March 3, 2020

Favorite Things with Gina Drake of barre3

In our ongoing series to learn more about the people behind the businesses in downtown Edmonds, we had the chance to chat with Gina Drake, owner of the new barre3 studio.

The studio is having its grand opening on March 5th but you may have seen or even attended one of the many free pop up classes that Gina has offered around town. They’ve been quite popular and have drawn many people to come see what barre3 is all about!

Haven’t heard about barre3 yet? Barre3 is a full-body low impact workout that combines elements of ballet barre, pilates, and yoga. Workouts consist of sustained poses (or holds), small muscle movements, and cardio.

It’s a Gina explains, “Barre3 is a supportive community for everybody. All are welcome and supported. Our class is designed to meet the needs of all, from the professional athlete to the person just getting into fitness. We offer modifications and encourage clients to do what is best for their bodies each day because every day is different.”

She continues, “The barre3 class is designed to be balanced and suited for everyone, so there is one 60 min class format that we will have when we open. That being said, the choreography will vary from class to class and each instructor has their own vibe. There is a lot of thought that goes into the format of our classes to make sure class is balanced and that your experience is consistent regardless of whose class you take.”

Studios are popping up across the country as the workout is rapidly gaining popularity. Edmonds is excited to welcome Gina here with her brand new space!

Ed!: What made you decide to get involved with barre3 and want to open up a studio space? 

Gina: I found barre3 when my oldest was a baby. I had left a long career in marketing and advertising to stay home with her. I found barre3 through the child care offering.

I had been an athlete all my life, but never was drawn to group fitness. After my first visit to the barre3 Seattle studio on Roosevelt, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I connected with the class, but also the community. The child care is what drew me in, but the community is what inspired me to want to open my own studio.

Ed!: What has this process been like with building out the new space?

Gina: It has been a long and worthwhile process. It took us over a year to find the space and another year to get to where we are today.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with fellow Edmonds business, Wilcox Construction to do the buildout. They have been wonderful to work with and the quality of their work is top notch. I’m so excited for people who were familiar with the old Edmonds Hardware space to see the transformation. I think we’ve done a great job of preserving the unique qualities of the space – like the old growth wood beams – with improvements that not only modernize the space but highlight these features as well.

Ed!: Even though your doors don’t officially open until March 5th, you’ve been very active in the community. What is your favorite thing about being in business in downtown Edmonds so far?

Gina: I love everything about Edmonds and feel so fortunate that I get to open a business here. My family and I are residents of Richmond Beach and consider Edmonds an extension of our community.  We love all the unique shops, businesses, and restaurants here and pinch ourselves daily that we are so lucky to live in such an amazing place.

Since we announced that barre3 was coming to Edmonds last July, we have taught nearly 200 free pop-up classes around the community at businesses such as Gravity Bar, 190 Sunset, Hunni Co, Scratch Distillery, Brigid’s Bottleshop, and Frances Anderson Center.  It’s been so fun to partner with the local business community to host these classes and I continue to be amazed at how supportive everyone has been.

Ed!: What is your favorite thing about being in the fitness industry?

Gina: My favorite thing about being in the fitness industry is being part of a company that has a vision to redefine what success in fitness means so that everybody feels successful in their journey. I am super passionate about this.

For so long the fitness industry has made money by exploiting our fears and amplifying our insecurities. The barre3 mission is to teach ALL people to be balanced in body and empowered from within. Acknowledging that we are all our own best teachers. By embracing our true selves, celebrating individual acceptance, and leading from within, we give everyone permission to do the same.

The beauty of the barre3 class is that you will see everyone doing things a little different, taking options that they connect with most and not feeling pressure to do something that doesn’t serve them. Our instructors are very educated on the body and alignment to ensure that everything we do in class is not only effective, but safe.

Ed!: What are your favorite places to shop or dine in downtown Edmonds?

Gina: There are so many! You will most likely see me at Red Twig or Walnut Street Coffee at some point in the day for my daily dose of caffeine. I love going to both of these places and seeing so many people coming together to connect. I love the round table in the middle of Walnut Street. So many good and interesting conversations with friendly strangers have been had there.

I have small children so Little Bipsy and Teri’s Toybox are definitely on the list. If I can escape kids, then I will venture to the Rogue boutique for myself.

There are so many good restaurants it’s hard to choose. We love Epulo Bistro, 190 Sunset, Salt & Iron, Maize & Barley…you really can’t go wrong with any restaurants downtown.

I love that Scratch Distillery and Brigid’s Bottleshop are kid friendly and Kelnero is definitely a fave for date night.

Ed!: What is your favorite personal item you own and what is one item you are never without?

Gina: If you count children as personal items, I would say my kiddos. I feel so fortunate to have two healthy, amazing kids. I’m honestly pretty simple. I love comfy clothes and sneakers. That being said, my guilty pleasure is definitely a good handbag.

I am never without a tote or handbag that holds EVERYTHING. Computer, snacks, diapers, baby wipes, lip gloss…everything I need in my day. As long as I have my bag, I’m good.

Ed!: What is your favorite product you plan to sell at barre3?

Gina: We have amazing retail it’s hard to choose. We partner with businesses with like-minded values such as lululemon and beyond yoga as well as local businesses to bring an assortment of products to the studio. I think my go-to is a good comfy hoodie.

Thank you for taking time to chat with us, Gina and best of luck with your opening!

Barre3 officially opens their doors on March 5th. Make sure to follow them on Facebook or Instagram for grand opening announcements and check out their website for class schedule at https://barre3.com/studio-locations/edmonds.

To learn more about all the great businesses in downtown Edmonds, check out http://edmondsdowntown.org/.

By Kelsey Foster, photos by Matt Hulbert

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