Photo courtesy of Kathleen Huffstetler.
The Barre
Top photo: Kathleen Huffstetler, right, leads a fitness class at The Barre.
Kathy Huffstetler is a professional body builder, a certified personal trainer, a mother of five — ages 2 to 28 — and a new grandmother. She’s also the owner of The Barre, a new studio offering a combination of ballet, Pilates and personal training in 55-minute group classes. The Barre recently opened in Inverness Village at 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 107.
But the Helena resident is quick to admit she wasn’t always such a fitness enthusiast.
According to Huffstetler, about the time she turned 45 in spring 2015, she realized her methods of diet and exercise weren’t working anymore.
“I had done dance in school and was a runner over the years but found I was in the worst shape of my life,” she said.“I knew I had to lose weight and start taking care of myself.”
Huffstetler’s solution began with research that led to a better diet, engaging a personal trainer, regular exercise and learning the proper way to use weights. These new health habits evolved into her success in the bikini division of bodybuilding and placing first in her debut competition. The overall result was a loss of 25 pounds and a much healthier lifestyle.
“I was feeling better and eating healthier, so consequently my family was healthier, too,” she said. “I had friends and neighbors tell me they wish they could do the same, and I realized I could help them to accomplish the same thing with my own business.”
Huffstetler said she wanted the new studio to be her own rather a franchise, so she can have the freedom to choose what she liked from the traditional Barre technique and personal training. She combines the two elements into a more intense fitness regimen.
“Our classes have both strength training and cardio in one class, giving women the results they seek in a consistent program,” she said. “We also encourage healthy eating habits because I firmly believe nutrition goes hand in hand with the program. You can’t out-train a bad diet.”
Barre exercise routines are built around the ballet barre to increase strength, balance and flexibility.
New clients of The Barre are asked to provide the trainers with a history of their fitness activities, eating habits and what goals they want to achieve. While many want to lose weight or build muscle, some have short-term targets like an upcoming wedding, Huffstetler said.
“We can also make exercise adjustments for those with injuries, are pregnant or have range of motion issues,” she said. “And while most participants are women, we certainly welcome men.”
For more information about The Barre, go to seeyouatthebarre.com, walk in, or call 739-2222.
