Strength Beyond the Studio: How The Bar Method Shaped My Leadership Style

I took my first Bar Method class in 2011 after two new friends convinced me to grab a Gilt City deal. The studio was just a few blocks from my new San Francisco apartment, and while I felt both curious and intimidated, it seemed like a great way to bond with the girls.

That one class turned into something much bigger. The people I met became lifelong friends. The studio became a second home. And for the first time ever, I genuinely loved working out—so much that I became an instructor in 2014.

What I didn’t expect? Teaching barre would stretch me far beyond my hamstrings. It reshaped how I communicate, connect, and lead, both inside the studio and beyond it.

Patience & Empathy

Teaching Bar Method takes serious patience. Some students catch on quickly; others need more time, more cues, more reassurance. In mixed-level classes, I had to find the balance between supporting the newcomers while still pushing seasoned students to go deeper.

Learning to meet people where they are, especially on tough days, made me a better leader. It taught me to lead with empathy, to recognize that growth looks different for everyone, and that real progress often happens quietly, over time.

Clear Communication

In a fast-paced class, there’s no time to ramble. I had to be clear, concise, and confident with instructions that landed the first time.

It was a crash course in effective communication. I learned quickly that how you say something is just as important as what you’re saying.

That lesson shows up in my leadership every day. Whether I’m sharing a vision, setting expectations, or giving feedback, clarity builds momentum and trust. Getting to the point, keeping it simple, and making sure everyone’s on the same page? That’s how work actually gets done.

Motivation & Intentional Coaching

Great instruction goes beyond perfecting form, it’s about understanding people. In class, not everyone is there for the same reason. Some want to build strength. Others need stress relief. A few are just trying to feel like themselves again.

One student was recovering from a car accident. To an outsider, it might’ve looked like she wasn’t trying—she was barely moving! But I knew standing for an hour and lifting two one-pound weights was a huge win. Another student had undergone gastric bypass. While she’d reached a healthy weight, certain movements still caused joint pain. Knowing her story meant I could offer modifications, not pressure.

These moments shaped how I lead. Everyone’s motivated by different things: encouragement, recognition, a good challenge. When you take the time to understand someone’s context, you can show up for them in a way that actually resonates—whether you’re leading a team, guiding a client, or mentoring someone one-on-one.

Striking the Right Balance

Balancing praise and correction is its own kind of choreography. Too much praise, and people can plateau. Too much critique, and confidence crumbles. At Bar Method, we followed a simple rule: three compliments for every correction. And they weren’t generic. Each one highlighted real progress, no matter how small.

I carry that same mindset into leadership. If I focus only on what needs fixing, people feel undervalued. But if it’s all praise, there’s no room for growth. The sweet spot? Celebrating wins while offering clear, constructive feedback. That’s how you build a culture where people feel seen, supported, and ready to rise to the challenge.

Awareness & Adaptability

No two Bar Method classes are the same. Some days, the energy’s electric with everyone dialed in and ready to go. Other days, people show up tired, distracted, or just off. I learned to read the room in real time by adjusting my energy, the playlist, even the choreography to match the moment.

That ability to sense the vibe and adapt on the fly has been just as valuable in leadership. Whether I’m running a meeting, giving a pitch, or working through a project with a team, being able to shift gears—change the tone, tweak the plan, or pivot entirely—helps keep momentum going. Adaptability keeps things moving and people aligned, even when the energy dips or the unexpected hits.

Continuous Learning

What I loved most about Bar Method was its focus on continuous growth. As an instructor, there was always a new cue to master or a technique to refine, helping me improve just a little bit every time.

That mindset has carried into how I lead. I’m always learning, evolving, and staying open, whether through fitness, picking up a new skill, or exploring something creative. Growth keeps me energized and inspired.

Bar Method taught showed me how good leadership is centered on building trust, communicating clearly, and creating space for people to grow. A decade later, those lessons still shape how I show up, both at work and in life. Meet people where they are. Stay curious. Be willing to adapt. Do that consistently, and growth will follow.