Meet Erika, founder of Ghost Baby Fitness
I danced ballet pre-professionally until I was 18 years old. When I found barre, I felt like I was home again - the movements felt familiar and natural in my body, and the music was incorporated rather than existing in the background. I loved the way it made me feel, that there was no jumping, and that each class had a totally different set of exercises, which kept me engaged the whole time! After only a few classes, I felt stronger, my posture felt better, and a lot of aches and pains in my body were suddenly a lot more manageable, if not gone completely.
I took my first barre class in 2017. In 2019 I decided to become an instructor. You'd think my enthusiasm would wane after a while, but the more I teach, the more passionate I become about it!
Barre has improved my posture SO much! It has also given me a strong core & strong glutes which help reduce back pain. It's also helped me with hypermobility (a condition where your connective tissue is very loose). A lot of movement can be harmful or lead to dislocations or overexertion, but because barre it is so precise and controlled, I can build strength to help support my joints without risking injury.
In addition to the physical benefits, it has had a tremendous impact on my mental health. Each class allows me to spend time with myself and to connect with my body. I have ADHD, so it really helps give me an outlet for that extra energy, and helps calm down my typically over-active thoughts. And seeing my strength increase over time has helped build my confidence and show me that yes, I can do hard things!
I would love to expand the reach of barre classes to new demographics! I want EVERYONE to know that they can benefit from the long term effects from the exercises and stretches we do and that we teach - it's not just for dancers!
I would love to meet more instructors who are as passionate as I am, who want to grow together and make barre classes more accessible and inclusive!