a fabulous prize… what could be better than getting fit and getting swag?!

We are proud to say labarre studios is awarding thousands of dollars in prizes such as: cash gift cards, leggings, tank tops, toe sox, acai coupons, Juice Alize coupons, buy one get one at ROZ, free tuition for our Total Reset Program and more!

Don’t forget, 80’s Rock Returns. Our next Drumming party is Friday, June 22nd, 4:30pm & 5:45pm. Costumes are not only encouraged but respected.

Here are my top 3 80’s rock videos just for your time-killing, work-procrastinating, hair-teasing, guitar licking, tight pants wearing pleasure.

I Wanna Rock! - Twisted Sister

Paradise City - Guns 'N Roses

Jump - Van Halen

As we do to every month, let’s take a peak of the ever-growing Century Board located down our alley at 1445 The Alameda!

OH SO VERY Close to 200…

Venessa Gregory 192

Passed their 100th Class...

Claudia Corpus 125

Alexis Babb 117

Christine Lam 115

Terri Uyeda 115

Ayla-Louise Mateo 109

Michele Seaton 104

Nicki Reiss Pierce 103

Getting Super Close to the Century Mark!

Erin Higgins 99

Lauren Mitchell 97

Lori Kamal 97

Sarah MacGregor 93

Maria Brandone 91

Lauryn Cederblom 89

Kelly Spain 89

Claudia Saenz 89

Jennifer Del Corso 89

Barbi Phipps 88

Lisa Jastram 87

Letecia Corona 87

Melinda Denton 87

Elizabeth VanAlstine 87

Nicole Roman 86

Lastly, a quick wellness tip and recipe from our Total Reset Program coach, Jacquelyn Hollenkamp

June Health Tip: Sleep for Success!

With summer here and school letting out, it provides a time for many people to re-prioritize their health and focus on good, quality sleep. Sleep is essential for us not to just function, but truly thrive. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night helps us to manage stress more effectively, balances our hormones, gives us stable energy throughout the day, improves cognitive function and mood, and repairs our tired muscles and joints after all those barre classes (just to name a few benefits!) You will truly notice the difference in the way you feel- physically, mentally and emotionally- after a good night's sleep. Here are a few simple tips for increasing the quality of your shut eye this summer:

- Go to bed & wakeup at same time, ideally falling asleep around 10pm & waking at 6am.

- Sleep in a cool (68 degrees or lower), completely dark room- especially no electronic lights as they disrupt our sleep patterns and hormones.

- Ditch your electronics / social media at least 30 minutes prior to bed to give your brain time to unwind. (Choose relaxing activities like a bath, reading, or journaling.)

- Eat dinner 2-3 hours before laying down for bed so your body can focus on resting, not digesting, while you're asleep.

- Create a "bedtime routine" so your body knows it's time to start shutting down.

- Get plenty of sunlight each day so your body can follow it's circadian rhythms.

June Recipe- Green Matcha Cooler

This perfectly balanced smoothie provides a boost of clean energy through Matcha (powdered green tea leaves), a full serving of veggies, healthy fats and protein. Enjoy for breakfast or as a heavier snack. Remember to use organic ingredients when possible, especially your greens!

1/2 frozen green zucchini

1/2 frozen green tipped banana

2 handfuls spinach

1-2 Tbsps ground flax meal

1Tbsp almond butter

1 cup plain almond milk

1 scoop low sugar, plant based protein (unflavored or vanilla)

1 tsp Matcha powder

Blend and enjoy!

Happy Days!

Lisa

Challenge Yourself!

Sat, 19 May 2018 01:11:56 GMT

Are you ready for another challenge? Are you sure??

Well if you said yes – which we hope you did – we have just the thing to get your summer kick started so it helps the mind, body and spirit. At labarre studios, it’s important to keep you motivated so we can have the entire community focused on achieving goals attending classes and
making summer a time to amplify your

fitness journey because whether you are hitting the beach, the mountains or that all important family vacation, we want you to look and feel your best; and we're giving you 100 days to get it done.

We are proud to welcome our Summer Strong Challenge! We already hope that you have a love for getting your body healthy, strong and in the shape you expect it to be… we are simply adding some flavor to your daily routines.

With Summer Strong, you will be encouraged to partake in chronicling your journey and we will make it easy. Did we mention there’d be super-amazing, awesome, fun and valuable prizes?!

No? Well guess what? We will have super-amazing, awesome, fun and valuable prizes!

You can earn these prizes by taking classes and posting photos on your Instagram account and using one of two hashtags.

#labarrestudios
or
#labarreafar (for fun vacation tweets in your favorite barre pose!)

Don’t forget the hashtag because our social media peeps can’t find you in a sea of imagery unless the pictures are tagged properly!

Beginning May 28th (Memorial Day), our first week of Summer Strong will commence and will continue for 100 days (or 14 weeks) through September 3rd (Labor Day).

We are awarding those who post each week with a chance to win a
$5 Gift Card or Free ToeSox, with a new person chosen every week!

*Instagram post winners will win a $5.00 Gift Card or their choice of traditional toesox.

Here’s the rundown in a nutshell!

But wait – there’s more to win and it’s easy as can be.

Not an Instagrammer? Not a problem… Simply attend class!

The more classes you attend, the greater the prize you can win. Including gift cards and Toesox (seen above) as well as SIC water bottles, Free tuition to The Total Reset Program and even a complete labarre signature outfit!

We will bring back the “Star Charts” located in the alley, and simply add a star for every visit. See below for the full line-up of the Summer Strong Challenge and get out there and be a part of it!

May Studio Update!

Mon, 07 May 2018 01:37:55 GMT

As Spring continues on and we look forward to an amazing summer we remind you to get inspired with the wonderful Springspirations in our Alley. By the time you finish reading, I assure you, you will be ready to tackle the day!

Don’t forget! Mother’s Day is approaching and we have some special treats for all mom’s and those who have held down that moniker in some way shape or form.

Stella & Dot will be providing a “pop up” shop at our studio during all Mother’s Day morning classes. We will also be offering discounted class packages and merchandise specials (day of only).

This is the last month to get in on the best deal in the South Bay. Our Co-Founders Membership offer is in its last month. Our prices will be increasing in June so this is your chance to grab that membership you have been thinking of. Be sure to secure your Co-Founders Membership and pre-purchase your class passes before rates increase on June 1st, 2018.

Our next labarre studios’ challenge is en route and it is the “100 Days Summer Strong.” The challenge begins on Memorial Day and runs all the way to Labor Day.

This means there will be a return of our star charts so we can harken back to the day of being a good student and win some sparkly awards for kicking butt in the studios! Track your attendance by adding a star next to your name with every visit. The more visits the greater the chance you have of winning a really cool prize. Follow our Instagram Challenges, every time you post you have a chance to win fabulous prizes, such as: gift cards, merchandise, acai bowls, fresh-pressed juices, and tuition paid for our Total Reset Program.
Don’t miss out, because you know that the

beach is coming soon and you have to look your best.

Our Jackson themed Drumming class was sold out with wait lists. Take a look at the PYT’s (for those Jackson novices, that’s Pretty Young Thing ) that showed up.

Labarre Studios rocked Athleta at the Valley Fair Mall with a “Mash Up Class”. Here’s a fun gallery of those who showed up and thank you for supporting us as we grow awareness in our neighborhood!!

For those who adore the Very Berry acai bowls we have a quick update! Very Berry has been given the opportunity to join the Sunnyvale Farmers Market and will be temporarily discontinuing acai bowls on the weekends beginning May 12th - but will return May 14th!
The good news is we now will have 5 days of Acai delivery versus the previous 2 days per week! Very Berry will be offering freshly delivered acai bowls during the weekdays for all morning classes at labarre studios (7:45am class - 12:00pm class.)

* Note : Serving size and price increase. We will now be offering
16oz acai bowls for $10.00

As we do to every month, let’s take a snapshot of the ever-growing Century Board located at 1445 The Alameda!

200 Classes!
Eliana Nathan 201

Over 100 Classes!
Laura Whitten 119
Jennifer De La Cruz 113
Christine Lam 102
Nicki Reiss Pierce 103

15 OR less to go…
Lauren Mitchell 96
Michele Seaton 95
Maya Hill 95
Lori Kamal 94
Teri Uyeda 93
Barbi Phipps 88
Jennifer Del Corso 87
Erin Higgins 87
Nicole Roman 86
Melinda Denton 83
Maria Brandone 82
Lauryn Cederblom 82
Vianiesse Farinacci 82
Sarah MacGregor 82
Samantha Sulivan 82

A tip from the Total Reset Program coach,
Jacquelyn Hollenkamp

As the weather heats up it will be even more important to fill up your cup (with water) and stay hydrated! Drinking enough water is often overlooked as one of the cornerstones of health, and is a major contributor to weight loss, energy levels, better digestion, detoxification, and even a clear complexion. At minimum, you should be consuming half your body weight in ounces of water per day. I.e., if you weigh 150 pounds, you should consume a minimum of 75 oz. of water a day. A better rule of thumb is for your urine to be light yellow throughout the duration of the day…this may mean many bathroom breaks, but your body will thank you!

To meet your body’s daily water requirements, try starting your day with 12-24 ounces of water right after waking up. Try it with the juice of ½ a lemon for energizing and detoxing effects! Keep a large water bottle filled with water (You can get a great labarre bottle like this and use it every day) and take it with you to work, on the road, etc. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try spicing it up with some lemon or lime juice, torn up mint leaves, cucumber, strawberries or other flavorful fruits, veggies or fresh herbs.

Recipe of the Month: Mexican Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

In light of Cinco de Mayo, enjoy this fresh and easy Mexican quinoa salad + dressing either by itself, or on a big bed of organic greens!

Quinoa Salad:
2 cups cooked quinoa
2 red or yellow bell peppers, chopped into 1 inch pieces
1 can organic black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ½ Tablespoon cumin
1 ½ Tablespoon chili Powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
*Sliced Avocado for topping (optional)

Cilantro Lime Dressing
Juice of 2 limes
¼ cup avocado oil
¼ cup cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon cumin

Mix all quinoa salad ingredients together in large bowl. Place all dressing ingredients in blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Mix dressing with salad and enjoy!

Thank you for spreading the word about labarre studios. The best way to grow is from word of mouth and you are the reason we have been awarded Silicon Valley Organizations “Best Small Business of the Year” It is because of you that we built labarre and we appreciate your support, your reviews and your commitment to grow our community.

Our Guest Spotlight Is...

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 01:53:38 GMT

...Rebecca Campbell!! Rebecca has been with us since our "underground days" and a supporter of everything labarre. Her passion for fitness runs deep as does her love for Yoga as you will read. She is a fearless strong woman and leads by example. Being active, adventurous and an exemplary mom is the best and only way to describe Rebecca. Now it’s time for you to learn more!

Rebecca Campbell

Place of Birth: Brisbane, Australia
Hometown: Donald, Victoria, Australia
Occupation: Restaurant Server

Hobbies?
Traveling, yoga, tennis and reading.

Tell us about your family!
Jacob, 10-year-old son.

My favorite restaurant is…
I like dining out but since I work in a restaurant 4 nights a week, I'm usually in a quandary over wanting to stay in and eat versus having someone cook for me. I enjoy ethnic food the most - Ethiopian, Indian, Thai.

Favorite Music:
Aussie 80's Bands ( INXS, Crowded House, Hunters and Collector), REM, The Fugees, Cat Stevens, Adele, Dido, Bob Marley .

Bucketlist items…GO!
To travel more- Italy, Spain, Greece, the Sudan, the Philippines. To adopt. To SCUBA more.

Why is fitness important to you?
I have found that taking the time for myself and exercising helps me to feel more grounded and calm, especially yoga. My goal is to be healthy; fitting into my favorite jeans is just a bonus!

The most important thing to me is…
…to find ways to show compassion, kindness and love. (Not only to those around me but to myself.)

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…
I reminded my older self what my younger self previously knew and that is, when I set a goal for myself, I will work until I achieve it.

The thing I am most proud of is…
Other than my son, I decided I wanted to take my yoga experience to a deeper level.

So although at times I battled with it feeling incredibly selfish, I decided to take a month for me and go to the birth place of Yoga, India, to participate in a Yoga Teacher Certification program. I am blessed to have a village around me that could care for my son and I had the life experience I had hoped for and more. I went from 2 hours of yoga a week to 4 hours a day, 6 days a week. The understanding that yoga is not just asana (poses) but it truly filled my soul. I was introduced to meditation, chakras, a yogic diet and a better understanding of my body. I also made some wonderful new friends from all around the world.

I look forward to…
Continuing to have a better understanding of myself, to strive for contentment. I also look forward to taking what I learned and finding a way to bring yoga and mindfulness into the schools here in San Jose. I'd also like to help cancer patients with breathing and meditation.

April Studio Update!

Sat, 07 Apr 2018 02:18:05 GMT

We have some incredible news that many of you know about already but we want to lead off the April Update by thanking you, personally.

We have been chosen as the Best Small Business of the Year by the Silicon Valley Organization , the Silicon Valley's premier business networking and advocacy organization which represents more than 1400 businesses and over a quarter million employees in the Silicon Valley.

Click on some fun shots from the evening below!

What an honor it has been for us to be open for less than a year and to even be in the conversation for such a prestigious honor. We’d be remiss to not mention that this is not an individual honor. Our loyal guests who have been with us since the underground days share equally as much as those who have stumbled upon our front doors as we opened on The Alameda in July of 2017!

Along with those incredible people who support us, those who support us internally – the equipe – have just as much ownership in the accolade. This is just the beginning, as we aren’t even close to where we want to be but this is one heck of a start, so again, we say “ Thanks so very much! ”

Speaking of beginnings, spring brings all kinds of new ones! Sunshine, blooming flowers, birds chirping, and many other reminders of renewal and fresh starts are right in front of us. Does the way you are feeling match the rejuvenation of this beautiful season? Is it time to renew yourself from the inside out?

We will be kicking off our second round of The Total Reset Program at labarre studios. For those that aren’t familiar with the program, The Total Reset is a four-week, body/mind/spirit wellness program designed to help you physically reset, mentally refresh and restore your best self. This program is offered exclusively at labarre, and is designed for those looking to improve eating habits, restore energy and clarity, lose weight and simply feel better in your own body.

Join us for The Total Reset kick-off on Monday, April 9th at 5:45pm - it will be an informative evening to learn more about what the program entails, and connect with others who will be participating.

Need even more motivation and inspiration…? We have that, too! Get Inspired with our Springspiration. We want to hear your favorite motivations sayings or inspirational quotes. We’ve provided note cards in our “alley” at the studio where we ask guests to write these words of wisdom down and clip them up for all to see.
Here are some of our favorites!

The beat keeps marching on with new drumming themes and the next one up is “The Jacksons” on Friday, April 27th, with Krissy KT.

Also - are you looking for something a little new? A little FREE? We've got it!
It’s a mashup / sampler class of everything we do here at labarre (a combo of barre, drumming, yoga and sweatiness!) Did we mention that it is free to everyone and anyone? However you must sign up for it through the Athleta link by clicking here . Be sure to check it out and let prospective guests know it is a good way to sample the excitement that you already enjoy at labarre. The class will be held at labarre on Sunday, April 29th, 10:00-11:00am.

As we do each month, let’s take a look at our Century Board:

These guests have hit their 100th Class!
Victoria France 120
Katherine Richmond 119
Letecia Magana 113
Amanda Cardenas 112
Azadeh Nikbakht 112
Cathy Torrisi 111
Claudia Corpus 102
Dominique Watt 101
Abi Valbuena 100
Alexis Babb 100
Ayla-Louise Mateo 100

These have 10 or less to go…
Nicki Reis-Pierce 97
Lauren Mitchell 95
Maya Hill 94

And these are looking at 20 or less to go…
Michele Seaton 88
Lori Kamal 88
Barbi Phipps 87
Christine Lam 86
Nicole Roman 86
Hannah Kuhs 83
Lauryn Cederblom 82
Lauren Cederblom 82
Becky Kindle 82
Jennifer Del Corso 80

Thank you for spreading the word for our first ever “labarre open house” last month. It was a wonderful success, because of YOU. We filled up all our free sample classes and saw many new faces at 1445 The Alameda that day. It is because of you that we built labarre and we appreciate your support and commitment to our studio and community!

Guest Spotlight

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 02:31:29 GMT

Our guest spotlight this month is Erin Giberson! Not only is she a Founding Member and Avid labarre supporter, but also a friend of the equipe at the Studio. We asked Carrie Criss Harvey to help define who Erin is and this is what she had to say!

“Erin is a fun-loving, adventure-seeking mom of three! She loves a good time, a good laugh as well as a good workout. Upbeat and positive, as a stay-at-home CEO, she is always willing to take on a project at her kids’ school or around the house. A native of the East Coast, she and her family have made San Jose their home and we couldn’t be more pleased to have her as a part of the family”

Well said Carrie… and now, let’s shine that spotlight on our star!

Erin Giberson

Place of Birth: Freedom, New Hampshire
Hometown: San Jose (by way of North Yarmouth, ME and Boston, MA)
Occupation: CEO, personal chef, chauffeur, landscaper, housekeeper, janitor and personal shopper of the Giberson household & family.
Instagram: @ekgiberson

Hobbies?
Cooking, eating, reading, traveling, going to concerts, watching bad TV, drinking wine and collecting colorful sunglasses!

Tell us about your family!
A wonderful husband named Dustin & three crazy (yet amazing) kids, Ladia (10), Greta (6) and Ripley (3).

My favorite restaurant is…
Wow! So many to choose from!

Breakfast: Cafe Rosalena's Veggie Florentine burrito or fresh pumpkin donuts from Thompson's in Bingham, Maine.
Lunch: Phonomenal Noodle House vegetable pho.
Dinner: La Conte's in Boston for their Chicken Cacatorrie, a filet mignon from The Capital Grille and Fore Street in Portland Maine for literally anything they serve!!

Favorite Music:
I'm all over the place with my music taste!

I grew up listening to Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Indigo Girls, Bob Marley, Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen and any 80's music. They're all still my favorites! Add to that list current pop music my kids love to listen to while I cook along with the country and metal my husband listens to... it's a smorgasbord of music at our house!

Where I like to visit…
Our lake house in Maine. We bought a log cabin on a beautiful secluded lake in the middle of Maine. We spend as much time there as possible with the kids. It's wonderful to watch them enjoy all the natural beauty & activities of the great outdoors! We swim, white water raft, hike, boat, leaf peep, ATV, snowmobile, ice fish, sled, the list goes on forever!

Movie everyone should see. PERIOD.

This is difficult for me because I couldn't pick just one!

Heathers, Super Troopers,
The Sound of Music, Wild, The Princess Bride, Office Space, What About Bob?, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

(Click here... please!)

Bucketlist items…GO!
Visit Alaska to see the northern lights and go dog sledding.
Victoria Falls and African safari.
Visit the Waterfalls of Krka National Park in Croatia.
Go to the Super Bowl (and watch the Patriots win!).

Why is fitness important to you?
I spent most of my young adult life as a competitive swimmer. I love hard work and thrive to push myself mentally and physically when it comes to fitness. It's also extremely important for me to show my daughters how strong and healthy a woman can be. There is no way I'm giving up my vices of delicious food and wine... so exercise and fitness help make sure I can enjoy all life has to offer!! It also helps that all of the instructors are amazing and make me want to keep coming back!

The most important thing to me is…
Making the only hour I have in a crazy day something that challenges my whole body. I spend almost my entire day doing things for other people- which I chose and I love- so the hour I spend in labarre studios has become a sanctuary of body movement and meditation!

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…
I had very little core strength. I've spent years doing sit ups and crunches with little to no results. After a few weeks at labarre studios my core, and entire body, feels tight and strong!

The thing I am most proud of is…
Being able to complete all those planks (2 minutes felt great) and all those reps with 8lbs! I love feeling my arms, abs and legs sore in the morning.

I look forward to…
More and more barre of course! I'm super excited about HIIT Pilates and experiencing all the new things la barre will offer!

Congrats erin - you are a shining example of our guests and we are so proud to have you here at labarre studios!!

Therapy Stretch Spotlight!

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 02:43:56 GMT

Thinking about Therapy Stretch? Not sure what to do to make your workout just a little more in-tune with your body? Try the use of therapy balls that are available in studio for our members to use. They are a great way to maximize your potential and hit trouble spots that might hamper you from getting the most out of your trip to labarre.

You may have some nagging pains and aches... Therapy Stretch can certainly help you.

From head to toe, Therapy Stretch can improve performance, health, nagging aches and pains and more!

And don't forget to have a ball!!

Lastly, hit the reset button!

Any questions can be answered at the studios, so please come in and talk to our talented equipe on how to design yourself and get the most out of your workout.

Design and Research Credit : Ashley Miller

March Update!

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 03:17:55 GMT

We are Marching forward and gaining momentum at labarre studios! We are offering more classes and class times and happy to see many new faces at labarre.

If you aren’t at labarre we hope you are somewhere fabulous hiking in the mountains, soaking up the sun on your favorite beach or even holding a loved one’s hand in your very own slice of heaven. But remember, when away on your travels, share your favorite labarre pose and post using #labarreafar!

We have completed our first ever BINGO game and now is the time to turn in your BINGO cards and cold hard, kick-ass prizes! We will proudly display your completed BINGO cards on our alley wall to show off your progress while you can enjoy the spoils of that hard work. Don’t forget to scream ‘BINGO!’ when redeeming your gift. It’s not necessary but its pretty fun!

We are finishing up our 30-day Total Reset Program. With that we want to thank Jacquelyn Hollenkamp and our amazing members for their participation in our Total Reset Program. We are amazed with the progress we are seeing daily as well as great examples of the commitment to living a healthier life in mind, body and spirit.

We want to thank Margo Dukesherer for sharing her Arbonne products and 30-day cleanse with labarre studios. We are enjoying the products as both meal replacements and nutritional supplements. More information can be found here . I am currently using the Arbonne products and can tell you from experience they are making a difference in the way I feel… they are simply amazing.

Big shout out to Hoover Middle School’s “Buy a Spot” folks who participated in labarre studios “Barre & Bubbles” Event. It was a fun-filled Sunday afternoon offering champagne, strawberries, barre, drumming, mini-facials and plenty of smiles. We offered discounts off merchandise and class packages for all participants. If you have a local school or organization that is interested in donations for fundraising please ask contact us as we are glad to help in any way to strengthen your school, franchise and more.

Please bring your friends and family to our Open House on Saturday, March 3rd & Sunday, March 4th. It is going to be a BLAST!

We are offering free 45-minute sample classes, free juice & acai samples, chair massages, mini facials and henna tattoos. Make sure you sign up early and reserve your spot in classes as they will fill up fast and we anticipate a nice showing.

Ever considered becoming a barre instructor or deepening your barre practice? You have come to the right place! We are hosting our Barre Intensity Instructor Training & Certification on March 10th & March 11th. Click here to register!

We know you are Star Wars fans and would rather feel like Princess Leia than Chewbacca. If that is the case, know that the Force is with you and we have waxing specials at ROZ right here on site at the studio! Buy 9 sessions and get 3 Free. That’s a dozen if you are doing the math – you simply pick the service and commit to purchasing 9 and we will give you 3 more for free… it’s an out of this world deal!

Our final Disco Party was a super groovy hit. Next up? We party like its 1999! You guessed it…our fan favorite “Prince Drumming Format” is back and scheduled on Friday, March 9th at 4:30pm and 5:45pm. Make sure to reserve your spot now, classes will fill up!

Finally, as usual, Lets take a look at who has joined our century board:

Surpassed the 200th class mark ... WOW!

Karen Zell 212
Sara Rosa 210
Jennifer Horne 207

Hit their 100th Class!

Julie Saccento 114
Sabra Dirdon 111
Sheila Dowd 111
Emma Ramirez 110
Jennifer De La Cruz 105
Rebecca Campbell 104
Jenna Ulander 104
Sarah Clayton 102
Heidi Parish 102
Gaby Gemetti 101
Kristy Verhines 100
Laura Whitten 100

Getting super close to 100!

Victoria France 97
Cathy Torrisi 91
Abi Valbuena 91
Alexis Babb 90
Ayla-Louise Mateo 90
Amanda Cardenas 90
Letecia Magana 89
Azadeh Nikbakht 88
Lauren Mitchell 87
Barbi Phipps 86
Claudia Corpus 85
Nicole Roman 85
Nicki Reis-Pierce 84
Katherine Richmond 83
Samantha Sullivan 82
Lauryn Cederblom 77
Dominique Watt 81
Lori Kamal 79
Lauren Cederblom 78
Maya Hill 76
Becky Kindle 75

Keep working hard and let’s get as many people in the triple digits as possible! Spring is sprung and the sun will be here soon enough! Get yourself in the best shape you can and let us join you on your journey!

Happy Days!
Lisa Alberino, Founder labarre

Welcome Grace!

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 05:56:35 GMT

Meet Grace! She is unlike any of our instructors who are part of the talented equipe here at labarre… and as a matter of fact, she is one of a kind for so many reasons! Help us welcome Grace and learn a little bit about the instructor behind our newest class, Monday 4:30pm Restorative Yoga!

Grace moved from China to Hawaii when she was sixteen where she attended two years of high school then onto University of Hawaii. She has lived on the East Coast, in San Francisco as well as the French Alps. Yoga came into her life in her 20’s and it fell off her radar for quite some time until she made her way back to the States.

Eight years ago Grace started teaching yoga, when one day a 70 year old student, Brian, came to her Advanced Vinyasa class. He had just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and his doctor recommended yoga and biking. Brian at the time was very stiff, he shuffled towards Grace and explained that he was not able to ride a bike because his brain couldn’t command his feet to pedal.

That day Brian was only able to do 10% of the class and although he left feeling very frustrated and discouraged, he did not stop taking Grace’s class.

Inspired by Brian’s determination to kick this disease, Grace decided to create a yoga class for people with limitations. She became a student of anatomy and as her knowledge of the human body grew, her Therapeutic and Restorative Yoga journey began. Students from ages 12-92 attend her classes where she helps people recover from surgeries, injuries, and chemotherapy. She also works with students who suffer from fibromyalgia, MS, or just every day tightness. 7 years later Brian still goes to Grace’s class regularly, he is much stronger and more flexible and he can ride a stationary bike now!

Lisa Alberino, labarre founder and instructor herself, recently attended one of Grace’s Restorative classes. The two clicked and Lisa was sold. “I understood Grace’s incredible ability to connect and heal, after her class I felt my body went through detox!” Lisa said, “That was when I realized she had to be part of labarre.”

“The first few minutes of the class are crucial” Grace mentions as she reveals what class might look like from her eyes. “I have to understand very quickly what each student’s limitations and needs are before I can proceed”. At the end of each class, students feel they stand an inch taller and with better posture, they also feel less tight, they have gained much more range of motion.

In her Restorative Yoga class Grace uses bolsters, folded blankets, straps, blocks, massage balls, and Pilate balls to work on trigger points. Under her guidance, students can effectively self-massage for deep tissue myofascial release for more flexibility and better circulation. Come try out all the wonderful props that labarre provides and experience the various deep stretches with Grace, you will leave the class on a cloud.

When you meet Grace you will find her to be kind, mindful, bubbly, and beyond well travelled. She speaks Chinese, French, Spanish, and English.

When not teaching, she takes care of three Airbnbs that she and her husband own together. This keeps her incredibly active and busy but it also adds some spice as it allows her to meet amazing and interesting folks from all over the world.

Grace is comfortable inside and outside of the studio. Every evening she and her French husband enjoy a home cooked meal from scratch, with wine of course! She is also a proud mom and grandmother, and lights up as she talks about her daughter, son-in-law, and 4 year old grandson who live in New York City.

Come see what’s cooking at labarre studios and sign up for Grace’s Monday Restorative Yoga class and while you are at it, spend some time with our newest family member! Welcome Grace!

February Update!

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 06:07:23 GMT

As we slowly creep out of winter and head into spring, we are truly feeling the love from our loyal members and the fantastic new guests who have visited labarre studios.

January welcomed a host of new guests who signed up for their free week and entered the fun world of barre fitness! We want to thank you for sharing your passion for labarre studios. This month we are going to be returning that passion and love as we are offering discounts on our 30–day “Total Reset” program, all merchandise throughout February, waxing services (buy 9 get 12) and coupons for free drinks, appetizers, meals, and services from our local businesses supporting our BINGO winners!

We are having a blast watching each of you fill up your BINGO cards and completing the challenging tasks. We even had a mass BINGO fill in during a class! Click here to see our guests complete their 2-minute planks. If you think you are out of the BINGO race, you are mistaken! You have until the end of February to complete your squares and earn rewards so get in the game and claim some wonderful prizes.

At the beginning of the New Year, we introduced our new schedule with many new classes taking center stage (Barre Fusion, HIIT Pilates, Restorative Yoga, and Therapy Stretch). We also introduced more times for your favorite classes, as we know that your busy lifestyles command more slots. We are getting tremendous feedback on our new schedule so keep it coming so we can refine each month and make this the studio you deserve.

Our Minnesota connection, Krissy KT, visited us to introduce our new disco-drumming format. Our disco party was a groovy hit! We packed our classes full of guests wearing flashy disco outfits and definitely got our laFreak on. As seen above... it's game on this Friday!!

This month we are introducing our Total Reset Program. We are introducing a pilot program and looking for a limited number of guests to participate in this 30-day program and provide us with feedback. Total Reset is currently at a discounted rate to the first 10 guests who register so if you are interested in taking your New Year’s resolution to heart, get on board! This program will be launched on Thursday, February 8th at 5:45pm.

You have asked and we are delivering. We are introducing a 30-day cleanse program and nutritional supplements for those interested. Samples and consultations will be available at the studio tomorrow February 8th all interested guests.

Speaking of guests , look who is kicking ass and taking names! The names and associated classes they have taken are below… keep it going!!

Karen Zell 197
Jennifer Horne 189
Sara Rosa 185
Carleigh Burdine 117
Erin Giberson 104
Emma Ramirez 104
Jennifer De La Cruz 101
Mary Hanna-Weir 101

Here’s a look at some members who are staring the Century board in the face!!

Sabra Dirdon 99
Julie Saccento 99
Rebecca Campbell 98
Kristy Verhines 95
Sarah Clayton 94
Sheila Dowd 94
Laura Whitten 94
Victoria France 87
Heidi Parish 87
Abi Valbuena 87
Lisa Alberino 86
Jenna Ulander 86
Gaby Gemetti 85
Nicole Roman 84
Alexis Babb 83
Lauren Mitchell 81
Azadeh Nikbakht 81
Nicki Reis-Pierce 81

Lastly! Some notables to mark on the calendar!

labarre studios open house
March 3rd & 4th

Bring your friends & family
Sample Classes
Juices & Acai Bowls
Henna Tattoos
Mini Facials
Chair Massages

Ever thought about becoming a barre instructor or taking your practice to the next level?

Barre Intensity Instructor Training
March 10th & 11th

Guest Spotlight

Sun, 21 Jan 2018 06:36:05 GMT

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.

Just A Moment To Say Thanks!!

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 06:48:34 GMT

The votes have been tallied and the winners are in. We're pleased to announce that labarre studios was voted a 2017 Neighborhood Favorite on NextDoor.com by neighbors in the area! We are so pleased at this welcomed news and want to thank everyone who has made us what we are today.

This past Monday we just reached our 6 month anniversary at 1445 The Alameda. To reflect back on the opening in July, we have simply come so very far and it is humbling.

Please continue to let us walk alongside of you on your fitness journey as we listen to you - our wonderful guests - and make labarre what we all expect it to be!

And BINGO was the game ohhhhh!

Sun, 14 Jan 2018 07:19:54 GMT

Happy New Year everybody. With the New Year comes new challenges.

We tend to read a lot about resolutions and promises we make to "push ourselves" to be the best we can be. We don't disagree with that here at labarre studios and we find ourselves looking to make you break a sweat, feel challenged and walk away from each and every class with a feeling accomplished and fulfilled.

We also realize that through all of the pushing and motivation, we still need to have some fun. And what says fun more than BINGO!!!

Let me continue...

In a few short days, we will have BINGO cards at the front desk where you can not only start your New Year off right, but do so with a little less seriousness as it pertains to your goals. The card offers some great prizes, but asks you to not only physically push yourself but also become motivated mentally as well.

Here's how it works!

BINGO cards will be available late next week so just ask one of the awesome equipe members for one!

There are different tasks that need to be completed across the card and once accomplished - in true BINGO style - they get marked off. As they get marked off and patterns are created, prizes are awarded based on those patterns. Prizes range from FREE nail art at Pro Image Nails to amazing food and drinks at the fabulous Luna Mexican Kitchen to an assortment of tasty libations at our favorite haunt, Wine Affairs  and even a full breakfast at the always fun Scrambl'z !

Its a fun way to start the new year off and develop some great habits without putting unrealistic expectations on yourself… and hey... you can enjoy a treat at some of San Jose's best spots!

Don't shy away from an awesome way to enjoy your hard work both inside and outside of the studio. Grab your BINGO cards while humming the all too popular jam,
"B - I - N - G - O, and BINGO was the game ohhhh!!"

The Total Reset!

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 06:56:59 GMT

Its time for the newest program from labarre studios! We are proud to introduce "The Total Reset." The program is a whole-person focused wellness initiative that looks at all of the lifestyle choices that impact one's well-being.

There is a significant focus on food and eating patterns, as well as exploration into other areas of life that directly impact our health such as physical activity, rest, stress levels, spirituality, personal relationships, careers and many more.

The program will provide those who choose to be a part of it with education to make informed decisions for their health. It will inspire all who take part to make long lasting changes and help them to implement these changes consistently. At the end of the initial 30 days, our goal for you is to notice a significant shift in participants' well-being; physically, mentally and emotionally, and to feel closer to their best self.

The program is perfect for those looking to lose weight, gain energy, reduce stress, heal their body and simply find more joy out of life!"

Obsessed with nutrition, the mind-body connection and the Bay Area, this Kentucky born dancer and labarre instructor will lead the Total Reset program.

A passion for health and wellness, Jacquelyn will be a great compass for guests looking to get a well-balanced approach to their fitness goals and is well versed on working with others to accomplish their "Best Self!"

January Studio Update!

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 07:04:04 GMT

2017 is in the rearview mirror and it is on to 2018!

We are excited to start strong this New Year with a revamped class schedule in full effect. Our guests will experience more class times for all of their favorite classes as well as new classes that you, our guests, have recommended. Those classes include: HIIT Pilates, Restorative Yoga, Barre Fusion, and Therapy Stretch.

Our mission at labarre studios is to make your life easier by offering a wide array of classes and times, along with services that simply make your life easy (child care and waxing services) and do so all under one roof.

As we grow we will continue to listen to your guidance. We are already looking towards adding a hair salon and massage area in the studio space and we are actively working on making that a reality. (Side note! The search is under way for a talented hair stylist and massage therapist that may be interested in this prime space, so if you know someone looking for such an opportunity, please feel free to make the referral!)

In addition, we will soon be introducing our new wellness program and workshops for 2018. We will be offering a 30-day “Total Reset Program” that includes: personal coaching, videos, expert guidance, community support and digital books full of shopping lists, recipes, journals, questionnaires, meal plans and much more. If you are interested in being part of our “test group” for February’s “Total Reset Program”, please let us know. The first 10-people to register by emailing us HERE will receive a discounted program rate for participating in our pilot program.

We wanted to make January & February about fun all while setting small attainable health and fitness goals that encompass the entire mind, body, and spirit. You may ask, how? Our answer, “by playing a game”.

We have the first ever labarre BINGO game where you have 45 days to complete different tasks, which allow you to win prizes along the way. It is a great way to reward good behavior while you are working towards making your beautiful self even better. Read more about it right here!

The fabulous Krissy KT is coming to town once again, this time to introduce our new drumming DISCO format on Friday, January 19th, at 4:30pm and 5:45pm. Make your reservations now, as these classes will fill up. Prizes to be had for those who dress in your best disco fashion. So let's look foxy and shake our groove thang!

A little culinary update... Acai cups and juice samples will be provided for our guests that attend labarre classes the weekend of January 20th & 21st. If you love Acai, you are in business!

Time to check the dedicated members and their milestones!

Jennifer Horne is at her 177th class and is closing in on the 200 mark - congrats Jenn!

To keep track of your classes, make sure to stop by the front desk for your photo and add yourself to our Century Board. A big shout out to Eliana Nathan who is at her 118th!

A quick peek at who is eyeing up their 100th Class (or at least getting DAMN close!):
Rebbecca Campbell 97
Emma Ramirez 97
Jennifer De La Cruz 93
Carleigh Burdine 89
Julie Saccento 87
Kristy Verhines 84
Samantha Sullivan 82
Abi Valbuena 81
Laura Whitten 81
Sarah Clayton 80
Mary Hanna-Weir 79
Erin Giberson 78

I want to let you know how excited we are to start 2018 with our labarre community. The stories that you share with us about your journey personally motivate us to work harder, craft fun curriculum and keep innovating at the studio to make it a place you look forward to visiting again and again. We will continue to listen to you as we strive to create the ultimate fitness boutique experience in the Bay Area. Thank you for allowing us to spend our days with you and we hope to make 2018 a year to remember.

Happy Days!

Lisa Alberino, Founder

December Guest Spotlight

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:36:10 GMT

As the winter months are upon us and the cold air blows in, our hearts remain warm with yet another Guest Spotlight!

We employed another lovely labarre member Abi Valbuena to help set the tone as Abi and Vanessa go way back…

“Vanessa and I met when we were both in college over 15 years ago. I remember how fun and free-spirited she was back then, the friend you could call to go on a last minute road trip, to try a new restaurant or bar, or to be your goofy dance partner at any club (no matter how swanky it was). When I started taking labarre classes, I loved the camaraderie you feel with the people you take classes with regularly. I thought, wouldn’t it be great if my friends started taking labarre so we could see each other more regularly? I remember seeing Vanessa at a birthday party and telling her about labarre. And wouldn’t you know, Vanessa was in my labarre class the very next day, and I think she took classes for 5 days straight after that. I love that even with her busy schedule being the working mom of 2 adorable young kids, Vanessa is still the same open-minded, spontaneous friend who will try something new with you just because you asked her.”

– Abi

Wow…. Couldn’t have said it better… let’s learn about Vanessa!

Vanessa Gregory

Hometown: San Jose
Occupation: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hobbies?
Dancing, baking, board games, and (of course) going to labarre!

Tell us about your family!
My husband Jared and I have a boy and a girl, Colton (4) and Harper (1).

My favorite meal is…
Cuban pork enchiladas and flourless chocolate cake at Aqui !

What I jam to is…
The Footloose Soundtrack, 90s Hip Hop, Depeche Mode, Blind Pilot (I’m admittedly all over the place!)

Where I like to visit…
Fiji, got my scuba certification there and I want to go back.

Fitness is important to me because:
I wanted to have more energy so I could keep up with my kids. I tried different forms of exercise but never stuck with any of them. I knew I had to find something I enjoyed in order to really incorporate it into my lifestyle.

My fitness goals are …
To feel more energetic and be proud of my body. I want my kids to see me as a strong, confident woman.

The most important thing to me is..
Keeping a balanced lifestyle so I can feel good at work, home and with friends and family.

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…
I am stronger than I know. Anthea tells us that in class and it’s true. I’ve pushed myself harder and I keep coming back for more!

The thing I am most proud of is…
Striving to give my kids roots and wings. Jared and I are fortunate to have a strong relationship with our parents and grandparents. I want to make sure they know our family history and I’ve made efforts capture their time with great grandparents and grandparents. With an environment full of love, respect and support, they feel free to explore and develop their own curiosities.

FA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LABARRE!

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 07:43:24 GMT

Today we had a terrific crew of guests come together as a family and bring smiles to local neighbors. We simply wanted to thank everyone who came out on behalf of labarre studios to be a part of the very first "caroling" get-together.

As we boarded the bus to head to about 10 homes in the College Park and Rose Garden areas, there was a great sense of community that we are so very thankful for. Gifts were wrapped and ready for each stop and as we were handing holiday surprises to the neighbors we crooned for, we were met with some surprises of our own!

Some homes had freshly baked cookies and hot cocoa for us and others had smiles from ear to ear - all were wonderful, warming moments for the people who spent their afternoon giving back.

Thanks once again for the songs, cheer and memories that occurred today. We wish everyone the happiest and safest of holidays!

Lisa Alberino - Founder labarre studios

December Update 2017!

Sun, 26 Nov 2017 08:08:19 GMT

Its in the books! We have completed our first “FALL 15 FITNESS CHALLENGE!” for those who had partaken in it, you've earned every star! Now it is time to cash in on your success. We are ready and fully stocked with new merchandise for your holiday shopping!

A full house was at 1445 The Alameda at our 90’s Hip Hop Drumming Classes in November. Make sure to reserve a spot in December for our next Friday night themed “90’s Hip Hop Drumming Class” as it is an awesome time – especially if you’re a Hip Hop fan like us.

A handful of labarre instructors spent the afternoon on post at Camp Parks Dublin. We look forward to being invited back to teach a military appreciation barre class and are always thankful for the brave men and women that allow us to do what we are blessed to do.

Our Century Board in the studios grows and grows. Look who has achieved the 100 classes milestone. Make sure to stop by the front desk for your photo and add yourself to our Board – it’s a great way to track your progress and feel good about the hard work you are putting in to your body.

Congratulations to our Century Warriors!

Abby Haynes 116
Mary Koukkari 100
Trinidad Pena 100

Look who is about to get pinned to the cork board of domination!

Eliana Nathan 91
Emma Ramirez 89
Rebecca Campbell 88
Samantha Sullivan 82
Jennifer De La Cruz 83
Kristy Verhines 77
Abi Valbuena 74
Sarah Clayton 73

December Events

Fall “Fitness-15 Challenge”: Cash-In
For those who attended 15-Classes each Month (October & November) in two disciplines, get ready to get some payback! Plus and added bonus for those who attended a workshop!

Winners get 45%-50% off one merchandise item in December 2017.

Have you visited the newly created ROZ at labarre?
Here’s your chance! All members and new guests receive a “free eyebrow wax” with our star esthetician, Lorena Garcia. Make your appointment online or while at labarre studios. Members receive 20% off all waxing services. Micro blading is now available as well! Our first 10 guests to make an appointment for micro blading will receive an incredibly special price of $150 (which includes a touch up.)

Faithful Fridays only have a few weeks to go!
We are giving away fun gifts every Friday to our guests who sport their Red and Gold. All Faithful receive 15% off one merchandise item every Friday and will be put in a grand drawing to win more prizes on Super Bowl Sunday.

HIIT Pilates
There will be another HIIT Pilates class on Sunday, December 3rd
10:15a with our founding instructor, Erika DeClerk

“90’s Hip Hop” Drumming
This popular class returns on Friday, December 8th, 4:30p & 5:45p

Barre Fusion
We welcome back Master Trainer, Jinger Parson!
Saturday, December 9th, at 10:15a
Sunday, December 10th, at 10:15a

Barre Instructor Training & Certification
Always wanted to be a part of the equipe here at labarre? It starts right here.
Friday & Saturday, December 9th & 10th, 10:00a-5:00p

Workshop: “Relationships & Environment”
The final workshop concludes with a great session!
Tuesday, December 12th, 6:30-8:30p.

\\Remember, all through the winter months, you can bring a coat to labarre studios and we will proudly display it on our rack outside for those in need. The "Leave a Coat, Take a Coat" program has garnered some great responses and smiles, but most importantly has really helped our neighbors! Keep some grateful folks warm and make a difference by partaking in it.

Holiday Caroling
Time to take your singing skills on the road!
Saturday, December 16th, 2:00p-6:00p
Visiting those in need in the Rose Garden & surrounding areas. Wear festive clothing, bring along noisemakers, strong vocals and one wrapped gift.
Bus leaves at 2:00p, please arrive 15-minutes early.
Adults only, reserve your spot on MindBody under classes (you know you want to!)

Finally I want to end our update with a big THANK YOU to all of our guests and members who continue to spread the word about labarre studios. Getting to meet new members while getting closer to our Founding Members has been an honor. Please continue to reach out and email us your ideas and thoughts as we are very active online and will respond to any and all thoughts.

Happy Days!

Lisa Alberino, Founder

November Update 2017

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 16:30:27 GMT

As the weather changes we are hoping that our guests are experiencing change as well! We have heard from many of you in person and via email about your experiences at labarre and we have to say that we are thrilled to be in only our 4th month and learning, working and modifying alongside you based on all of the great feedback!

We are collecting lots of STARS on our attendance chart tracking our FALL 15 FITNESS CHALLENGE! These last few days of October we have seen many of our guests doubling up on their classes to get in their 15 visits. Remember - you can get 45% off a piece of swag for completing your fitness challenge PLUS you get another 5% off if you sign up for one of the Your Best Self Workshops! There is still time this month, so keep working hard and get those stars locked and loaded on the charts!

We are introducing our new 90’s Hip Hop Drumming class on Friday, November 10th. Make sure to reserve a spot! It will add a complete change to the drumming class and we will have all new music and flow. We would love for you to be there to Bust a Move with us.

We have heard your requests to add Restorative Yoga & HIIT Pilates to our permanent schedule and it is now a reality. We will be adding these classes to our schedule starting in January. Make sure to reserve a spot for our initial sample HIIT Pilates class on Sunday, November 19th at 10:15am. You can find it right here.

Congratulations are in order ! Take a look who has hit the century milestone in classes. Make sure to stop by the front desk for your photo and add yourself to our Century Board when you get the prestigious 100th class under your belt.

Linda Dattilo 115
Sara Rosa 111
Abby Haynes 103
Vanessa Gregory 103
Carrie Criss-Harvey 105
Jane Telsco 103

Sneaking up on 100 with less than 15 Classes to go…

Trinidad Pena 91 (by the way Trinidad was our member spotlight! )
Abby Haynes 85
Mary Koukkari 89

Coming around the bend with less than 25 to go!
Samantha Sullivan 82
Eliana Nathan 82
Emma Ramirez 81
Jennifer De La Cruz 76
Rebecca Campbell 76

Our guests enjoyed “striking a pose” during our Madonna themed Breast Cancer Benefit Class and we couldn’t be more pleased. We had a full class full of fun, yoga and sweat. Thank you all for participating and donating to such a worthy cause as proceeds went directly to breast cancer research. Thank you to our wonderful neighbors Wine Affairs for supplying wine and delicious snacks. Not only are they always in our corner, but they are the best place to kick back and hang out after a great class… be sure to stop in if you haven’t already!

We still have some pink ribbon labarre signature tank tops available for sale… and of course, proceeds will be donated, so get yourself one and help out the cause. Come on in and grab one as they are available at the store!

We had hundreds of guests through our doors for Trick-or-Treat on The Alameda. Take a look at some of the unique costumes worn by our guests and visitors. By the way, if anyone has any Three Musketeers, M & M’s or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, we will surely take them off your hands (as we have eaten all of the ones my kids received… shhhhh…don’t tell.)

Hey, the 49ers may be winless in the era of John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t love our team! Remember, if you are a Niners fan, we are giving away fun gifts every Friday to our guests who sport their Red and Gold. All Faithful receive 15% off one merchandise item every Friday…. And hey, if they lose again, you can always slink out to Wine Affairs and drown your sorrows!

Our guests enjoyed our third workshop on “Activity, Rest and Managing Stress” all part of Your Best Self workshop series. A special thank you for our guest speaker, Dr. Steven Sherry. There are a few workshops remaining and you can click here to be a part of them.

Speaking of events, check out what is in store coming up!

November Events
Fall “Fitness-15 Challenge”: November
Attend 15-Classes a Month in two disciplines
Attend a Workshop
Winners get 45%-50% off entire merchandise purchase.

All members and new guests receive a “free eye brow wax” with our esthetician, Lorena Garcia at the newly opened ROZ (Pronounced Rose!), make your appointment online or at labarre. Members will continue to receive 20% off all services.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH AT 4:30PM & 5:45PM
introducing our new 90’s Hip Hop Drumming Format.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH ,
“Your Best Self WORKSHOP SERIES”
The Impact of Your Mindset
6:30-8:30PM
with guest speaker Jennette Holzworth from 5:17 Total Body Transformations.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH AT 3PM
Military Appreciation Class at Camp Parks Dublin

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH AT 10:15AM
Sample Class HIIT PILATES with Erika DeClerck

Finally I want to end our update with a big THANK YOU to all of our guests and members who continue to spread the word about labarre studios. If not for the love and support of all of you, our business simply wouldn’t be possible. You are the reason for labarre and we are looking for your feedback to make our guests experience the best in the South Bay. Please email us critiques, thoughts, etc. as we are very active on it and will respond to any and all thoughts.

Happy Days!

Lisa Alberino, Founder

Guest Spotlight – Trinidad Pena!

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 19:35:33 GMT

With the start of November brings yet another Spolight! This time we fall into the Spotlight and don’t want to leaf out one of our favorite members… he is one of the roots of our family tree… ok. Enough of that! Let’s meet Trinidad!

Since the beginning of underground classes occurred down the street at Roundhill Dance Studios we have had a fixture. A quiet, smiling, loyal and humble Guest has been there from the beginning. If you don’t know Trinidad, it is time to read all about him!

Trinidad Pena

Place of Birth: Santa Clara

Hometown: San Jose

Occupation: Neighborhood Ambassador

Twitter Handle: tpena05

IG Handle: @trinivision1

Hobbies?

Cooking, Baking and watching Food Network. Currently, I am reading the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child!

Tell us about your family!

I just recently was married (9.15.17!) to Francisco Larrañga Peña

My favorite meal is…

One of my favorite dishes that Francisco makes is New Mexico green chili enchiladas. If I had to really pick a dish it would be Spaghetti and Meatballs.

What I jam to is…

90's love ballads and I am a huge fan of George Michael and Whitney Houston.

Where I like to visit…

Disneyland!

Fitness is important to me because:

I have always enjoyed being active but in the last few years, I have had problems connecting with any gym or trainer I would work with. It all became repetitive and boring. I had always had an interest in doing Barre and when I was told that labarre was opening a few blocks from my house I attended my first Underground class and Anthea was the first instructor to teach me. I remember thinking what did I get myself into? I left from that class so energized and proud because I lasted the whole hour at that time I knew that I found a discipline that I could enjoy and not feel like going to workout was a chore. I believe that you have to connect and enjoy whatever form of "fitness" or "workout" that one decides to do. You need to enjoy being active and leading a healthy lifestyle.

My fitness goals are…

To be healthy and feel great in my body, mind, and spirit. I have used Barre as a therapeutic outlet for myself where I can let go of the everyday things of my life and have one hour where I can just focus on myself.

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…

I am stronger than I know and being patient with myself as well as not being hard on myself over things I can't control.

The most important thing to me is..

My husband and our family. Also, being the best spouse, son, uncle, brother, friend, and human being I can be while I am on this earth. I want to have compassion, empathy, and be my authentic self.

The thing I am most proud of is…

How much I have noticed the change in my body as well as my mental focus. One thing that I am very proud of is all the instructors and members at labarre that have inspired me to push myself in this practice that I didn't know that I could even achieve when I joined in April. I felt a really strong connection to Barre when I joined and knew that I have found my fitness path and joining labarre was one of the best decisions I made for myself.

Guests & Family

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:56:11 GMT

October 19th is National Get To Know Your Customers Day. With that I wanted to take the opportunity to say a few things. Although I love the idea of this day, I never view the people who come through labarre as customers. They are our guests and family.

I view labarre studios as my second home and we welcome guests and family into our home.

It is the guests, in particular, that make this a home and make going to labarre so special everyday. You are filled with stories and wonder, fun and anecdotes, smiles and hugs and the area is forever filled with joy and the fitness journeys that you are all personally embarking on.

As we watch these changes occur in mind, body and spirit the equipe of instructors and I are blessed to be witness to tears of joy as you connect with us. From holding a position you once couldn’t, to meeting new people at the studios or visibly seeing you all just simply making much needed time for “you”, I speak for us all when I say we are appreciative beyond belief.

We couldn't be more proud of our guests and family and we will openly welcome any new people who walk through our front doors. We look forward to learning more and more about you all and although this is National Get To Know Your Customers Day, I think the other 364 days are even more important for us.

Happy Days!

Lisa Alberino, Founder

Guest Spotlight - Karen Zell

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 20:02:54 GMT

Its that time again – time to shine the spotlight on a guest who is just indicative to what labarre studios is all about. This month’s guest spotlight is pointed directly at Karen Zell.

If you have spent anytime at labarre studios you are sure to have seen Karen Zell. Karen has been a staple at our barre classes since the “underground” days at Round Hill Dance. It has been a joy to watch Karen connect with the labarre community and our barre-inspired workouts. She has a competitiveness about her and Karen continually sets new goals while pushing herself past plateaus and redefining her limits. I am excited to see how ambitious she continues to be and I urge everyone to get to know her (and I hope in doing so you will find her zealous attitude to be contagious!)

Now its time to get to know Karen, from A to Z(ell!)

Place of Birth: Santa Clara

Hometown: Santa Clara!

Occupation: Elementary School Librarian

Hobbies?

Reading, skiing and spending time with friends!

Tell us about your family!

My husband’s name is Jeff and we just celebrated 25 years together! We have a son Xander (17) and a daughter Cameron (16). Astro, our dog, is also a big part of the family.

My favorite meal is…

Alaskan King Crab!

What I jam to is…

I like lots of different music. The Police, Santana and right now I like Portugal. The Man.

Where I like to visit…

Hawaii! Aloha!

My favorite meal is…

Alaskan King Crab!

What I jam to is…

I like lots of different music. The Police, Santana and right now I like Portugal. The Man.

Where I like to visit…

Hawaii! Aloha!

When I joined labarre, some tangible goals for me were to:

· Lose 10 pounds

· Be comfortable wearing shorts in public

· Find my deltoids!

· “Float a Crow”

BUT…. Can you believe I’ve done all of that!? So now I’m trying to find new goals:

· Always trying the hardest “level” of the exercise

· Be comfortable in a bathing suit in public

· Lose one clothing size

· Do a “labarre Plank” (ask Anthea!)

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…

I'm stronger than I know!!

Welcome Karen!

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 15:23:35 GMT

Please help us to welcome Karen Ashley to the equipe! This native of Los Altos, CA has spent her entire life in the area and is a graduate of San Jose State University.

Karen proudly serves as a Community Officer at the Santa Clara Police Department. This 15-year veteran is currently working in the Crime Prevention Unit and we are proud to have her on the labarre “beat” now as well!

But before she joined the team at labarre, Originally, Karen came into 1445 The Alameda as a student. Connecting with Founder, Lisa Alberino, Karen was alerted of openings for barre instructors and she was the perfect fit. She is strong, motivating and clearly talented in her movement and musicality.

Her talent is not surprising, however, and was cultivated over time. As a young girl, Karen grew up with a passion for ballet. That love grew into an opportunity that took her east after her high school graduation to be a part of the world-renowned Joffrey School For Ballet in New York City.

“In my early 20’s I picked up yoga, Pilates and became a bit of a gym junkie” Karen admits. Taking up barre fit right into the progression of her fitness portfolio.

“I have tried out so many classes that were offered in the area. Everything from spinning to boot camps” Karen continues as she has shied away from nothing and excelled at all. All of these classes offered great comfort for Karen and working out in group settings helped to motivate her. She will now be leading classes in that very familiar atmosphere.

She admits, though, she is a little nervous… “Once I start moving it all goes away. It’s the prep and the hype at first that gets you… but then its all good and I feel great! Exercising is an outlet and helps me relax.”

She will be operating in very comfortable settings, as the labarre classes can range from very cozy to a maximum of 25 students.

But how can Karen help to recall the days at the ballet studio while also working to make classes impactful and meaningful to those who join her? “The inner ballerina in me will always be there, she’s got a lot more muscles now, but she’s there! Barre and the opportunity to teach are the perfect culmination of the second half of my life.”

The second half of her life also has greater meaning, as Karen is not only a civil servant but also the mom of a bubbly and lovable 3-year-old daughter, Brooklyn. Along with spending time raising her amazing daughter, Karen states “I loves to stay busy” and there is no sign of stopping her at all!

Welcome to the equipe and the labarre family, Karen!

Oakland Is In The House!

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 20:42:43 GMT

Welcome to the Family!

An East Bay native, Carrie Criss-Harvey grew up in Oakland and found her way to San Jose as she and her husband, Patrick initiated careers in the area and made it their home.

Starting out teaching sculpture to high school students, Carrie now teaches art to kids ranging from Pre-K through 8th grade. That artistic side is clearly a product of her being a lover of all arts from a young age, specifically the performing arts.

“My friends and I were going to be backup dancers for every rap group that ever was… but it never happened.” Carrie says laughing.

“I have always had fun with dancing, I just love it.” This former ballerina who has studied the art and enjoyed many forms of dancing decided a much needed return to the studio was in order. “It really wasn’t until after I had my kids that I needed to get back in shape. I was ready to transform my body as best I could.”

Working through multiple disciplines of fitness, Carrie tried everything. From boot camps to yoga, from circuit training to cross fit, these workouts all had luster but they were short lived to a degree. None of these truly connected with Carrie and she was routinely on the lookout for something new. Finally, Carrie began doing barre classes and became excited about how she felt and the gratification that came from barre movement. One of her instructors, she notes, had a large hand in helping Carrie on her journey to not only adoring barre, but deciding to

lead classes of anxious students ready to continue on their very own fitness journey. That teacher was labarre’s founder, Lisa Alberino, who shares the love of barre and now teaching classes with her good friend, Carrie.

“I loved the way [Lisa] taught and for me, the hook for barre was the dance aspect. Moving to the music helped me workout in a way that really toned my body and kept me interested. I was getting stronger and I could do it and do it well! It was a natural fit.” Carrie continues.

“Before [barre] I was trying to get through a workout because I knew it was the right thing to do, but now I was enjoying the process of it.

It was like I was dancing and having a great time. I just love it.”

Getting back to her dance roots was paramount for Carrie and it helped quickly ignite a passion for barre that was tangible. “I was reaping the benefits of the instructor and I was getting stronger.”

Mentally and physically, change was occurring. The student was becoming the teacher – literally. As someone who has taught in many settings, Carrie now finds herself as a bright-eyed rookie instructing at 1445 The Alameda.

“It will initially take time. Everyone should go through instructor training” Carrie says with purpose “It is not easy to instruct, keep time, keep with the flow, know all of the moves and seeing everyone watch you! There’s a lot of pressure but I am excited and curious to see it all come together.”

“I just had a conversation with my neighbor about what barre is and I told her, ‘you just have to do it!’ It is a huge community. It doesn’t matter if you can dance. It doesn’t matter what size you are. Experience, flexibility, whatever you are bringing in doesn’t matter. It works for everyone.”

We couldn’t agree more. And if Carrie wasn’t fabulous enough, she left us with some sage advice as she finished the interview.

“You have to have fun. You have to leave here feeling like ‘not only did I get a good workout but I had a great time doing it, I felt supported and I felt like everyone around me wasn’t looking at me because they were all focused on themselves and getting better.’ That’s barre… there’s layers and options and you can take it anywhere you want to go with it.”

Amen. Welcome to the team Carrie Criss-Harvey!

October Update!

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 21:58:06 GMT

We are “Falling” into a rhythm just in time for our FALL 15 FITNESS CHALLENGE! We have been diligently preparing at labarre studios by adding new classes and instructors.

We are now up to 31 classes a week (24 barre, 5 Yoga, 2 Drumming) PLUS we have doubled down on one of our most popular slots by having back-to-back Friday night Drumming Classes one Friday a month @ 4:40pm (NEW) and 5:45pm! These Fridays fluctuate so watch the schedule and get in on the action!

A friendly reminder: please pre-register for classes to assure your spot. We have a 4-hour window to help those who may be on a “wait list” for class. Cancelations within 4- hours of class time will be charged a late cancelation fee.

Karen Zell 102

Here’s the “awfully close” club!

Linda Dattilo 99

Vanessa Gregory 97

Carrie Criss Harvey 96

Jane Telsco 90

Sara Rosa 88

Abby Haynes 85

Here’s the “I am in sight of the prize” club!

Trinidad Pena 79

Emma Ramirez 75

Mary Koukkari 75

Guests, Guests and More Guests!

Our guests enjoyed socializing and mingling, taking sample classes along with enjoying snacks and refreshments during our “Back to School” night events.

We experienced 100’s of guests through the doors for the annual Stroll of The Alameda event. Teaming up with Vintage Wine Merchants, we were thrilled to be a part of the event and everyone left with a smile.

Don’t forget to support Whole Foods to help bring awareness to their Whole Kids Foundation. We are proud supporters of the terrific work they are doing (and we love to shop there just like you !)

Love Football? Love the Niners? WE DO TO! We are giving away fun gifts every Friday to our guests who sport their Red and Gold for the hometown team. All Faithful receive 15% off one merchandise item every Friday (but don’t worry… we love all fans… just bring the smack talk too!)

Our guests enjoyed our second workshop on “Nutrition” all part of Your Best Self workshop series. The series has three more classes remaining – check it out right here!

Our instructors in Training are offering their community free classes now. Hats off to Karen Ashley and Carrie Criss-Harvey for hitting this milestone. Hop into one of their classes and show your support while helping get them certified and ready to instruct.

Fall “Fitness-15 Challenge” : October-November

Attend 15-Classes a Month in at least 2 disciplines (barre, Yoga, drumming)

Attend a Workshop (receive an additional 5% off)

Winners get 45%-50% off one merchandise item purchased by December 31st, 2017.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH, BREAST CANCER BENEFIT CLASS @ 10:15am

$40 participants get labarre signature breast cancer tank top, refreshments & lite snacks.

THURDSAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12-13-14TH, OKTO”BARRE”FEST

Every barre class you attend, you will receive a free pint coupon from wine affairs.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17th, 6:30-8:30pm

“YOUR BEST SELF” WORKSHOP SERIES : ACTIVITY, REST AND MANAGING STRESS with guest speaker Dr. Stephen Sherry.

NEW 90’S HIP-HOP DRUMMING FORMAT RELEASE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH, DRUMMING CLASS @ 5:45pm With Krissy KT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST, DRUMMING CLASS @ 12:00pm With Krissy KT

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22ND, DRUMMING CLASS @ 10:15am With Krissy KT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST & SUNDAY OCTOBER 22ND

DRUMMING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM. SATURDAY, 12-6 & SUNDAY, 10-4

If you have interest in expanding your drumming practice or are curious of what it takes to become a certified drumming instructor this is a great place to start. You can reserve a spot by going to our website (labarrestudios.com) to register for our upcoming drumming certification program.

Finally I want to end our update with a big THANK YOU to all of our guests and members who continue to spread the word about our studios. If not for the love and support of all of you, our business simply wouldn’t be possible. You are the reason for labarre and we are looking for your feedback to make our guests experience the best in the Bay. Please email us ways to improve, thoughts of what we can offer and more as we are very active on and will respond to any and all thoughts.

Happy Days!

Lisa Alberino, Founder

We Snared a Great Drumming Instructor!

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 22:13:05 GMT

Please help us welcome our newest drumming instructor to labarre studios! Leilani Borer is sure to get the best out of anyone who attends her class because when you are around her she lights up the room with a smile, warms you with her personality and… well… she’s in damn good shape so be prepared for a great workout!

A product of Vancouver, British Columbia, Leilani headed to University of the Pacific and has made the Bay Area her home ever since.

For the past 17 years she has worked as a financial advisor and in her spare time she enjoys being a terrific mom to her two sons as well as a great wife to her husband Mark. Her other love, besides her family, is being active.

Growing up, she almost exclusively played sports. As a natural athlete, Leilani did most everything, but in high school refined the scope of her athletics to focus on golf, tennis and track where she was a 100m sprinter. She excelled at all but was a shining track star where she (humbly recalls) setting the provincial record for the 100m.

When Leilani headed to college, she never lost site of her love of fitness, however she began incorporate long distance running into her repertoire. As a marathoner, Leilani still finds her happy place is when she is pushing herself, but she also enjoys the confines of class settings, enjoying whole-body workouts such as yoga and barre.

“I have always been a cardio person, and that is why I was drawn to drumming.” Leilani reflects on becoming a drumming instructor after being a student for only a short while. “The first drumming class I took was here, at labarre studios. I liked the fact that it incorporated barre so I find myself getting a full-body workout. I also liked the music and, of course, the movements.”

As she goes from being a participant in the class to teaching the entire class, the shift for Leilani is an exciting one. She explains what is fulfilling for her as both a student and an instructor when it comes to creating the best drumming class.

“I think it starts with a great warm-up and then it carries on to working all of the parts of your body to music. Its getting your cardio up, getting in a great stretch and you also get to have a lot of fun!”

The interaction with the instructor in a drumming class does not go unnoticed to Leilani and as she prepares to guide guests at labarre, she reflects on the importance of that leader in order to make a class optimal for those who enter the studio.

“I think it’s important to keep guests’ energy and excitement at the highest level. Drumming, to me, makes people a little more exhausted then other classes, so you have to work on keeping that energy high.”

As she gets on the schedule and prepares to put on the headset and lead class Leilani is nervous but feels blessed as well. “I think it will be fun to have a packed house because I feed off of people’s energy… if they are energetic, it just makes it more fun. The studio has such a great atmosphere and Lisa [labarre’s founder] has created such a great feel and aura to it and I have noticed that the parent’s from our kids’ school that have come here are changing. Lisa has revolutionized how they look and feel. They are getting more fit, they are losing weight and overall they are more happy.”

Leilani, we couldn’t be happier that you are now a part of the labarre family. So get your heart racing, grab some drumsticks and join Leilani in her first drumming class!

September Studio Update

Sat, 09 Sep 2017 22:28:28 GMT

September has arrived and so has our new class schedule filled with more classes and class times. Now that we are back to school and schedules are filling up with work, school and life obligations it is more important than ever to continue to make time for YOU!

Upcoming, labarre studios is offering fun, educational and relax and unwind events, to fill your spirits in September. Take a look below!

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

We are proud to say labarre studios is supporting Whole Foods to help promote their Whole Kids Foundation. Below is some information on what WKF is about and the impact it has had on our local community.

The main goal of the foundation is to end the childhood obesity epidemic through school garden grants, healthy eating education for teachers, and salad bar installations in schools. Whole Foods Market pays 100% of all the operating costs so whatever is donated, directly goes to schools that apply for one of the programs. Over 25 schools within a 10 mile radius of the Alameda have received a school garden grant.

https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/

We wanted to get involved, so labarre studios has made raffle items available to help the cause. Rock on, Whole Foods!

Community Free Drumming Classes: Classes listed on MindBody

(come and support the newest instructors!)

“Faithful Fridays”

Begins on Friday, September 8th (and continues every Friday thereafter!)

Wear your Red & Gold 49ers gear to class on Fridays and get 15% off one merchandise item & your name put into our end-of-year drawing to win amazing prizes.

“Back to School Night “

Team-taught “themed” sample classes, refreshments & lite snacks, tours, and more…

(A few schools are included on this date - so we welcome parents from Hoover & Lincoln!)

Tuesday September 12th

7:00pm-9:00pm

Drumming Class

Friday, September 15th at 5:45PM.

This class is a cardio party with free giveaways during class. Please join us upstairs at Wine Affairs after the class where they have reserved a special balcony for labarre studios' guests!

Stroll The Alameda

Sunday, September 17th, 2:00-5:00.

Join us for our 4:00pm Yoga class or just stop in for a glass of wine from one of our local wineries. labarre studios will be hosting a pour station so be sure you don’t miss this festive event! (check them out on Facebook!)

Workshop on “Life Changing Nourishment” Nutrition

Tuesday, September 19TH, 6:30PM-8:30PM.

Click here for more info!

Drumming Class

Sunday, September 24th at 10:15am.

Another chance to get down and have some rhythmic fun!

“Back to School Night “

Team taught themed sample classes, refreshments & lite snacks, tours, and more! (A few schools are included on this date - so we welcome parents from St. Leos, Bachrodt, Noble, Trace, St. Clare and St. Martin! )

Tuesday, September 26th , 7:00pm-9:00pm

Sharks Fitness Face-Off

5K & 10K Race – Sign up at labarre and run together

Click here for more info on the race!

Saturday, September 30th, 6:00am-10:00am

House Keeping

Don’t forget to reserve your space online as classes and childcare are filling up quickly. We are now enforcing our cancelation policy. Please be sure to cancel your class reservations more than 4-hours prior to start of class to avoid late fees.

Coming up next… October is our Fall 15-Fitness Challenge to help you finish the year strong and set the New Year off to a successful start. Achievers can earn up to 45% off one merchandise item so get involved and get active.

Remember to follow us @labarrestudios on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and don’t hesitate to tell us how we can improve. info@labarrestudios.com is a great way to send us a note or find Lisa Alberino or any of the equipe to relay messages and thoughts!

Happy Days,

labarre studios

Faithful Fridays!

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 18:56:13 GMT

Now I don’t know if you have a favorite team or are even a football fan at all. What I do know, however, is that my family has revolved around football so much that we have moved to 3 different parts of the country, both my husband and son currently work for NFL teams and my daughter, Angelina was Born on Super Bowl Sunday in 2003!

Because of where we are now – we are and always will be 49er Faithful!

It’s just fine to root for whatever team you’d like – truth be told I have lots of love in my heart for the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, but I am a Faithful through and through.

Because of that, labarre studios will celebrate EVERY Friday as a Faithful Friday.

That means we will fly our Niners colors loud and proud when working out and welcome everyone to fly their teams’ colors as well… however… if you wear red and gold or ANY 49ers gear, you will receive a 15% discount on any one piece of merch that day at the studio! Oh, did I mention your name gets put into a drawing at the end of the year for some seriously amazing prizes??

Come fly your flag of Faithfulness at the studio with me on Fridays… or wear opposing gear and talk a little trash.

Here’s to a great football season and Go NINERS!!

Guest Spotlight – Linda Dattilo!

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 17:32:01 GMT

It’s that time again where we count the many blessings that we have here at labarre and amongst those blessings is Linda Dattilo! Its nearly impossible to choose a guest to spotlight each and every month because we have so many wonderful and interesting people to choose from, but this month the spotlight shines on Linda. ent source.

One of our founding members, Linda is terrific. She is bright and fun and makes teaching classes wonderful. She is a creature of habit and you may have seen Linda if you don’t already know her. She always sets up her barre-shop in a certain place for each and every class she takes. There’s so much more to her, so check her out in this month’s Guest Spotlight!

Place of Birth: San Jose

Hometown: San Jose

Occupation: Teacher

Hobbies?

Spending time with family camping, boating and going to Earthquakes games

Tell us about your family!

My husband Jacob and I have a 7 year old daughter, Paige.

My favorite meal is…

Deserts and Coffee (Period!)

Where I unwind…

Hawaii!

Fitness is important to me because:

I want to set good, healthy examples for my daughter. It is also my outlet to release stress and just have a moment to myself.

My fitness goals are…

Simply to be healthy and feel good in my own body!

The most important thing to me is…

My Family.

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…

"I am stronger than I think I am" Since joining labarre studios I think I have heard this statement in almost every class that I have taken and I finally believe it! I have also learned that I can stick to a workout routine. I have finally found a place to workout where I feel comfortable to try new things and be myself.

The thing I am most proud of is....

My consistency. I am finally making time for myself and making it to class as often as I can. (Sidenote… Linda is quickly approaching her 100th class!)

Thanks Linda for sharing with us and stay tuned to see who is the next Guest Spotlight!

One Big, Fun, Hot Mess!

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 17:50:27 GMT

If you haven’t been around Jinger in one of the original “underground classes” then you are missing out. First of all… her name is Jinger… with a J! That’s all you need to know as she stands out and has done so her whole life. Jinger is one of labarre’s master trainers and her journey is packed with knowledge, love for fitness and a view on life that we should all share.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jinger was a competitive athlete in high school as her interests ranged from dance to volleyball.

From modest upbringings, Jinger worked tirelessly to raise funds in order to blaze a path to college. She started teaching in high school and craved different certifications and movement-based teachings which led her to become adept across many disciplines.

Also a personal trainer, Jinger adored working and teaching group fit; always learning, always growing to suffice the needs of her clients.

“The best way to keep fitness fresh is to relate to clients” Jinger says emphatically. “I like to get into their head and their mind and find out what makes them tick.”

“You have to reach pretty deep and also find out who you are and that’s how you can connect. What inspires me the most is to see someone show up for a class for the first time… That’s the biggest high!”

Jinger is all in on everything she does and that means staying on top of what’s next in the fitness world.

“You also have to stay educated and stay on the cutting edge. You have to do what you know as well. If you teach something that doesn’t resonate with you – people will know. They will feel it a mile away. Your energy shows up way before your person does.”

So with so much in her fitness arsenal, Jinger is a jack-of-all-trades as well as a master of them all. After training Pilates for 15 years, she started to work in the world of barre. Upon doing so, her body changed (although she can’t quantify that in weight as she doesn’t weigh herself… something we might all want to follow suit on!) Following her body, Jinger notes, “My brain changed. Barre is a unique combination of physicality and spirituality because you are working small spaces. When you start working in barre and working on those tiny spaces, your mind opens… its crazy… there’s a spiritual happening that occurs in Barre and I experienced it immediately.”

A self-proclaimed cardio junky, Jinger admits that she loves cycling and heavy movement – but barre is a very close second. How does she feel about it as a discipline compared to all of the others she practices?

“I will always teach it. What gets me the most is to watch the light bulb go on. If I can share that with someone that’s what I love… I love movement…and barre is movement. When my clients’ bodies improve and the people [in my class] embrace it, that inspires me more than I can inspire them.”

“I have a lot of education behind everything I do. I hope I am perceived as a fun balance of strength versus concentration adding a few giggles here and there.

(Jinger laughs) “I am one big fun, hot mess.” … and that is why we love her and you will too!

Your Best Self

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 18:01:18 GMT

We are please to announce our first wellness series presented by labarre studios. Your Best Self is a five-class journey exploring all of the factors that go into living a healthier, bolder more fulfilling life through fitness, nutrition and balance of mind and body.

The series will immerse guests into topics such as the mind-body connection, nutrition, the power of movement, managing stress in modern day life, cultivating authentic and rewarding relationships, and many other impactful concepts.

Expect to gain knowledge, challenge your habits, shift your perspectives and lay the groundwork to feel better and live better, every day.

Led by Jacquelyn Hollenkamp, Nutrition and Health Coach

Jacquelyn’s deepest passions lie in helping others realize their own potential- physically, mentally and emotionally. After going through her own journey to find true health, Jacquelyn acquired an affinity for learning the intricate workings of the body, and discovering how the body has an incredible capacity to heal itself naturally if given the right tools. Her passion led her to a career in the nutrition industry, which she compounded with teaching both barre and Yoga. Jacquelyn is currently working on her certification with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and works as a Nutrition and Health Coach at AVA Wellness MD in San Jose.

Schedule:

Tuesday August 16th- The Vitality Blueprint: Your Best Self

Explore the idea of the “lifestyle ecosystem”- that our best self is created by many different factors, not just one single thing. Provides an overview for optimizing nutrition, movement, rest, stress management, mindset, relationships, self-care, and your environment. We highly recommend coming to this kick off to lay the foundation for the rest of the series!

Tuesday September 19th- Nutrition in a Nutshell

De-mystify all the “dos and don’ts” of dieting and nutrition, and learn how to eat to fuel your body and feel your best. Expect concepts such as ditching the “diet” mentality, mindful eating, reading food labels, the current state of the US Food Industry, a proper shopping list and balanced meal ideas.

Tuesday October 17th- Move, Rest, and Manage Your Stress

Discover the power of movement, how to create a sustainable workout regimen and fine tune your physical resilience. Learn the keys to getting better quality rest and how to truly listen to your body. Discover the true impact of stress on the body, and how to realistically manage stress in modern day life. Special guest speaker: Dr. Steven K. Sherry, D.C., Sports Chiropractor

Tuesday, November 14th- Finding Fulfillment Within

Deep dive into the inner workings of your mindset and find how subconscious beliefs and thought patterns can create major limitations, or on the flip side, make the sky the limit. Become an expert on yourself, what truly makes you fulfilled, and how to incorporate joy into your everyday life. Special guest speaker: Jennette Holzworth

Tuesday, December 12th- A Product of Your Environment

It is undeniable that we become a product of our environment! Take a look at how the environment in your home, career and relationships impact your overall health and happiness. Understand how to create fulfilling and authentic connections with others, find your “tribe” and foster love and compassion. Special guest speakers: Lisa and Rob Alberino

For more information on the series feel free to connect with anyone at the studio or email us here. To sign up online, simply click here.

See you at labarre!

STUDIO UPDATE!

Sat, 10 Jun 2017 18:12:13 GMT

First off I want to thank everyone who has been so loyal and patient as we prepare to finally open the doors to 1445 The Alameda! There is not much left to talk about when it comes to construction as we are painting and finishing up the final details at labarre studios.

Our final inspection is scheduled for next week and we hope to get the “green light” to move into our home location at 1445 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, 95126. We will start with a “soft open” conducting classes for all of our guests which will be followed with our Grand Opening slotted for mid-July. So exciting!

Once we have our “soft open” date we will share that with everyone on all social media outlets along with an email. This will be the date when Founding Memberships will be activated that have been holding a reservation. Of course, if you have already pre-selected a start date or are currently using your membership, your contract date will not change.

We had a very successful Drumming Class on June 4th. The sold out class hopefully made our master trainer, Krissy KT proud as Sara Rosa and I instructed for our first time. Our next Drumming Class is on Friday, June 23rd, at 5:45pm. We will be rocking out to our 80’s rock-themed class (a personal favorite!) Please register for this wonderful class to assure a spot. For added fun, we will have drawings and free gifts from local businesses. This one is a must!

We are hosting a D rumming Certification Program July 21-23. If any of you are interested in becoming a certified drumming instructor – this is for you. Please reach out for more information at info@labarrestudios.com.

We are also hosting a Barre Certification Program in August. If any of you are interested in becoming a certified barre instructor or thinking of taking your practice to the next level, please reach out to us for more information at the same account (info@labarrestudios.com)

Due to great demand, we are proud to note we added 3 additional barre classes and 2 yoga classes a week, plus 2 Drumming classes each month to our permanent class schedule. We are holding close to 100 classes a month! This is an amazing milestone for the barre equipe. Thanks to all of you for continuing to support labarre studios with your loyalty and referrals – again, tell us how we can improve by leaving us a message or simply pulling us aside. We are building this with you, our incredible guests, in mind.

Because we have had some great traction with referrals, we decided to do something to honor the great word-of-mouth that we have been receiving.

We will be hosting a member referral contest for the month of July. The member who refers the most new members to labarre in the month of July will receive a $200 gift voucher to be used in our merchandise store. So get those referrals rocking and assure that anyone who signs up mentions your name so you can get full credit!

Good news - our Founders Memberships are very close to being SOLD OUT and we are closing our Founders Membership sales on July 31st, 2017. As of August 1st we will be offering our memberships at a higher price point so kudos to those who have taken advantage of this exceptional offer that will never be offered again. If you haven’t signed up and are thinking about it, don’t delay any longer, they are going and going fast!

A quick note to the parents who are working hard on their fitness goals - when we move into our studio we will hold childcare for weekday classes during the following times: 8:45am, 10:00am, 4:30pm and 5:45pm. Childcare will be available for weekend classes during the 9:00am and 10:15am classes. Childcare packages and reservations will be available on-line through MindBody. Sessions are $5.00 for a drop in rate and as low as $3.00 per session when purchasing a childcare package.

Single and Multiple Class Packs will be available when our studio opens. We will continue our free weekly-unlimited pass to all new guests. Drop in rates are $25 per class. Class Packs are available in increments of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Class Packs are designed with the more classes you purchase the better the value. Note : class packs do not expire.

5 classes = $22/class

10 classes = $20/class

20 classes = $18/class

50 = $17/class

100 = $16/class

Lastly, without you, labarre studios would not be possible. I have said it before and will continue to do so, “thank you, thank you, thank you!” We are grateful for your support, loyal following and for growing our community and boutique fitness studio to where we are today!

Happy Days!

Lisa Alberino, Founder

Blue Grass To The Bay

Tue, 30 May 2017 18:09:46 GMT

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Jacquelyn began dancing when she was 5 years old and danced competitively into her high-school years. When she was in college at the University of Kentucky (a proud Wildcat!) her teaching career began. She choreographed and coached a middle school dance team for three years as an outlet to fill the void of what she felt was missing as an avid dancer. She immediately felt how gratifying being an instructor and coach was, and loved the creative element that came with choreographing and creating routines.

“I just love to move my body” Jacquelyn notes, “Hiking, yoga, running, anything that allows me to move... I am into!”

This self-proclaimed workout bug has yet to stop.

Her moving continued, literally. In her early 20’s Jacquelyn made her way out to the Bay Along with her boyfriend, Jeremy. They have been in San Jose for 3 years and (other than the traffic) she and her beau are obsessed with the Bay Area.

Originally working in wine sales since graduating from college, Jacquelyn was not completely fulfilled and found she needed to adamantly pursue her true passion. That passion is heath and wellness.

As her path began to become clear, she auditioned for labarre along with her friend (and labarre equipe member, Anthea) and met owner and founder, Lisa Alberino.

“You can read people’s energy the second you meet them. I was able to trust and dig deep with Lisa. Her vision, energy and vibrancy… she translated her passion immediately. She was very genuine and is the real deal. We are so lucky to have her as a teacher and the visionary for labarre.”

Needless to say there was a lot of love in the room, and that allowed Jacquelyn to take another step along the path she had committed to. Movement and connecting people to fitness was only part of it, however.

“Nutrition is the most significant link to wellness. “ Jacquelyn professes. “Its unparalleled. Food isn’t just food… it’s a signaling system to our bodies. You are either sending good or bad signals to your body. Your body is going to mirror what you put into it. If you feed your body good things, you are going to feel energized, vibrant and light, and your body is going to love you back. Conversely, if you feed your body junk… that’s what your body is going to feel like.”

The body-mind connection is key for Jacquelyn and nutrition is where it begins. “Our bodies have this incredible, innate ability to heal themselves, and if we take ownership of this, we can optimize ourselves physiologically. Often times, people don’t connect the dots with what they are fueling themselves with everyday and how they feel.”

Jacquelyn’s blend of fitness and nutrition will bring yet another unique skill set to the equipe. Her thoughts that a workout is only ‘one part of the overall lifestyle ecosystem’ are shared by the team inherently and her expertise in this area will certainly benefit labarre studios’ guests.

Speaking of the guests, leading a class allows Jacquelyn to escape for a moment in time. She is completely focused on the class when she is at the helm. As soon as she arrives at the studio she is in teacher mode - she leaves every class fulfilled. Jacquelyn has always felt tremendous gratitude and inspiration from the instructors she takes from and the gift that they give her in class; her goal is to give that gift to guests of her own!

Where does barre fit into Jacquelyn’s ecosystem? Its a direct connection to dance, one of the things she adores the most, and that feeling immediately brings Jacquelyn back to where she started as a young girl. Upon taking her first barre class, she recognized the connection was there. That spark has turned into a fire and it continues to blaze the path that she has set.

We welcome Jacquelyn to the labarre team as our newest certified instructor, and are excited to watch her hard work pay forward by doing what she is hoping to accomplish.

“I want people feeling strong, positive and empowered when they walk out of class.” She states with confidence. That’s a great goal to shoot for! See you in class.

Spring Studio Update!

Sun, 07 May 2017 18:36:13 GMT

We have turned the corner in May and we are continuing to reach new milestones at labarre studios. Socially we have reached 100 followers on Instagram, 300+ likes on Facebook and our Twitter account is also taking off in hopes that we can keep you – our amazing guests – in the know all of the time! More amazingly, we are currently at 80% of our Founding Memberships reserved. This is great news but also a heads up to those who are thinking of getting in at our lowest rate. The $99.00 monthly-unlimited class package simply won’t be matched and once it is gone, we will move to the next tier of co-founders memberships so don’t delay!

We are not the only ones having a successful spring! Our members are also reaching new milestones. We had our very first member join the “100 Class Club”… what an achievement! Congratulations to Melissa Rosa for reaching her hundredth labarre class! Talk about commitment and “raising the barre” and to do so before we even open the true studio doors at 1445 The Alameda!

Our drumming classes continue to grow in popularity and rock the South Bay. Last month for our “80’s Rock” drumming format, we experienced over 100 guests come through our doors to “rock the house!” We also held our debut drumming-instructor training class and we are fine-tuning our own labarre Drumming Instructor Certification Program. Our drumming certification program will be available to all this summer. Furthermore, drumming classes will be available each month on our permanent labarre schedule – something many have asked for and we are excited to deliver!

Continuing on with assuring you have options as you travel along your fitness journey, for the second month in a row we are offering our Mindful Yoga classes. These will take place on Saturday, 5/20 and Sunday, 5/21 at 9:00am.

These Yoga specialty classes are free for all guests to enjoy. Yoga will be available weekly on our permanent labarre schedule, which is updated dynamically at labarrestudios.com.

The Equipe continues to grow! We have hired some terrific childcare and front desk staff to join our labarre team. Our instructors continue to thrive, challenge and motivate our guests all while filling up our underground classes.

Construction is moving quickly and the finishing touches are now happening at 1445 The Alameda. We anticipate being in our studio by the end of May into the beginning of June-with our grand opening to follow. As you see in this post, we are in the final throws of making this space uniquely amazing! Keep checking all of the social channels and the site to be kept up to speed on the completion of the labarre oasis we are building.

I want to thank you all for making this journey so much fun. It is because of you that labarre was created. The thought of bringing a community together, while blending fitness that creates strong bodies, creative minds, and free spirits is the impetus of labarre. The studio and business will be unique and special because of all of YOU.

~LA

We Are Quiet...

Sun, 07 May 2017 18:21:44 GMT

Because we are VERY VERY busy at labarre studios.

The past week and a half we are simply besides ourselves with the amount of change in the studios. We want to show you but don't want to ruin the surprise! I walked in a few days ago and the construction team was feverishly at work (as many have noticed as they drive by!) Walls are up, studio is complete, floors are in and we are soon painting, trimming, adding custom furniture, imagery, lockers and a sound system that will make you want to rock out at every class! All of the above is on site and ready for installation! The final work is being done before heavy detail gets done (like figuring out what magazines to have in our guest lounge, or what incredible pictures we want to hang to rep San Jose and The (historic) Alameda!)

We are so excited so don't let our silence be a sign of anything except a great amount of progress happening.

A quick shout out to the incredible instructors who have been subbing for me as I am back home with family in Minnesota for a few days. They have been my rock stars and I am so grateful for them all.

Stay tuned... because the #1 question we get is "When are you opening?!"

The answer? Soon.... very soon. And we are excited about everything that is to come!

Happy Days

Lisa Alberino, Founder

The Minnesota Connection

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 18:43:55 GMT

If you have been to a labarre class before, you probably know Krissy “KT” Kubinski. If you don’t, you should make it a point to come visit for that reason alone.

You will surely fall in love with her from the minute you meet her. Don’t let her gentle, fun and bubbly personality fool you, though! After you take any of her classes you may be cursing her name!

A native Minnesotan, Krissy has danced for as long as she could stand.

Introduced to aerobics when she was in high school, Krissy’s teaching journey began in her teens.

As she progressed from a fitness standpoint, she was progressing as a standout performer. A national champion in dance at Memphis State, Krissy wasn’t done and completed her education at the University of St. Thomas back home in Minnesota where she received a degree in corporate fitness with an emphasis in health.

But wait… there’s more! KT helped to form (and perform on!) the first ever NHL cheer/dance team, “The Electric Stars” of the then, Minnesota North Stars. A cool job if we should say so ourselves!

Krissy also crossed into other sports as an NFL cheerleader with the Minnesota Vikings and her expertise across multiple fronts allowed her journey to continue into ownership at several fitness establishments. Currently she is the Active Life Manager at The Waters on Mayowood, located near the world renowned, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

“It encompasses my greatest passions, health and fitness as well as working with seniors.”

One would think that a journey like this would be tough to traverse as an individual, but Krissy has quintupled down on the degree of difficulty as this mom of 5 has made the trek while maintaining an incredible and loving family.

That journey is far from over, and it has taken her to labarre studios where she has introduced a complete gem in the drumming class that she has perfected and it is a staple in the class schedule.

“I’ve always asked myself, what is the newest thing?” Krissy says as she is constantly looking to broaden her teaching skills and remain on top of her innovative-fitness game. That meant creating a hybrid class that incorporated great fun and movement and marrying it to barre techniques specifically for labarre studios.

“When I first started drumming at the underground classes, people walked in and thought ‘What is this!?’ Then you see this joy come over people and even though they are dripping sweat at the end, people were happy.” Krissy smiles as she talks about the connection between labarre’s core class and it’s newest sensation.

“Drumming is a far cry from labarre (barre) but you need many different elements to shape your body and mind.” Krissy states. “It helps people expand and break away from a great barre workout.” And that’s just what she has done – she has taken pieces of dance, pilates and barre and simply added drumsticks and some loud music - and BAM – an instant classic!

“I want to take the thing that they love and put it into the thing that I love! So it’s a great mix of core values of each workout. With drumming, your body is shaking and moving, but your mind is free. My goal in this workout and every workout is to do just that and if you can do that, you can create a sense of community because everyone is a part of it and working towards the same goal.”

Lisa and Krissy, although they have been friends since they were young girls, have always shared philosophies across all fronts; Life, Dance, Kids, Family.

Krissy is bringing her gifts to labarre to help her friend to be successful.

“She will make sure that when these doors are open - it will be perfect - it will be the best of the best. If you don’t know… well… trust me, its going to be amazing!” Krissy beams as she talks about Lisa and the opening of labarre studios at 1445 The Alameda coming soon.

“Music, fitness, community combined together make a great fitness family and that’s what guests will find when they join.” Krissy finishes.

And now two friends are reunited and will be working side by side to make labarre as amazing as can be! Welcome to the labarre family Krissy KT!

6 Months : 24 Weeks : 180 Days

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 21:04:24 GMT

New Paragraph

6 Months. 24 weeks. 180 days.

That's how long ago labarre studios was created.

It was a warm October day in the Bay and I had my in laws in visiting from Connecticut. They had come back from a day of adventure in The City and I was sitting in our kitchen in College Park at the table, papers scattered everywhere and the blueprints for what I hoped to be an incredible addition to the neighborhood was lying in front of me. That was the day that labarre was born.

Wide eyed, they questioned what I was working on (especially my husband!) as he surely knew this would be our next child... our next big adventure.

I started working out and teaching group fitness classes a long time ago (and with my birthday that recently passed it now feels like that time is too long to mention in this update!) However, that passion, fire, love, yearning to work hard and be in the best shape I could led to me getting my Masters Degree in Pedagogy and my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology.

I never stopped learning, dancing, working. My career path took a very big left turn when I had my first child, Jordan, as I was teaching dance professionally and heavily involved with kids and education. I entered the financial world and as I was married in 2001. I was headquartered in Philadelphia at the time and my office which had over two dozen employees was an incredibly fun and exciting place to work. We were making tracks and on the tails of the largest producing firm in the east coast in just a few years. I was the vice president of marketing for American Financial and business was skyrocketing. I loved what I did, but it was missing something all too familiar.

I was missing the element of movement, freedom and expression.

To recapture some of the enjoyment dance and fitness always brought me, I regularly held dance parties for my staff and choreographed routines for us to perform at financial conventions. Besides believing I was certifiably crazy, I know my staff saw this next chapter coming before even I did!

As I retired from the financial business and my husband's work in the NFL saw the family make several moves across the country, we ended up in the beautiful Bay Area. I never stopped my fitness journey, but it was about to rise to the next level and even I was unaware. I began taking barre classes locally and soon realized that I wanted to teach, once again.

The classes were a Godsend.

I lost over 20 pounds in 1 year and grew 3/4 on an inch and felt phenomenal. I was working out with people I loved and they were benefiting alongside of me. I felt at home. It felt right, although something dawned on me... I could do this with no boundaries - no rules - and with all of the things I felt were missing in my current workout. That is when the pencil hit the paper.

That was 180 days ago.

We are simply weeks away from opening. Through that time so much hard work and preparation has gone into the vision we had 6 months prior. We were blessed with an incredible building on an historic corner of The Alameda (1445 The Alameda). We have successfully certified a talented and multi-disciplined team of radiant instructors. We have created what we believe to be one of the most stellar studios (that we simply can't wait to show you!) in the South Bay. And lastly, we have poured our hearts and souls into every detail with dreams that labarre isn't only a wonderfully family owned business, but a fun oasis for those who are looking to achieve their fitness goals in a community atmosphere full of smiles. We hope you are as excited as us and we will continue to update as the weeks march along and we get closer to our Grand Opening!

Happy Days,

Lisa Alberino, Founder

IT'S YOUR DAY...

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 22:18:40 GMT

My wife is original. That may be the best way that I can describe her. When we met nearly 2 decades ago, she was a confident, independent woman, with an incredible family and an ambitious mind.

She knew that her goal was always to treat people kindly, raise good human beings and enjoy life; These things she excelled at across all levels.

As she progressed as a businesswoman, mom, wife and best friend, she reinvented what those roles were. Lisa juggled all – like most women do – but juggled her obligations with style and flair and always put herself last. When she dominated in the financial world and her team grew extensively, that meant she had to amplify her game and instead of being 2nd place on the list, she became 22nd place. Her selflessness amazed me but seemed commonplace all the same because, well, that is what Lisa does.

When she was called upon to help a friend, which was often, she was there… no questions asked - again, a Lisa trait.

I often say that when I am having a bad day I call her simply to hear the tone in her voice. It’s calming… almost like a drug. She takes the time to speak to anyone who needs her, but she takes even more time to listen.

She is creative and Lisa is a renaissance woman. She redefines herself often and that is most recently seen in what she is doing with labarre studios. A student of barre, she toiled to become an instructor. She sculpted her body, arduously worked to be the best she could be and then shared that gift with all she could. Naturally, that passion accelerated into what we hope to be a thriving business, but more importantly a way of life that can usher others into a healthy mind, body and spirit.

Today is her day, however, so I have hijacked her blog to let the world know that Lisa’s birthday will be followed up by a dream being realized. Her studios will soon be open and her gift can be shared. Again, when she should be given gifts, she is offering the gift of health, kindness, fun and fitness. I am so proud of you, Lisa, and hope that after reading this, you will take it easy on me in class.

With incredible love, respect and honor I wish you the happiest of birthdays.

Your husband, friend and partner.

Rob.

Another one earns her stripes!

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 22:26:43 GMT

Born in Peru and raised in Ecuador, Erika DeClerck moved to the United States to attend college. This mom of 4 has always been active - whether it was being a gymnast or a track and field runner from a young age to running marathons, Erika has put a lot of stress on her body as she continues to work hard to be in tip-top shape.

That wear and tear caught up to Erika, though, and her injuries led to the need for several knee surgeries. When the surgeries mounted and she was told she may need shoulder surgery, she looked at other options. Hot yoga became one of those options for her to alleviate the pain and it proved to be incredibly therapeutic. It turned out that it was just the thing she needed.

After 9 months of doing hot yoga, Erika found that the need for surgery was not there anymore as her pain subsided. Her fitness journey, like a great marathon runner, would break through the wall and she began to actively explore more of what this type of therapy had to offer.

“There are benefits that people don’t know about from yoga, working at your level will help you in ways that you might not know. That is what happened to me” Erika notes.

However, it didn’t stop there. After her last pregnancy, Erika explored barre as an option and in 6 months time she lost all of her gained weight. Barre (along with yoga) would then become a staple in her workout so much so that she decided to actively pursue an opportunity to audition at labarre studios.

Upon meeting Lisa Alberino, labarre’s founder, Erika knew this could be a perfect match. “Even before auditioning, Lisa made me feel part of the group, part of the family. She was inviting, friendly, and positive. I knew it was for me.” Erika says with a smile.

As she becomes a certified instructor for labarre, guests will enjoy her style of teaching and getting people involved. Erika’s energy and presence shines through and her smile is infectious. Erika connects with people at more than the fitness level and you can see it in the faces and attitudes of those who have attended a class.

“I try and walk in and assess the class and make it personal. That connection should be special and that is why people will want to come.”

Erika’s philosophy is co-signed by labarre and we are thrilled to have her. She welcomes anyone to join because that is exactly who barre is for, according to Erika.

“Barre is a workout that is tailored to anyone of any size, any shape and with any injuries. You will find flexibility, strength and you will get to your goals you just have to commit to it.”

We are committed to you, Erika! Welcome to our family!

FROM NY to CA!

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 21:58:13 GMT

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!!

Big Changes Abound!!

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 22:36:28 GMT

After serious consideration, we are changing the course of the business. We appreciate all of the support we have received to date, but after a great deal of thought, my husband, Rob, and I have decided to open up la-dive-bar instead of labarre studios. We will be serving cheap beer and whiskey out of dixie cups.

April Fools! (We think you saw that one from a mile a way...)

Spring has sprung as the sun shines bright this first day of April.

It has been a month since our last studio update, and I will continue to update you monthly, as we grow as a studio and move closer towards opening labarre on The Alameda. We continue to be hopeful for a Spring 2017 opening!

As we continue to offer classes daily at our rental studio we continue to grow with new faces and introductions from our current guests. We have reached the milestone of having 300 unique visitors come through our doors and take a class! Our new schedule begins April 3rd, so be sure to check labarrestudios.com and MindBody Online for changes and new class times. We strongly encourage you to continue to use MindBody to secure your reservation for our classes.

We want to congratulate our newest “certified barre instructors” to our studio. Roniemarie Apruebo, Sara Rosa, and Amber Bilak have all passed their barre certification! It is important to us that our instructors possess the total package: teaching experience, top barre training and the versatility of holding certifications in multiple disciplines.

We wanted to thank those of you that have activated your Founders Memberships and are taking full advantage of the $99/monthly unlimited classes. If you know that you will be taking10 classes a month, it is more cost effective to activate your Founders Membership.

We also have had several Founding Members cash in on their labarre birthday offer, taking advantage of the 30% discount for one merchandise item in our labarre store on their special day.

We will be offering two back-to-back weekends of specialty classes! Staring out with Yoga: Mind-Body-Sprit on both Saturday, April 22nd, and Sunday, April 23rd.

Drumming classes return Friday, April 28th-30th, watch our website and social media channels to “snare” one of the spots. We greatly appreciate and welcome your feedback on these specialty classes.

We literally “rocked out” with master trainer, Krissy KT. A couple weekends ago, on March 18th & 19th, and saw the underground studios packed, selling out two drumming classes and running out of space, drum sticks, and mats. We had nearly sixty guests attend our two days of drumming! We hear you rock stars loud and clear, and we will be adding drumming once a month to our permanent labarre schedule.

I am happy to say that we are currently 70% sold out of our Founders Memberships. We will continue to collect payment information from every guest that has completed our Founders Membership agreement. You can enter your credit card information through MindBody Online and save it in your profile or at your next visit complete our credit card form to assist us in this process. We simply want to assure you have your Founders Membership reservation complete.

We look forward to seeing you in class and appreciate your loyalty and excitement to build a truly extraordinary boutique fitness experience. You are the reason we have created labarre and you are also the daily motivation that fuels us to be San Jose's premier fitness boutique.

Happy Days! ~LA

Our Newest Instructor!

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 22:47:32 GMT

As Spring has now made its rainy entrance to San Jose, we have our own ray of sunshine to be thankful for. Amber Bilak is our newest instructor who will join a terrific lineup at labarre studios!

Amber, a Bay Area native, may be one of the most interesting people we know. Don’t believe me? We don’t even know where to begin….

Amber, as mentioned, is from the Bay but grew up in Salt Lake City. A student of tap and ballet at a young age, she has been active since she could walk. As far as sports are concerned, she’s done more than most! When she wasn’t on a soccer field Amber was on the slopes. When she was skiing down a mountain, she was climbing up one! Activity and the outdoors were central themes in Amber’s life.

“How could I climb more, How could I ski more?” Amber notes. That climbing led to even greater heights for her. “I am an aerialist and I do aerial dance. I love it, and I started doing it because, well, you don’t get extra points in rock climbing for being graceful.” She says with a smile. Now I would like to add to the story that she’s a performer in Cirque du Soleil…. but that would actually be less interesting than what her journey has truly been about. Amber’s heart, as you will find out when you meet her, is made of gold. She headed to Africa for 2 years where she was in the Peace Corps, she has done extensive research in cancer labs and that’s just the beginning. She has a PhD and is a proud wife and the mom of a beautiful baby girl, Junie!

As the years passed, though, Amber settled in to the Bay and focused on her family, however, her passion for fitness remained a staple in her life.

“Fitness has been something that held my life together ever since I was young. I began to branch out in different ways and began to do yoga and barre more deeply.”

After years of doing very high impact sports and sustaining injuries, Amber needed to find something that helped to continue her along her fitness journey but was gentler on her body. That search unearthed barre workouts and allowed Amber to truly appreciate the value of working tiny muscles. “It feels so good to be balanced. It feels amazing when you are aligned. That’s one thing that drew me to barre. When I start activating those smaller muscles to fatigue it felt great because I have imbalances that I have gained through high impact sports.”

Being a student of barre is what is going to make Amber such a terrific instructor for guests lucky enough to have her lead their classes. When asked what makes a good instructor, Amber’s answer was simple, practical and something that will set labarre apart from it’s competition. “Someone who can work with multiple levels in a class - someone who challenges multiple levels but keeps things safe and most importantly fun. I want to keep it light and remind everyone that this isn’t life or death… just keeping it light and wonderful is what I will be about.”

That type of instruction will be a trademark of Amber’s class. She has already worked with barre veterans and novices alike and is honing her teaching skills to work with a multitude of willing students.

“I am good at offering modifications, because I have been injured and know what those modifications mean. You can’t know someone else’s body but you can help to get them to make the most out of their workout.”

We hope you make the most of your workout and join Amber as our third instructor to lock arms in the labarre family. Welcome aboard Amber!

Meet Ronimarie!

Sun, 12 Mar 2017 23:19:06 GMT

Meet Ronimarie, one of labarre's newest instructors. She takes center stage at the studio after her certification was completed this weekend. For those who have already enjoyed Ronimarie's classes, you will know this San Jose native's classes aren't easy and will test the guests throughout the duration of the workouts she leads.

But what would you expect?

Ronimarie's fitness journey has always been about pushing limits and transporting herself to a special place, whether it be on the track as an athlete or in the studio where she began practicing Yoga, to feel more free and explore what "could be."

practicing Yoga, to feel more free and explore what "could be."

That passion and freedom she experienced, specifically in yoga, led to her desire to teach.

"It was a mind-body connection that allowed me to detach from the outside world so I could realign myself", Ronimarie noted. "Yoga took me to a nice place of freedom and creativity." Now the insightful instructor is able to take that feeling and pay it forward to those guests who will take her classes.

"From the time that I began practicing, I wanted to be able to give back and strengthen people, allowing them to experience the freedom I also experienced."

Its that free spirit that makes Ronimarie simply "fun."

She loves island and Hawaiian music and that's no surprise as she notes she loves any music she can sway to. She loves spending time with her friends and connecting with people. That connection was what led to her discovering labarre studios.

"The thing about labarre is I had a friend tell me about it and that the studio was looking for instructors. After teaching yoga classes I came in with a messy bun and looking all sweaty, I met Lisa Alberino (labarre's founder) and she looked at me and smiled, you know, she had no judgement." Ronimarie recalls with laughter. "Lisa said, 'Do you want to audition?' and I said 'Sure!' and that's when I knew it was for me. I was just ready to go because Lisa was so warm and kindhearted."

Ronimarie is exactly the type of instructor that will set labarre apart from other studios and we are so proud to have her join the ranks of those who are getting certified. As the building at 1445 The Alameda is completing construction, the team is rounding out beautifully and they are ready to attack each day with excitement, fun and inspiration.

"I would be part of this for free!" Ronimarie stated with a confident smile. "It's about the bigger picture and its about helping people."

Meet Sara!

Sun, 12 Mar 2017 22:58:20 GMT

Please help us in welcoming Sara Rosa to the labarre studios team!

This past weekend she passed her certification and will be leading classes for labarre and we couldn’t be more excited. This San Jose native has a smile that lights up the room and she will be tasked with being one of our key members, as we get ready to open the doors to San Jose’s newest holistic fitness boutique.

Before taking the spotlight as an instructor, Sara Rosa was smack dab in the middle of many spotlights beginning at the young age of 3.

Jazz, tap, ballet and competitive dance were the norm for a decade and a half until Sara enrolled at San Jose State to continue her passion of the performing arts.

While in school, at the young age of 19, she was teaching at a dance studio where she practiced and ultimately, ended up managing the space. From there she found that she could lead and handle a great deal more than she expected. Not long after, Sara married and became a mom of 2 wonderful boys. As time often does, it escaped Sara and she had departed from dance and the discipline for about 8 years. That was when she found barre.

“I simply fell in love with it.” Sara says with a glow.

“Barre is really easy on the body. After dancing for years I had ankle injuries, I had knee injuries, I had hip injuries… all my joints hurt! Barre is something I can do everyday. I’m not completely exhausted when it’s over but I truly feel like its working.”

Because of barre’s ability to help connect a very diverse demographic, Sara was not only able to get back into the workout swing, but found a passion to teach and lead once again. Her passionate return to dance proved to be a shining example what barre can spark inside all who want to explore it.

“What makes a great instructor?” Sara notes, “Someone who is confident, open and some one who listens to people is key. A great instructor molds that feedback into something that works for their guests and that’s what I want to do.”

Sara is going to fit in just fine. Alongside of labarre founder and mom of 3, Lisa Alberino, Sara has found someone similar to her and appreciative of what she brings to the studio.

“Sara is incredible.” Lisa stated. “She’s a great ambassador for the team and I know she will connect with so many different guests who will walk through our front doors. You meet her… you love her. Simple as that.”

That respect was reciprocated from day one.

“Lisa has the type of personality that draws you to her. She’s kind and compassionate and has incredible ideas. I am a better person for being around her.”

Everyone at labarre studios feels the same way about Sara. Welcome aboard!

Marching on!

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 00:36:10 GMT

March is now upon us and Spring is a mere few weeks away which means it’s time to get everyone up to speed on what’s happening at labarre studios!

To begin, we have had some incredible classes and our instructors are growing, learning and carving out their own style and flair. As we inch ever closer to the opening of 1445 The Alameda, our home studio will be packed with top notch instructors ready to help you design yourself to the fullest!

Speaking of design, we have completed the demolition stage of the studios and – WOW – the building is taking shape! Thanks to the incredible team at D & G Construction, we are blazing towards the opening of the doors as we restore the 87th historic building in San Jose.

I can’t imagine what it will be like to have a home base and I know that people are excited to find out as well. So much so that our $99.00 monthly Founding Membership offer has been selling at an incredible rate, which is both good and bad news. Good news, because it is a screaming deal for those who have enough confidence in labarre to trust their commitment to our studios. For that, we are forever grateful and we WILL NOT disappoint! Bad news, as this beautiful offer will not last and we are quickly approaching only 25% remaining Founding Memberships! Be sure to connect with us at info@labarrestudios.com to get in on the savings because simply put… once it is gone, it is gone.

We also recently hit a milestone!

When I created labarre, it was important for me to assure that everyone had an opportunity to experience classes for free. It has been 120 days since those classes began and I am proud to say that 4 months have passed and we have welcomed all guests at no cost. Starting March 15th, those who would like to continue attending underground classes will be charged the nominal fee of $10.00 per class. Founding Members will have the opportunity to begin their membership at that time as well so that the value will be realized in merely 10 classes.

Let’s talk more on classes! Drumming returns by popular demand after 2 extremely succesful classes that had the underground location at Roundhill Studios packed to capacity a few weeks back. If you missed it – don’t fret! Drumming classes return March 18th and 19th and they are a BLAST! Krissy “KT” Kubinski will again be coming from the Great White North (you know, Minnesota!) to lead a group of rhythm hunting, foot stomping, drum pounding, workout warriors. Both days will have 9:00a classes and will surely be packed, so reserve your spot on MindBody Online through labarrestudios.com and come join the fun.

We are always looking for feedback and the best way to connect is on Facebook and Twitter or simply by dropping us a line at labarrestudios.com. OH! And want to see some great imagery of the business and the great guests that we serve? No worries – Instagram has all you need! It couldn’t be easier as all of our social channels can be found at @labarrestudios in their respective platforms.

Phew… that’s a lot! I will check back with you all as soon!

Until then,

Happy Days! ~ Lisa Alberino, Founder

February - Studio Update

Sun, 19 Feb 2017 00:39:23 GMT

Hope you are all enjoying your President's Weekend! Its been a month since our last studio update, and I will continue to update you monthly as we move closer to opening the doors at 1445 The Alameda. We continue to be hopeful for a Spring 2017 open date!

We have been offering our free “underground classes” now for three months, and have seen over 250 unique visitors come through our doors.

We have been working hard at labarre and have been busy training and preparing our Barre instructors for their Barre certifications. Yes! You have read correctly. Every instructor will hold two Barre certifications to assure that we are bringing our guests the very best! It is important to us that our instructors have the total package: experience teaching, top Barre training and many will hold certifications in multiple disciplines. Once we have our instructors fully certified we will discontinue our free underground classes and start charging a nominal fee of $10/per class. At that time, if you know that you will be taking more than 9 classes a month, you will have the opportunity to start your $99/monthly unlimited “founders membership."

We anticipate our instructor certification date to be March 15th, 2017. This date will also be another milestone for labarre which will mark the completion of labarre studios offering 120 days (4 months) of free underground classes. This is something we are very proud of as we wanted to bring this unmatched offer to our guests. Many have noted how thankful they are for these classes and that they have not seen this done at any other boutique.

We remain committed to continue to offer daily classes in the mornings and evenings along with a mid-day class to accommodate your busy schedules. We will also have weekend classes offered in the mornings and mid-day - so be sure to come and enjoy!

You will be able to see our weekly schedule on our website and on MindBody online. You can register and pay for your classes either online or when you come to class. I strongly encourage you to use MindBody to secure your reservation.

I am happy to say that we are currently 60% sold out of our “founders memberships”. Over the next few weeks, we will be collecting payment information from every person that has completed our “founders membership” agreement. You can enter your credit card information through MindBody and save it in your profile, or at your next visit please complete our credit card form to assist us in this process. We simply want to assure you have your “founding membership” reservation complete.

Happy Days!

~LA

March to the beat of a different workout!

Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:43:30 GMT

We told you that labarre would be so much more than simply amazing barre workouts. Well, we put our money where our mouth is and our very own VIP Instructor, Krissy “KT” Kubinski Thomas flies in from Minnesota this coming weekend to bring 2 amazing drumming classes to you - and we will pick up the tab!

Krissy is one of the country’s best at what she does. Her bio is amazing but it doesn’t do her justice - and when you meet her and see her shining personality you will know exactly what I mean.

The drumming class will be a departure from what we do as our signature workouts but it is sure to get the heart racing, the feet tapping and the drumsticks drumming! Both classes this weekend (February 11 and 12) will take place at 9am sharp at Roundhill Studios who continue to be our home away from home as the construction is moving right along at our homebase, 1445 The Alameda in San Jose!

Also – a good reminder - register for these coveted classes as there is a limited space available so connect to MindBody Online and lock it in! As an added bonus, we do also have our regularly scheduled barre classes at 7:45a both days as well. if you attend both a barre and a drumming classes back to back you will receive 20% off any retail item on sale (right there at the studios) that very same day!

Please come join us and before you come know that (with the help of my hubby, Rob) we will be gauging you on the greatest 5 drummers of all time. They are listed below and I simply want to know if you have the same “chops” as they do?

5. John Bonham – Led Zeppelin

4. Quest Love – The Roots

3. Buddy Rich

2. Alex Van Halen – Van Halen

1. Neil Peart - Rush (Click here for awesomeness...just do it!)

Lisa Alberino, Founder

FYI

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 00:37:49 GMT

It has been a while since I posted an update but that’s only because we have been so very busy here at labarre studios!

We have held daily underground classes (on the house, of course!) and I have met some incredible people including neighbors, friends of friends and acquaintances turned guests via social media (reminder, follow us on all platforms @labarrestudios!) Smiling faces have shown up and our classes have been dynamic, challenging, fun and motivating. I have grown as an instructor and those learning alongside of me have grown as well. We are building labarre so that when the doors open, we are ready to start with the most beautiful, clean, inviting, holistic fitness boutique anyone can imagine; an oasis for you to feel your best.

Speaking of building - you can’t believe the strides that are being made at 1445 The Alameda! Our studio (and permanent home) is coming along well thanks to our amazing builders and designers (you will learn about them a little later!) Demolition is complete and the studio shell is built. Now, board by board, fixture by fixture, the studio and spaces are being constructed. We will share some great photos as we get closer to the next phase in the build, but until then, come join us as we continue to hold classes at Roundhill Studios. Best wishes and hope the first 30 days of the year are treating you well! ~ LA

Sculpting... the team!

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:51:55 GMT

We work so hard on sculpting our bodies and being the best we can be. One of the reasons I started labarre is to help people achieve fitness goals and find a perfect connection between the mind, body and spirit. Complete balance - not just physically, but across all fronts.

But I can't do it alone!

And that is where the team comes in! For a little over a month it has been all about "we". We have trained, we have learned and we have worked together as a group. Currently we have just under a dozen lovely women from all walks of life working their hardest to provide the studio with a perfect balance of instructors. That, in turn, will allow our guests to have a great amount of diverse leaders helping them on their journey - whether its their first step in a barre studio or their thousandth. A by-product of working with so many wonderful, dedicated and powerful instructors is we are getting to know each other in great depth. This allows us to connect better as a team and, again, allowing us to be in synch so that when those doors open up at 1445 The Alameda, we will have hit full stride for our guests and our team!

And as a team we are offering something for everyone.

Each instructor has their own unique story - whether they were born on the east coast, they were a star college athlete, they were leaving corporate america and following their heart into a new career-path or they are a mom who is reinventing themselves, that diverse team will play an important role of finding the right fit for each and every guest.

I truly feel we have an instructor to fit every guest and that is more evident with every day we train.

Thanks for those who have helped us train to lead during these past few weeks as the underground classes have been a success. Sometimes an intimate class is taught and sometimes there isn't a space on the barre! But in every class, in every training session, we inch closer to our goals and closer to the opening of labarre studios! ~ Lisa Alberino, Founder

Off & Running!

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:23:55 GMT

To the San Jose and surrounding areas, we are off and running! labarre studios underground classes are rocking and rolling and are being offered daily! (just click on the CLASSES tab at the top of the screen to know when and where we are... grab your water bottle, mat and best attitude and join us!) The building at 1445 The Alameda will open up sometime in the late winter / early spring (2017) as we are working hard to make it an incredible place to get your mind, body and spirit connected. Keep up to date every day on our facebook page (@labarrestudios) and Twitter and Instagram at the very same address on those platforms (@labarrestudios.) Reach out to us via the website (under the CONTACT form also located above) or simply message us through our Facebook page. We can't wait to get this started. Please join us on our journey! ~ Lisa Alberino, Founder

Training day (- denzel)

Sun, 18 Dec 2016 01:21:21 GMT

What an incredible weekend we had at labarre studios! We had some of the most talented and gorgeous women join us for 2 days of hardcore barre education. Along with Stephanie Lyons, the President and Lead Master Trainer of Barre Intensity located in Michigan, we had master trainers working with a group of handpicked women that we hope will become the next great leaders at labarre! In complete contrast to the rain that fell nonstop outside, inside we had rays of sunshine. Learning, working, teaching, sweating and growing... labarre studios is off to a great start. Thanks to the lovely people at Roundhill Studios, we shut down our free underground classes (which are now back up and running with dates and times on the CLASSES page above!) We used the weekend to set the tone for the next few months in order to bring our guests the best workout experience imaginable. As we build our EQUIPE (our team) we will be adding bios to the page so you can personally find what instructor best matches you and your fitness needs. Pardon our dust on the site as it is still growing and building... like the team of instructors! By the time the doors are open, we will be full steam ahead and ready for the next chapter here at labarre. Trust that we are training properly and thoroughly to help you design yourself! Best wishes and have a great week! ~ Lisa Alberino, Founder

labarrestudios

“Meet Elizabeth!”

Never Goodbye, but See You Soon!

Let Go Lightly, The Legacy Continues

Meet Morgan Goldstein!

Rae of Sunshine!

Meet Kellen Zunich!

Get Ready to RevIVe!

"Reflections" Confessions of a Makeup Novice

How Labarre has shaped my life

Winter Gratitude!

How Labarre Saved Me During Trying Times

A Wellness Journey

Welcome our newest addition, Mercedes Dandrea, Licensed Esthetician!

How labarre saved my life

Labarre helped create the "New" Me

Labarre Saved My Life

Labarre Saved My Life – Response

How labarre studios saved my life!

Meet Karen Zell!

Transformation at its Finest!

My Story

Introducing Arbonne

labarre Spotlight: Julie Saccento

labarre Spotlight : Sarah Hays

Time to PIVOT!

Drumming Up A Story On Julie!

In Your Own Words

A Little Housecleaning!

Get To Know Laura!

Committed-to-Change

Challenge Accepted

Committed to Change

Welcome Chuck Lee!

Lissa's Lashes is now at labarre!

Juniper Acupuncture is HERE!

Set The Barre For 2020!

Claudia Takes Center Stage!

Go For The Gold!

Get To Know Phoenix!

October Update!

Get to know Tiana!

Wallie's World!

Hello Angeliki!

Meet Alyssa Thompson

Chiropractic Care

Meet Katharine!

Meet Our Massage Therapist!

Reflecting Back on the final months of 2018 : Q4 Update

Time to Celebrate You!

Get to know Lorena!

10.22.16

Falling for labarre studios!

September Spotlight!

Goodbye August...Hello September!

Guest Spotlight – Maria Brandone

Welcome Andria!

Reflecting on a GREAT July

Christine is in the House!

Welcome Sarah!

July Update!

The Spotlight Shines Bright!

June is here!!

Challenge Yourself!

May Studio Update!

Our Guest Spotlight Is...

April Studio Update!

Click on some fun shots from the evening below!

Guest Spotlight

Therapy Stretch Spotlight!

March Update!

Welcome Grace!

February Update!

Guest Spotlight

Just A Moment To Say Thanks!!

And BINGO was the game ohhhhh!

The Total Reset!

January Studio Update!

​December Guest Spotlight

FA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LABARRE!

December Guest Spotlight

Guest Spotlight – Linda Dattilo!

Spring Studio Update!

Marching on!