Meet Shirene: our early riser and core strength queen
A longtime HR pro, devoted mum, and fitness lover. With a packed schedule and a love of early mornings, Shirene fits in five classes a week (yes, five!) and credits Barre with helping her feel stronger, more energised, and fitter than ever - just in time for her 60th! From standing workouts on holiday to ballet-inspired burn at home, Shirene proves that consistency, curiosity, and a dash of peanut butter go a long way.
1. Tell us a little about yourself! What’s your daily life like?
I work part-time (3 days a week) in HR for Crown Worldwide Ltd, a large global organisation. I’ve been them with for 14 years. I absolutely love my job, it’s hectic, challenging and a massive learning curve. I believe in work-life balance, so rarely bring it home with me. I’m married to my wonderful husband Alan and we have our amazing son Ethan who is 21! He’s just left the nest and I must admit it’s been hard to say the least - luckily he’s local and has been great at staying in touch! One thing we miss most is listening to his day to day stories, as being a police officer, there’s rarely a dull moment!
2. What made you decide to try Barre, and how did you find The Barre Coach? Alan and I have been together for almost 30 years and we in fact met at our local gym, so fitness has always been a big part of our lives. Since covid, I found online work outs to be more practical and beneficial and when my then barre trainer left to pursue other interests, I did a google search and came across Gen and the Barre Coach. I trialed for the week and knew the set-up Gen had in place suited my needs and goals.
3. How do Barre classes fit into your weekly routine and how do you stay motivated? I’m an early riser so the early morning live classes are great for me and I usually catch up with the on-demand classes anytime that suits. I generally do 5 classes per week - live and on-demand I’m still amazed at the variety of classes on offer - every class is different! Being part of the Barre community with like minded people keeps me motivated and I always look forward to each session! Gen delivers with such positivity and the sessions are great fun! I love the weekly newsletters, they are massively informative and Gen is always on hand to give advice and answer any specific questions. We were away on holiday recently and I didn’t have the facility of a comfortable floor space, so I typed in standing workouts and had an a vast array of workouts to suit my needs at that time. I truly couldn’t see myself going back to a gym now.
4. What’s been the biggest change you’ve noticed since starting Barre?
For years I’ve participated in a variety of fitness sessions, from circuit training to box fit to aerobics, step and more and I must admit barre has to be the most beneficial for me. I never thought low impact classes would give me more energy, change my body shape, make me feel stronger, more defined, more flexible and give me so much strength in my core! I’ll be turning 60 in the next couple of months and I’ve honestly never felt fitter! Aside from a free bus pass to look forward to, I have Gen and the Barre Coach community to keep me on track!
5. Do you have a favourite class or type of workout? I love the ballet inspired classes using the chair - my legs have become so strong and I also love the deep stretch classes, pigeon pose, downward dog - great for flexibility!
6. What’s your workout “must-have” (favourite leggings, playlist, or post-class snack)? Post work-out snack is an apple dipped in peanut-butter or a protein shake. I joined a nutrition club last year and they suggested a more protein based diet, which definitely works. I kills me to have just a table spoon of peanut butter, I could eat the whole jar!
7. What would you say to someone thinking about joining The Barre Coach? A game changer…3 live classes per week, a huge library of on-demand classes available, being part of a great community. Gen inspires confidence, motivation and fun!
Ready to Raise the Barre?
If you’re looking for a workout that’s welcoming, effective, and endlessly adaptable through all ages and stages, Barre is the answer. Strength-focused sessions give you the tools to feel stronger, more balanced, and empowered, no matter where you are in your fitness journey.
Download The Barre Coach app to access over 300 classes, challenges and programmes: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-bar...
The Barre Coach Online Studio is your personal training programme for the best Barre workouts, functional strength training, low impact cardio and yoga to help women of all ages and abilities feel healthier, happier, stronger and more confident. Whether you’re looking to reignite your love for exercise, craving to sculpt a strong body and mind, or you’re a mum needing a feel-good pre and postnatal programme to fit into busy family life in the comfort of your own home, the online studio app has you covered. Kicking off with a complimentary 1-2-1 consultation, this app ensures you have a truly tailored experience to support your fitness goals. Access over 300 on-demand workouts as well as weekly live stream classes. Take your pick of challenges from 4-week beginners Barre to 28-day intense challenge or 7-day flexibility series.
Download The Barre Coach app today https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-bar...