When you walk in the door of barre3’s studio at Grand Ridge Plaza, there’s an immediate feeling of great energy—and it’s not just the air conditioning. As barre3 co-owners Heather Kass and Anna McEvers say, “You can start the day dragging your feet, but coming to the studio for a workout changes how you feel. It’s like a magic pill.”
barre3 is a national network of locally-owned studios that offer 60-minute classes for both women and men, although close to 98 percent of students are women. The classes combine a dancer’s workout of the ballet barre with yoga and Pilates.
barre3’s Issaquah Highlands studio is nestled in a quiet corner of Grand Ridge Plaza. It’s a local hot spot for getting a great workout—and connecting with great people with positive energy.
Kass and McEvers, who both live in Sammamish, explain that barre3 reflects the organization’s core value of acceptance. All fitness levels are welcome and the instructor tailors the class to individual needs. But, it’s not a dance class. It’s a functional workout that emphasizes strengthening and improving posture, as well as body shaping.
“Everyone is welcome here,” explains McEvers. “Our motivating environment offers a strong sense of community, which is helpful when you want to make exercise a regular part of your life. The minimum age is 14 and there is no maximum age. In fact, the barre3 workout can be especially beneficial as you age because it develops good muscle balance that puts you at less risk for injury.”
Jennifer Hagge of Maple Valley, who is new to barre3, echoed McEvers: “Taking my first class was intimidating, but once I got started and connected with the instructors, that anxiety just disappeared. It’s been a very positive experience for me.”
Since opening the Issaquah Highlands studio in 2011, Kass and McEvers report that people come from Carnation, Snoqualmie, Maple Valley, Sammamish and beyond to take classes. barre3 offers classes throughout the day, including early morning and a Happy Hour slot of 4:30 pm. Plus, childcare is available for $5 per child per class at the on-site nursery. Just remember to sign up for childcare when you sign up for a class.
barre3 has savings packages for newcomers and returning students alike. Here’s a list of specials:
- Groupon: barre3 is currently running a Groupon for use at the Grand Ridge Plaza studio: Pay $175 for two months of unlimited classes (a $350 value). The Groupon runs for a limited time.
- New Mom Bounce Back: To ease new moms back into a workout routine, barre3 offers a special package: Pay $300 for three months of unlimited classes. Ten childcare sessions at the on-site nursery included. Childcare reservations required.
- Teachers & Students: Get unlimited barre3 classes for $99 per month with valid full-time student or teacher identification. Students must be 14 years or older.
- Unlimited Childcare: Unlimited childcare is available for $75 per month, per child. This is a great option for anyone who wants to take several classes each week. (The regular cost for childcare is $5 per session per child.) The nursery accepts children ranging in age from newborn to 18 years. Reservations required.
- Flex Time: Take classes at off-peak hours and save. Flex Time offers unlimited classes for $99 per month during off-peak hours. Check the schedule for class times.
barre3 Grand Ridge Plaza is located at 1091 NE High Street in Issaquah Highlands, close to Sip at the wine bar, AJI Sushi & Grill, and Kumon Learning Centers. There is plenty of free parking in the nearby parking garage and throughout the shopping center.
Directions and Parking at Grand Ridge Plaza: From I-90, take Exit 18 and follow E Sunset Way/Highlands Drive toward Issaquah Highlands. Continue on Highlands Drive for about half a mile to arrive at Grand Ridge Plaza.
Other articles in the Grand Ridge series:
- Got Parental Controls? - TD Curran Store
- The Services You Love, Without the Drive - NaturoMedica, Sorella Salon and barre3
- Dining Out with Kids, Local Style, part I - Bai Tong Thai, Agave Cocina & Tequilas, and The RAM Restaurant & Brewery
- Dining Out with Kids, Local Style, part II - Chinoise Café, Big Fish Grill and AJI Sushi & Grill
- On-the-Go Dining at Grand Ridge Plaza - Jimmy John's, MOD Pizza, Subway and more
- From Issaquah to the Food Network - Chinoise Café
- Enjoy $1 Summer Movies from Grand Ridge Plaza - Regal Issaquah Highlands
