Interview: Xtend Barre

I recently had the pleasure of taking an Xtend Barre class. I LOVED it! From Pilates to barre to yoga to spin, I am addicted to group exercise classes. The Xtend Barre class was a complete body workout: arms, legs and core. I was sore all over the next day! And the class incorporated cardio. It took my favorite things of each of my group exercise classes and put it all in one! Developed from a dance/Pilates background, the Xtend Barre workout combines the amazing results of dance with the principles of strength and safety in Pilates. This total body workout serves to strengthen, lengthen, and stretch the body from top to bottom. The end result is a long and lean physique� without added bulk. Plus, it's really fun! Overall, it was a great experience and I look forward to my next class. I am thrilled to introduce you to April Norris, the owner of Xtend Barre Highlands Ranch. This television reporter left the news room to follow her passion of opening up her own barre studio. Book your own class today online! For new clients, buy one class and get one free. Xtend Barre Highlands Ranch | 3620 East Highlands Ranch Pkwy #103 Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 | 303-791-2100 When and why did you start your business? I was working in television news in Memphis, TN and wanted to feel passionate about life again. Xtend Barre is what I�m passionate about so I decided to open a studio. Our first day was July 20th, 2014. I wanted to create a warm inviting environment for women to come to socialize and workout. We�ve had very positive feedback. What makes Xtend Barre different from a typical workout class? How about other barre classes? Clients consistently proclaim that the Xtend Barre workout is truly different from other barre and PIlates workouts. Xtend Barre is a high energy workout that combines serious sculpting exercises done at the ballet barre with lively music and cardio. Unlike other barre workouts which solely focus on pulsing and micro-movements, Xtend Barre includes a larger emphasis on dance while still incorporating fundamentals of Pilates. What are the benefits of Xtend Barre? It elongates your muscles to help you stand taller -- achieving a dancer�s grace. The Xtend Barre Workout is a fast-paced, 55-minute full body immersion that fuses dance, Pilates and sculpting exercises at the ballet barre to give you a chiseled body. The results are fast! Can you do Barre when you are pregnant? Yes! Expectant mommies should let the instructor know how far along they are and we will provide the correct modifications for a fun and safe workout. We currently have a woman who is 35 weeks pregnant coming to class twice a week and she loves it. How many times a week do you recommend doing your classes? We recommend about 3 times a week. Is each class the same routine? We never have the same routine which also sets us apart from other barre workouts. Our instructors have gone through intense training and love to switch things up daily. You left your previous career as news anchor to open up your own Xtend Barre Studio, what have been the biggest challenges of moving to a new state with a new career and business? That�s funny. I don�t have time to list them all! I call Xtend Barre my second act. Choosing to leave news was extremely hard, but opening this studio has been the hardest thing I have ever done. You have to remind yourself not to second guess your decisions. What is your favorite thing about living in Colorado so far? Seeing the mountains every day.