Location: West Hollywood, CA

Classes Offered: Xtend Barre, Xtend Barre camp (90 mins), Showgirl Barre, Yoga, Pilates + Dance

Owner: Samantha Rabon

What makes Xtend Barre such an effective workout? Developed from a dance / Pilates background, the Xtend Barre workout combines the amazing results of dance with the principles of strength and safety in Pilates. The Xtend Barre system sculpts the body proportionally so that all body parts are equally challenged.  The repertoire is constantly evolving and classes are a total mind-body challenge; just when you think you know what is coming next, there is always something different. Be careful, you might end up with a dancers body...and FAST!

Why You Should Check It Out: Unlike many other barre classes, Xtend Barre's cardio comes from dance combinations and the isometric movements are blended in between so that transitions are seamless. The class has an elegant flow from beginning to end, making you feel like a dancer while sculpting your muscles. Classes are small and intimate so instructors can see every client and make modifications and corrections when needed.  The staff is very hands-on and the atmosphere is personal at the studio, which many clients call their second home in West Hollywood. 

Samantha's Advice for First-Timers: It's your class, no one else's!  Listen to your own body, start slow and you will progress. Of course your first class can be intimidating - new lingo, new moves, and clients who have been coming for a long time look like pros. BUT the results after just 5 classes are amazing, an instant lift and inner strength, that will have you wanting more tricep dips once the intense section is over. The room works as a team so we all feel like we can do this together. You will walk proud and feel like you have grown 4 inches taller. 

Know Before You Go: Come in your most comfortable workout clothes + grip sox + towel + water.  There are cubbies inside the studio, a bathroom, and a changing room. There is 2-hour metered parking on Melrose Avenue and the side streets are free (read the street signs to be sure).

The one Xtend Barre move to master: Curtsy Passé Double Tap. This is a great warmup exercise to get the heart rate up and you really feel like a dancer:

1. Start in first position;
2. When your toe taps the floor in a curtsy position, you tap it a second time to get deeper into your supporting glute;
3. Come up into a one leg passe x 8; 4) and then hold the passe + Relevé for a balance challenge.

Are you warm yet? Check out Xtend Barre West Hollywood's schedule here to try a class for yourself.