Get balanced with barre3 Issaquah Instructor Annika McMeekin

Increased strength, better posture, stress reduction, and improved balance are just a handful of the benefits of barre3 cited by long-time Issaquah instructor Annika McMeekin. With five years of barre3 teaching experience, McMeekin is a well-known figure in the Eastside fitness community. Several times a week, she brings her own brand of positive energy and friendly approach to teaching classes at barre3’s Issaquah Highlands studio at Grand Ridge Plaza.

With class specials currently running, there’s no better time to try barre3—or return to classes if you’ve fallen out of a fitness routine. For extra inspiration, we asked McMeekin what’s special about the work out:

“A one-hour barre3 class leaves you feeling healthier mentally and physically; there’s a terrific endorphin rush after exercising the entire body, so you feel more balanced,” said McMeekin. “But perhaps what’s most special is the positive vibe you get from doing something for yourself—for your own health—as part of a supportive and welcoming community.”

Prior to barre3, McMeekin was a certified yoga instructor. She loves bringing yoga poses that emphasize strength and balance to her classes. No two barre3 classes are alike; each of her classes combines different movements, poses and combinations to keep you on your toes—literally. McMeekin feels that this approach brings the best of ballet, yoga and Pilates to barre3.

“barre3 is a solid all-round workout, and it also complements other sports,” explained McMeekin. “Whether you’re a runner, skier, cyclist or tennis player, barre3 will help you build the strength you need to enjoy, and hopefully excel at, your favorite sport. It’s especially helpful for seasonal sports like alpine skiing that you’re away from for more than six months. Taking barre3 classes twice weekly prior to the opening of ski season can reduce the aches and pains of those first days back.”

For newcomers, McMeekin shares that the hardest part may well be walking in the door to the first class. The class itself might be a breeze after you’ve overcome any initial hesitancy to starting something new, as instructors tailor movements for newcomers and provide helpful advice throughout the experience.

“It’s normal to be nervous the first time you try something,” said McMeekin. “But you’re in good hands at barre3. Instructors will provide the step-by-step guidance you need to get a great work out—and you’ll want to come back again. We will also offer guidance for anyone with special concerns such as recovering from an injury, so don’t hesitate to speak to your instructor.”

“Keep in mind that the Issaquah Highlands studio emphasizes a welcoming, accepting environment where no one is judging anyone,” continued McMeekin. “The team atmosphere encourages a fun atmosphere and in any given class, each participant may be doing something slightly different.”

Each class ends with a moment of quiet meditation that, for some, may be the only moment in their day when no one is asking anything of them. It’s a moment to be cherished.

Sign up for classes and learn more about the barre3 Issaquah studio here.

Photo credit: Shubha Tirumale Photography LLC for Grand Ridge Plaza