If you've been in a class beside Yvette, who has taken over 600 barre and SOAR classes in less than 2 years, you can't help but be inspired by how hard she works every single class. Yvette gives it her ALL, even during those 6 a.m. classes she loves to start her day with. Learn more about this powerhouse below!
How did you get introduced to Studio B?
My friend Alexandra had been going to barre for a while and late in 2017 received a complimentary 1-month pass to give a friend; I was the lucky friend. Since I received the opportunity to attend 1 month of classes free of charge, I figured I might as well take advantage and attend as many as I could. Four weeks and 24+ classes later, I was hooked.
Why do you barre so hard? What makes you want to SOAR?
I am a fairly competitive person - when it comes to working out - more so with myself than with other people. I love to push myself and see how far I can go. Often in my head, I ask myself, “What can you do?” I want to find out. I didn’t have a trampoline growing up, so every time I step on the rebounder, I feel a little giddy. The fact that I am strengthening my bones and sweating like there is no tomorrow is an added bonus.
How has barre and SOAR impacted you?
At first, the differences were small, but over time I have noticed an improvement in overall tone and musculature. I had been going to the gym several times a week for years doing weight training and cardio classes. While I got stronger and was fairly fit, it wasn’t until I started attending barre classes on a regular basis that I noticed the smaller muscles in my body really taking shape, supporting the larger muscle groups to make me even stronger.
What keeps you motivated and coming back to Studio B?
The fact that, after nearly two years, I can still find small ways to make the simplest move harder keeps me coming back for more. I love the fact that no class is ever exactly like another – the instructors constantly mix up the series and introduce different elements into each class. I can’t sleepwalk through barre classes or allow my mind to wander. I am forced to stay present and that makes me work harder.
Favourite part about SOAR?
Soaring! I love pushing myself and going hard, especially during wide turbulence or skiers, but near the end of class, when we get to jump as high as we want, those moments of weightlessness are pure joy.
Favourite barre exercise or series?
I sometimes feel as though I am a glutton for punishment, but I “enjoy” the exercises which I find difficult or cannot easily execute properly. Pretzel has a special place in my heart because it is never easy, and I struggle with it every single time. A close second is stacked hip at the barre. Not as much for the difficulty, but because I feel the burn very quickly while also getting a great stretch.
Other than barre and SOAR, what other types of exercising or activities do you do?
I go for runs in the River Valley, play volleyball with ESSC (Edmonton Social Sports Club), snowshoe (in the winter), and hike in the mountains (in spring/summer). Now and again, I also like going to Rock Jungle or Blocs to rock climb. Time spent with friends and family, or time at home with a good book round out my evenings and weekends.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
It makes me uncomfortable to swear, and I rarely do, especially in the company of others.
Favourite way to treat yourself?
Lately, it seems to be with new pairs of grip socks…
Favourite movie and book of all time?
Depends if favourite refers to something that you would read or watch again and again because you love it so much/trapped on a deserted island and have no other options, or if it’s something you have read or watched only once, will probably not read or watch again, but was simply amazing. I’ll give both!
Book: His Dark Materials (whole trilogy) by Philip Pullman; Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Movie: Matrix (whole trilogy but especially the first one); City of God
Favourite place to eat in Edmonton?
Prairie Noodle Shop.
Favourite local spot?
It’s a toss-up between the River Valley and El Cortez (running or sipping tequila…decisions, decisions…)
What is your favourite quote?
“You can stand anything for 10 seconds*.” – Kimmy Schmidt
*void if (Instructor) Michelle is counting ;)
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