3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Go Figure Barre Studios

Patch: Can you tell us about the Go Figure barre studios' philosophy?

Go Figure: Go Figure is a first generation barre studio that provides boutique instruction in The Figure Method®. It is incredibly effective in toning, strengthening and conditioning. Our philosophy is to continually work on form and posture and deepen our clients' mind-body awareness to deliver remarkable, long lasting results.

Patch: What is your definition of fitness?

Go Figure: Anything that gets you moving, lifts your energy, and simultaneously works balance, strength, and coordination.

Patch: What type of facilities or programs do you offer?

Go Figure: For over 14 years, we have been refining a barre-based, ballet and Lotte Berk inspired method of fitness called the Figure Method. The Figure Method barre class incorporates the best of Pilates, Yoga, orthopedic exercises and classical ballet technique. We work center floor and at the barre using light hand weights and a variety of other props (e.g., Pilates ring, resistance band) to work muscles to fatigue with high repetition sets. Muscles are then purposefully stretched to elongate key areas such as the spinal muscles and hamstrings to achieve a long, lean figure. In less than 10 sessions,
our clients improve posture and flexibility, sculpt and tone the entire body for a noticeable, dramatic result.

Patch: How is Go Figure different from a conventional commercial gym?

Go Figure: Well, we are actually nothing like a gym. Our space is a mirrored studio with built in ballet barres and no cardio or weight lifting equipment. Our classes range in size from 5 to 25 people, and we specialize in The Figure Method which is the only fitness option we offer. Go Figure is home to instructors who are experts in barre-based fitness; many have been teaching The Figure Method for more than 10 years. We are a very experienced team dedicated to innovating choreography while also emphasizing proper alignment and form. We pride ourselves on continuing education and hands on corrections; striving to raise the bar in the field by regularly attending alignment workshops and choreography meetings.

Patch: How did you get involved in the fitness industry?

Go Figure: I moved to New York City in 2003 to pursue a doctorate in psychology. It felt important to pursue my love of learning and teaching alongside my passion for yoga so I sought out a yoga certification at the200-hour level. That certification lead to a Pilates mat certification and several other trainings which strengthened my belief in combining guiding
principles and key exercises from different disciplines into one unified product.

Patch: What would you tell a reader who wants to start making fitness a priority in his or her life, but is a little apprehensive or does not know where to start?

Go Figure: Come in and try us! Our studios are welcoming and The Figure Method is for everyone. We have clients that range in age from 14 to 82. This is a method that can be practiced safely over the entire lifespan. All fitness levels are welcome, and it never gets easy!

Patch: What is your daily fitness routine like?

Go Figure: I take Figure Method classes 3-4x week (more if I can!) and try to take long walks.

Patch: What is your approach to motivate clients?

Go Figure: Well, Figure Method is intense. The sequence holds some particularly challenging moments where the muscles are literally, visibly shaking and it's easy to want to quit. I motivate clients by reminding them how strong they are, and to close their eyes and look inward to remember that they can do this. It's the mind that gives out before the muscle.

Patch: Do you have a client who you consider a particular success story?

Go Figure: Many! We have weight loss stories, post-partum women who regain their pre-baby weight and shape (or better!), and then there's my own story. I had particularly severe scoliosis as a teenager, which is now almost entirely corrected.

Patch: I’ve got 20 minutes for a workout, what should I do?

Go Figure: Take the first 20 minutes of Figure Method class!

Patch: How can readers contact you or find out more about Go Figure barre studios?

Go Figure: Explore our website: www.gofigurestudio.com