An independent Liverpool fitness studio and the first dedicated space offering the ‘Barre’ concept in the region has seen class attendance triple since the start of lockdown and the launch of their online classes.
Barre Balance, which was established in the city by Natalie Butler in September 2019, has welcomed the huge success of their new virtual barre studio, consolidating the organic growth of the business. With the lockdown closing her studio at the end of March, founder and instructor Natalie took her classes online to satisfy the growing appetite for the fitness concept as well as supporting the overall wellness of her community. Since then not only has she retained her existing clients, but also gained a further 50% of clients from all four corners of the UK and beyond to New Zealand, Hong Kong and Gibraltar.
Natalie Butler, Founder and Owner of Barre Balance said: “I am so incredibly grateful for the huge amount of support my small business has received over the last few months in particular, which really has been overwhelming to say the least. When we went into lockdown back in March, I knew I had to adapt my business model quickly in order for my business which was only 7 months old at the time, to survive. My focus was on creating and sustaining an online community of like-minded people who were able to enjoy my classes regardless of where were in the world. Our members are at the heart of everything we do at Barre Balance.”
Following the latest government advice, the Barre Balance physical studio will be re-opening for clients to attend classes in person on Saturday 25 July.
Natalie continues: “And now we are entering the next phase and the reopening of our much-loved physical studio which is very exciting. I can’t wait to welcome my clients back, albeit a little different with some new measures in place to keep everyone safe and comfortable. But the online classes are absolutely here to stay too! The extended community we’ve built over lockdown has been incredible and I’m passionate about keeping this going.”
Due to the continued growth of the business, Natalie is now planning to expand the team adding new instructors to meet the demand across the physical and online communities.
Natalie adds: “Barre is still a new concept to the North West fitness market, and we hope to support its growth by training and hiring amazing talent from across the region.”
Natalie was inspired to open up Liverpool’s first dedicated Barre studio after returning from Australia, where she lived and worked for 3 years. During her time in Australia, Natalie gained invaluable business experience in a number of roles, before deciding to focus on her real passion in life – well-being, wellness and fitness. She fused her training as a Barre instructor with her business skills, to found Barre Balance – Liverpool’s first dedicated Barre Studio.
Barre is described as fusion of Pilates, yoga and ballet, where small movements are combined to shape and tone the body and help you to feel good.
