Talking to: Xtend Barre’s Viv Gallagher
I have loved watching the growth of ballet barre-inspired
fitness classes in my neighbourhood of late, mainly because it’s something new
that everyone can have a bash at, and it’s lots of fun whether you have a dance
background or not. Having tried a few I have most definitely come to the
conclusion that not all barre classes are created equal, and each offers their
own benefits that may or may not work for you.
The latest to arrive is Xtend Barre, which brings in
elements of dance, ballet and Pilates to create an adrenaline-fuelled workout
that strengthens, lengthens and chisels the body. Each class features an
elegant yet energetic combination of movements that enhance flexibility,
improve balance, and challenge the core, and on the timetable at their boutique
studio in Grey Lynn you’ll find all manner of class types for those that like
to mix it up.
After meeting owner Viv Gallagher and hearing about what
they offer, I’ve personally tried the traditional Xtend Barre class as well as Xtend
Stick, which works a whole different set of muscles and was a lot harder than I
imagined. “We are the only place
in New Zealand where you can take a Stick class,” explains the ex-dancer with
the body (seriously) of a woman half her age, “and there are ten teaching
programs available in the Xtend Barre stable so we are very much more than just
about the barre.”
A class I am looking forward to trying when it’s up and
running is Xtend Suspend, which utilises TRX Suspension Training, one of my
favourite fitness tools to play with. There is also a Pilates Fusion Class and
Xtend Yoga Flow, where traditional yoga is integrated with Xtend Barre creating
a dynamic sounding class with just the right amount of strength and Zen.
Viv‘s own passion for dance started at age five when she began
classical ballet, and developed over the years as she studied various styles of
dance, gymnastics, yoga and pilates. Previously a key figure at some of the
country’s most high profile gyms, she has more than 20 years’ experience in the
fitness industry and is a fully certified Personal Trainer, Pilates Mat and
Reformer Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor and former National Trainer in
her previous role.
She discovered Xtend Barre whilst teaching in Dubai and saw
straight away the possibilities of taking a dance inspired, strength workout
home to New Zealand with her. After opening her first studio in Newmarket a
couple of years ago she saw a gap in the Ponsonby/Grey Lynn/Herne Bay market
for what Xtend Barre offers, and classes have been growing since they opened
their doors a couple of months ago.
She says that she’s keen to emphasise that Xtend Barre isn’t
just for the young, lithe and extremely bendy, saying: “I have women in their
fifties like me and even older coming to class and absolutely loving what we
do. I started teaching Barre at my Newmarket studio two years ago and have a
very diverse clientele there, the oldest being a 74 year old woman who never
ceases to amaze us.” Also an ex-dancer, the latter has studied Pilates for over
twenty years to boot “and still has the flexibility and the strength to take on
anything that we throw at her”.
She also cites an extremely lovely email from a 61 year old
student at her Newmarket studio, who decided not to renew her gym membership, “which
I was finding tedious and uninspiring”, and to try something new instead. “I
have renewed my interest in Ballet Barre and Pilates and have renewed
vigour and vitality,” she says. “After a fall five years ago I have a total hip
replacement. Post recovery I had a limited range of movement and weakened
muscles but now attend barre classes 3-4 times a week and have regained
strength, balance and posture once again.”
“It really gets people moving again,” emphasises Gallagher,
“and we’ve had great results with people who have disc issues and things like
that. It improves core strength as well as posture, both of which can affect
the lower back directly.”
Xtend has also just launched a Babies on Board class that is
designed for up to ten new mothers at a time with their babies in frontpacks.
“It’s designed as a class to ease new mums back into exercise after their six
week check,” explains Viv, “and it’s an interactive class that goes at the pace
of the mums and babies themselves. If a mum needs to stop and feed her baby she
can, she can just come back in when she’s ready.”
“We are getting a whole cross section of the community
through the doors in the Grey Lynn studio,” she says with a smile, “and we’re
really proud of that. I have a great team of teachers and classes to choose
from and offer something for all levels and ages.”
“We just want to see people come in and have a good time,
and leave feeling good and with a feeling of success,” she adds, which sounds
good to me.
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