The MVMNT Society — Attraction in Alexandria

I'm not particularly proud of this fact, but I never really worked out. I decided after some minor health issues that I wanted to feel like I had some control over my health and I wanted to do what I could to hopefully remain as healthy as possible. I have never taken any group type classes and I have only had a brief gym membership that I used maybe once...I wanted to find something that would increase my energy and give me some muscle tone, but most of all, I knew I needed to find something that I would not quit and that I could stick to. I had heard of barre classes and did some research in the area to compare cost, class times, and reviews. Based on those things I picked Xtend Barre in Alexandria. My first class was an eye opener. I knew I had terrible endurance but when I had to quit not even halfway through class I knew it was worse than I thought. I felt defeated and embarrassed and thought of never coming back. At the same time, I felt like I had something to prove to myself. Thankfully, the front desk girl reached out to me after class to check on me and the owner reached out as well. I never expected that and I got reassurance that I'm not the first person that had to take a break from class, and they gave me some tips for any future classes that gave me some hope. I learned basics like the fact that I should probably hydrate better (like I said, I'm new at this), that I can skip advancements or start with modifications of certain moves, and that I can take breaks if I need them etc. I feel like some of the pressure I had put on myself was taken off and I decided to get over my own insecurities and go back. I'm happy to report that I made it through the entire second class and every class since then. I have been going for about 9 months now and am so very glad I stuck with it. Here are some reasons I love this barre studio: -The instructors are awesome. They motivate you, they are kind, they are experienced and they make you feel welcome every time. I am definitely on the shy side but I still feel like I am part of this group. -The classes are challenging but doable. One thing an instructor said early on in a class stuck with me "it doesn't get easier, but you get better". There are still parts I find more challenging than others but I love the variety and the sense that every class is different, but always targeting all parts of my body. Some days I feel like I can take most of the advancements, other days I take pretty much none and stick to the basics, but I know that that's ok too. I know just showing up and sticking to this routine is half the battle. And surprising even myself, I look forward to coming most days, and on the days I'm dragging, I am still always glad I came afterwards. -The schedule is great for me. I work pretty regular hours and feel like I am able to catch a class most days if I want to and some on the weekend as well. -Results. I didn't really start this for weight loss, more for health and toning, so I can only speak to those things (for the weight loss I would probably need to target my carb habit more). I feel like I definitely have better muscle definition than before, and I have seen an increase in energy and endurance. I have also seen an improvement in my resting heart rate and also feel like it's been a good addition to manage stress and anxiety. The combination of cardio and toning through weights, movement, resistance bands etc. is just the right amount of everything to feel like you're getting a good full body workout.

In conclusion, the only thing that would have held me back from writing such a glowing review is the fear that everyone will start seeing the light and filling up all the classes..But I'm honestly more than happy to recommend this place to anyone who...

If you are looking for just a gym, maybe this place isn’t for you... BUT. If you are looking for lifestyle or even a community then look no further!! Seriously since my first class here, my life had taken a 180 or 360 depending on how you look at it.

I went from bored sitting in the house and snacking 24/7 fluctuating between 165-156 if I decided to fast or take up another YouTube challenge which only was sustainable for 2 weeks till I got bored to where I am now. I’m not a fitness junky per say but I have tried it all but nothing got me to stick or feel like someone was trying to scam me on a gym membership that was overpriced.

This is the only place that doesn’t really offer an INTRO class for good and bad. I debated for weeks if this is the place I wanted to be since I heard all the pitches before. But one rainy day I took a bounce class that I paid for in full on MINDBODY and they had a dynamic pricing of $10 off and I was like what do I have to lose besides maybe $18? I took it despite all my anxiety warning me against but I thought “maybe this time... it’ll be different..” and in all honesty it was, the class was close to my imagination but far more challenging in a great way. Why? Because it’s so dynamic and well curated you won’t know what to expect.

So that day in bounce Natalie was the instructor and boy is she charismatic. She made me feel welcomed and all the people in class were very helpful, they told me that they still feel a bit lost sometimes but if all else fails just bounce and have fun, after all this workout is for you and no one else. After that day I took a 3 day rest period and debated if that class was for me, because I was so tired and worn out during my first time and I consider myself pretty strong.... not in the core but everywhere else! And I decided try another discount class, cause hey it’s like an expensive CAVA bowel why not. I hated it mainly cause I don’t care for exercising. But after that class I made a new friend who volunteered to be my fit friend. So I started going to socialize. Then slowly and surely I fell in love with how my body looked, I still feel sore since I don’t take as many rest days as I’d like but I feel all the more confident for it.

If you read pass here, congrats! And if you ever need a buddy in class feel free to reach out to someone right next to you, since they are all on the same journey and everyone there will welcome you and all your anxieties, insecurities and inhibitions since we are all on the same journey to be a...

XBOT is a fantastic studio!

Instructors make you feel welcome and comfortable in/outside of class. During class, they do all the moves with students, provide coaching on form + technique, and offer modifications, but are not pushy if you do not want assistance. The instructors never cease to remind students to go at their own pace + intensity and to take adjustments as necessary, emphasizing that each student knows what is challenging/safe for their body. With all this being said, classes are easy to follow for newbies to barre, but remain challenging/high quality nonetheless, making new students like myself feel strong + confident even amongst seasoned barre students. Additionally, each instructor has their own style and is constantly switching up their routines, making each class fresh and unique. The instructors are also very approachable, positive, + encouraging, and get to know each student, which is ultimately what has motivated me to keep returning to XBOT, since I am new to fitness classes in general and am insecure about working out in front of other people. More generally, all staff members are super kind, helpful, and transparent, contributing to the overall un-intimidating atmosphere of the studio. Also, this studio doesn’t have many barre snobs, which is highly encouraging for a youngster and newbie like myself.

Finally, I’ve got to give a shoutout to Maggie Laughlin, whose instructor in training class was my first experience at XBOT. Her energy is refreshing and contagious! She made me feel so welcome, capable, and confident when I arrived for my first ever barre class and is always telling me I’m killin’ it, even though my form and technique aren’t perfect. She’s an absolute rockstar and everyone should flood into her classes! Seriously, every class I attend at XBOT is a result of having an amazing first barre experience with Maggie as my instructor.

Good vibes coupled with an intense yet easy to follow workout…can’t beat that!

*no previous barre...