How Barre Changed My Outlook on Fitness

Fitness always felt like a chore to me, but discovering the Kalon Barre method completely transformed my mindset

By Isabella Logue

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For most people, working out is a dreaded necessity. ‘Fitness’ is a vague and daunting term that could mean anything from nutrition to weight lifting. Going to the gym takes time and energy that the majority of people would rather dedicate somewhere—anywhere—else. 

My name is Isabella Logue, I'm a full-time student at the American University of Paris, and a writer for my university’s magazine publication. Admittedly, working out isn’t exactly my first-choice activity for when I’m not inside the classroom, studying at the library, or writing in a cafe. Motivation for fitness, in particular, is something that’s never come naturally for me, even throughout time spent as a competitive dancer growing up—I’ve always preferred cozying up with a blanket and watching a movie or exploring the city with my friends. The idea of fitness was overwhelming and I often found myself wondering, ‘Where do I even start?’

The obvious answer to that question is simple: the gym. The (admittedly few) times I forced myself to the gym, I always left feeling lost and like I had no idea what I was doing. I never knew which equipment to use or what workout regimen would achieve my desired results.The machinery felt impossible to operate, and let's be honest, the heavy weight-lifting ‘gym bros’ weren’t always the most inviting. So, it’s no surprise that I didn’t exactly get excited at the prospect of days spent at the gym. I quickly learned and accepted that it wasn’t the place for me. Thus began my hunt for the perfect workout method that wouldn’t be a point of anxiety, but instead would inspire motivation and excitement…

Running, kickboxing, zumba, cycling–you name it, I tried it. All of them were fun for a while, until eventually they weren’t. After a while, I always found myself bored with the chosen method until I started to dread each class, inevitably leading me to quit altogether. It wasn’t until I discovered the Kalon Barre method while on the hunt for something new in Paris that fitness no longer felt like a chore, but something that I actually looked forward to. 

Me at the Kalon studio

You may be wondering, what sets the Kalon Barre method apart from all the other workout techniques I've tried? For me, it was unique in that it blended multiple genres, including ballet and pilates, yet with all the glamour of a Paris showgirl. As a former dancer myself, barre felt reminiscent of a type of fitness that I was familiar with, but also introduced new elements like weights and strength training.

One thing I disliked about typical gym workouts and group classes was the predictability. It was uniform and repetitive. This often caused me to grow bored and ultimately unmotivated to keep going. The Kalon Barre method consists of so many elements that each class feels slightly different—you never quite know what you’re going to do when you step into the studio.

Class and instructor quality is also heightened at Kalon, which results in barre classes that are tailored to distinct focuses, such as improving posture, highlighting the glutes, deepening stretch and flexibility, or strengthening the core. In addition to the variety of class types offered, each coach incorporates techniques from their own professional backgrounds, whether that’s ballet or cabaret. While all Kalon classes adhere to the official Kalon method crafted by showgirl and co-founder Emma Rigby, the diverse training and experience within Team K allow for each class to have its own unique flair. 

While social media is full of endless diet tips and workout fads, knowing how and where to start can seem impossible. Traditional gyms can feel intimidating and not very user-friendly, especially for beginners. If fitness is a source of apprehension and you struggle to find the method that keeps you excited and engaged, I recommend trying out Kalon! Every class works muscles throughout the entire body. If you’re looking to improve specific areas, classes like Total Body, Booty, Power, Posture, Core, and Stretch are all available and aligned with sculpting your body like a dancer—long, lean, and toned.

Fitness isn’t as simple as eating salads and lifting weights. It is achieved through a healthy mindset and active lifestyle. Everyone is unique and your fitness regimen should reflect that! Finding what works best may take some trial and error, but discovering the perfect workout method for you will transform the way you view fitness, and thus, transform your life!

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