Although Ciara is Studio B's newest instructor, having only been on our schedule since January, she's actually been teaching barre for over two years, bringing a very authentic, encouraging energy into the room! Born and raised in Kelowna, B.C., Ciara began instructing at a studio in her hometown in 2017 and continued when she moved to Edmonton to pursue her MSc in Occupational Therapy at the U of A late last year. Get to know our newest team member (who is now proud to call herself an Alberta girl), below!
How did you get introduced to barre?
Years ago, I was attending a gym that offered barre classes a few times a week. I quickly fell in love with the workout and even thought, “Hey, I think I could teach this one day.” A few years later, the first boutique barre-dedicated studio opened up in Kelowna and I have been part of the barre scene ever since.
Why do you barre so hard?
I barre so hard for so many reasons; the community, the burn, the shakes, the results… the list goes on. I am extremely thankful to have found a workout that pops up the peach while constantly allowing my body to feel strong, challenged and rewarded.
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
I feel motivated and inspired when taking on new challenges and then seeing progress. I am a big dreamer with big goals, so working towards new goals fuels and empowers me.
Favourite barre series?
My favourite barre series is chair (forward and reverse). Chair challenges your strength and endurance while firing up every fiber in your body (also, it is usually over pretty quickly!) I also live for cardio.
What is the best “side effect” you have noticed from doing barre?
The best “side effect” I have noticed is definitely increased overall strength. Since doing barre, I feel strong through every inch of my body, head to toe, and can feel myself getting stronger with every little pulse.
What do you love about being an instructor?
I absolutely love forming connections with clients while watching them crush and achieve their goals.
What other exercise(s) or fitness routines do you participate in?
To name a few, when I am not barre-ing, you can find me spinning, HIITing, rowing and running!
Favourite guilty pleasure?
Poutine, anything from Arby’s, and all the cupcakes.
Favourite book?
As I am currently in my Masters and have a passion for mental health, I would have to say the DSM-5. Nerdy, I know.
Favourite movie?
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (all year long)!
Favourite place you’ve traveled to?
Lagos, Portugual. It is a tiny, historic beach town on the Western Algarve with beautiful beaches and delicious kebabs.
Top 3 favourite places in Edmonton?
Sugarbowl, Bianco and Victoria Park.
What is the funniest (or most embarrassing) thing that has ever happened to you?
One time, I rear-ended someone because I was too busy eating my hot dog to pay attention to the car in front of me. Oops.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I attended the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England for a summer program during my undergrad degree.
Favourite quote?
"No rain, no flowers."