About the owners & how it began: Once upon a killer workout, two driven and dynamic women—a former New York City marketing executive with an entrepreneurial spirit and the owner of a Charleston-area Pilates studio—found themselves sidling up to the same barre.  Nancy Meyer, a 12- year barre fitness veteran, was hungry to find a great workout south of the Mason Dixon line and Nicole Wallen's Body by Barre class had the answer.  Tightened, toned and sexy bodies weren't the only things to exit the studio that day—a synergy emerged as the two women discovered their mutual passion for barre fitness and a common desire to share it with the world.

Nancy and Nicole both trained in New York City under esteemed veteran instructor Debbie Frank, former National Core Fusion®  Teacher Training Director at Exhale Spa. Together they sculpted a kick-ass method and a plan to open a studio that combined a spa-like, welcoming atmosphere with the body-transforming, hardcore workout they loved. Barre Evolution is the product of their vision and the sizzling new fitness destination on the Charleston workout scene.  One brunette and one blonde, this dynamic duo claims to finish each other’s sentences, laugh at the same jokes, share an infatuation with candy corns, and "go together like salt and pepper."

Classes offered: Open, Beginner and Power (more cardio) level barre classes, workshops, private sessions, and prenatal consultation classes

What makes it unique and why you should try it: As the first certified barre studio brought to Charleston two years ago, Barre Evolution introduced barre to many Charleston residents. Locals describe it as a beautiful, spa-like studio with a warm, friendly environment that is extremely welcoming and empowering to clients of all shapes, sizes, and ages, not just the young and fit .  Clients are greeted at the door and names are remembered and used in class and out, allowing Barre Evolution to create a community, not just a studio. Barre Evolution also has a fabulous kids' room with certified caregivers who create weekly curricula for clients' children.

Instructors are put through a rigorous 6-8 week training program and are required to pass a test before teaching and are focused on student safety and modification. In addition, since the studio is independently owned, they have the flexibility to respond quickly to client needs in terms of class formats, music choices and variety. Barre Evolution adheres to a firm class structure in its method but instructors use their own personality and experience in a variety of fitness disciplines to bring their own style, personality, music and creativity to class, keeping students' muscles guessing.

Advice for first-timers: Barre Evolution prides itself on being a non-competitive, non-comparative studio, encouraging students to come in and just try their best in the first class without expectations of being able to do everything.  New students should come to class early and the instructors will provide suggestions/modifications to make it the best possible experience and keep them coming back!

Favorite things to do in Charleston: Going to the beach at Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach, boating, fishing, eating at culinary treats such as Husk, FIG and Cypress, or just roaming the streets of downtown Charleston to see historical buildings and sites. Also checking out seasonal events at nearby plantations such as pumpkin and strawberry picking at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant.

Did you know? Barre Evolution supports many community events and local charities, and hosts quarterly "Happy Hours at the Barre” where they offer delicious foods, skinny cocktails, great discounts and a lot of fun! In addition, Nicole is Charleston's only certified Prenatal & Postnatal Pilates Specialist and is credited with bringing Pink Ribbon Pilates, a program specific to the needs of recovering cancer survivors, to the Charleston area.

Coming soon! Barre Evolution is opening its second location at 70 Folly Road in the South Windermere Shopping Center on the other side of the Charleston peninsula.  Just minutes from the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in downtown Charleston, this location will cater to the many professionals and families in the neighborhood.

Ready to transform your body and see why clients keep coming back? Book a class at Barre Evolution today!