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

I started taking Bar Method classes in 2011, after two new friends convinced me to buy a Gilt City deal. The studio was just a few blocks from my new San Francisco apartment, and though I was nervous, it seemed like a great way to bond with the girls and meet new people.

That decision turned out to be life-changing: the friends I made are now some of my closest, and the community I found has been invaluable. The Bar Method helped me fall in love with fitness for the first time, so much so that I became an instructor in 2014. But what I didn’t anticipate was how teaching would transform my approach to leadership. It taught me lessons that went beyond fitness and reshaped how I interact with others, communicate, and motivate a team.

Patience & Empathy

Teaching Bar Method requires patience. Some students get the moves quickly, while others need more guidance. In mixed-level classes, I had to find a balance—providing enough support for new students while challenging seasoned ones.

I learned that being patient with people’s growth, especially when they’re facing personal challenges, has made me a better leader. Some colleagues or team members may need more time, while others thrive with challenges. Showing empathy for where people are at in their personal and professional journeys has helped me build stronger, more supportive relationships.

Clear Communication

Teaching a fast-paced class, I couldn’t afford to repeat myself. I had to be clear and concise with instructions and corrections, as students were focused on getting each move just right. I quickly realized that the way you say things matters just as much as your message.

This lesson has been invaluable in leadership. Whether I’m sharing a strategic vision with my team, setting clear expectations, or offering feedback, clear communication helps avoid confusion and builds trust. Getting straight to the point, keeping things simple, and ensuring everyone understands has been key to keeping projects moving forward.

Motivation & Intentional Coaching

Effective instruction goes beyond teaching technique. It’s about understanding each student’s personal story and goals. In class, not everyone is there for the same reasons. Some want to lose weight, others want to build strength, and some are simply looking for stress relief.

For example, one of my students was recovering from a car crash. To an outsider, it might have looked like she wasn’t trying—she was hardly moving! But with the context of her recovery, I knew that her ability to stand for an hour and lift two one-pound weights was a major accomplishment. Another student had undergone gastric bypass surgery, and while she’d reached a healthy weight, certain moves still caused joint discomfort. Knowing her backstory allowed me to offer modifications and support instead of pushing her too hard.

Learning what motivates people, whether it’s praise, encouragement, or challenge, has shaped how I lead. Understanding someone’s context helps me offer support in ways that resonate with them, whether I’m managing a team, guiding a client, or mentoring someone.

Striking the Right Balance

Balancing praise and corrections is an art form. Too much praise can lead to complacency, while too many corrections can discourage people. At Bar Method, we aimed to give three compliments for every correction. Compliments weren’t just fluff, they were specific observations highlighting real progress.

I apply this same principle in leadership. If I focus too much on correcting mistakes, it can make people feel underappreciated. On the flip side, if I only offer praise without constructive feedback, people might not recognize areas where they can improve. By acknowledging progress and providing feedback that helps people grow, I’ve been able to create an environment where people feel motivated and confident.

Awareness & Adaptability

Every Bar Method class brings something different. Some days, the energy is high and everyone is ready to push themselves, while other days, students are tired or distracted. I learned how to read the room—adjusting my energy, my playlist, and even the choreography based on the vibe of the class.

This awareness and adaptability have been invaluable in leadership. Whether in meetings, pitches, or day-to-day collaboration, adjusting my approach based on the situation has made me more effective. Whether it’s shifting the tone of a conversation or knowing when to pivot on a project, adaptability allows me to maintain momentum and align the team, no matter what comes our way.

Continuous Learning

What I loved about Bar Method was its emphasis on continuous growth. As an instructor, there was always a new cue to perfect or a technique to refine—inspiring a mindset of constant improvement.

I now bring that same approach to my leadership: always learning, evolving, and staying open to new experiences. Whether it’s through fitness, picking up a new skill, or exploring a creative pursuit, expanding my abilities keeps me feeling refreshed and inspired.

Teaching Bar Method taught me that leadership isn’t just about managing through. It’s about fostering relationships, clear communication, and growth. A decade later, these lessons still guide me in both my personal and professional life. If you meet people where they are, stay curious, and remain adaptable, you’ll be amazed at how much you can grow as a leader—and as a person.