Ever wonder what it takes to be a Pure Barre studio manager? This month, I interviewed Rachel Cahayla-Wynne, the Pure Barre studio manager in Deerfield, IL. She has been my instructor in several classes and her bubbly personality and eagle eye for great Pure Barre form is the best and makes for a wonderful class!
Learn more about Rachel, her dancing background and her daily routine below…
What was your background prior to becoming a Pure Barre Studio Manager?
Prior to becoming the manager of Pure Barre Deerfield I danced professionally for over 10 years, most recently with the Louisville Ballet.
When did you discover Pure Barre and what did you think of it?
I first discovered Pure Barre when I was moving to Chicago and was looking for teaching positions. I came across an ad for Pure Barre teachers and then discovered that there was a studio in Louisville where I was still living. I went the next morning to try class. I thought because I was a professional ballet dancer the class would be a breeze, I was wrong! I loved how challenging it was and how I felt the next day!
How would you describe your workout style/routine?
My workout routine is a big combination of cross training at the gym (elliptical, swimming, core strengthening), ballet classes, some running, and of course Pure Barre!
How did you become a Pure Barre studio manager in Deerfield?
Susanna Johnson owns 7 Pure Barre studios in the area including the Evanston location where I first started to teach. Deerfield was the last to open and when they started looking for managers for the studio I interviewed and luckily received the position! [Getting the studio up and running] was a lot of work but a great experience!
Describe a typical day in the life of Rachel, a Pure Barre Studio Manager!
There is really no typical day! The best I can describe is waking up at 3:45 am (I used to have to leave at 4:30 to teach in Evanston and just never broke the habit!). I then do a bit of work (my staff is used to getting early emails from me!) and take my dog Laila out for a walk. After I head either to the studio to teach the 6 am class or go to the gym first. Once at the studio I spend most of my day teaching, educating people on Pure Barre, working on how to get the studio more involved in the community, meeting and greeting our amazing clients, taking class myself and lastly all other daily tasks that go into running the studio! I do sneak out during the day to take ballet class a few times a week as well (sssh!) and then I usually try to be home by 7 so I have some time with my husband before I call it a night!
What are some of your current specials/rates going on now (or in the future?)
We have many different packages and promotions that target a lot of different people such as our Baby Bounce Back and Bride to Be Special- both 3 months unlimited for $375, Student and Teacher Discounts which include 10 classes for $100 and of course our New Client Special- 30 days unlimited for $100. For those who do not fit into any of those categories, we also offer some month to month contracts, the best one being our 12 month contract that is just $175 a month for unlimited classes!
What do you love most about Pure Barre?
First off, I love the workout, but besides that I love the community that we have! I think it is very unique for a fitness studio to have such a family feel. I love getting to know each and every person that walks through our door and then witness them fall in love with Pure Barre and become a part of our family!
What would you say to those considering a class, especially those unfamiliar with Pure Barre?
We get a lot of people who are nervous to try their first class and I always emphasize to them that our classes are made for all ages and all different fitness levels. Our instructors are trained to modify each exercise to either make it more challenging or less depending on the specific circumstances of each client (injury, pregnancy, etc.). I want all new clients to know that our class is verbally-driven, so they should really listen to the cues from their instructor. If they have any questions or feel lost during class they should definitely call their instructor over or speak with them after class. Pure Barre is a completely different workout then what most are used to so of course there is going to be a slight learning curve. Typically after 3 classes you should really start to understand the technique but we emphasize that you be open with us and ask us questions. We are here to help and guide you and want you to get the most out of our class that you can!
Thank you so much Rachel for your answers!
Learn more about Pure Barre Deerfield and check out the latest happenings on their Facebook page!
Check out my other Pure Barre posts:
- 5 Tips for Pure Barre Newbies
- 5 Ways Pure Barre Helps Runners
- What to Wear to Pure Barre Class
Disclosure: Pure Barre Deerfield provides me with classes in exchange for blog promotion. All opinions are my own. I write about it because I love this workout, my local studio and the instructors! All photos courtesy of Rachel and/or Pure Barre Deerfield.
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