Let me introduce you to my eXtend-ed Family (and maybe yours too!)…read more
I've been coming here for almost two years, and while I originally came when my former beloved Barre3 studio closed in Clarendon, it now truly is a home to me. I dream about my teachers and friends at night, and I wake up in the morning looking forward to my mid-day workout (I most often take the noon classes). If I haven't been to the studio in a day or two (like when I am out of town) I don't quite feel 'right.'
Let me tell you about the teachers:
Dana is sunshine personified! Her positive energy is contagious, and her wit and word plays make me laugh out loud. She has a way of making everyone feel welcome and has only positive words to carry us through the classes. Her good-natured cheer and self-deprecating charm belies her intelligence and warmth.
Elaine is a mistress of form. Her watchful eye ensures we all move safely and effectively, while offering modifications that cater to everyone. Her passion for teaching shines through, and she genuinely cares about helping each student improve. She is encouraging and helpful and always gives you a reliable workout with a good kind of exertion.
Kelly, the owner, pours her heart and soul into this studio. Her classes, along with Stephanie's, are no joke - they'll push you to your limits, but you'll leave feeling empowered and accomplished. Kelly is a tough cookie and I think that the studio's success is a testament to her keen eye for detail (the Bath and Body Works hand soaps will always match the season, for example), her sense of style and her welcomed obsession with cleanliness. Kelly also has a ROBUST holiday decor repertoire for EVERY occasion.
Alissa is GORGEOUS and you easily feel her warm embrace as soon as you walk into one of her classes. In Alissa's Barre Camp and Bounce classes, your coordination will be tested, but she always helps you feel totally OK about just doing what you can do and will talk you through every move and choreographed series.
Emily is ADORABLE. She has a playful, jovial demeanor and her Bounce classes are my favorite since the trampoline is intimidating to me and she really breaks each move down and builds up slowly so you don't feel lame when you are bouncing like a goofball.
Kate is literally a RIOT. You almost don't need any ab exercises since you'll be laughing the whole time, even as you are working your glutes or your triceps. She has an irreverence and wit that has led to me changing my family's weekend schedule so I can attend her Sunday classes.
Marti and Tonya are both sweetness personified. Marti has a calm, wise, soulful spirit that is soothing, even as you are sweating. Her poise and grace are the perfect antidote to the early morning screech of the alarm. Because of my schedule, I don't get to take as many of Marti's classes, but when I do, I feel treated.
Tonya's Southern accent sounds like mother's milk. She does a great job of coordinating the beat drop of a song to the moves and her workouts can be deceptively intense. Tonya's modesty alleviates any anxiety you might have when you have an 'off' day. "Bless her heart!"
There are a handful of teachers that I have not had because I only take morning or noon-time classes. There are also teachers who have gone on to other destinies who I miss dearly (looking at you Colleen!) but every Xtend teacher I've had has been welcoming and taught me something. That's saying a lot since I've been in some form of Barre, yoga or The Daily Method for 20ish years!!
Xtend is a place where you grow stronger, laugh often, and feel genuinely good about yourself. The sense of community is truly special - you can tell everyone there genuinely cares about each other. Come join us!