TRIBECA — When artist Lisa Stefanelli set out to overhaul her TriBeCa painting studio last year, she decided the space should reflect another one of her passions: barre exercise.
Stefanelli, a longtime TriBeCa resident, and her personal trainer, Lisa Grossman, are transforming the 28 Warren St. space into what they say is the neighborhood’s first fitness center dedicated to barre — an exercise method that uses a ballet bar and incorporates yoga, Pilates and dance techniques for a full-body workout.
Barre Tribeca will offer several 55-minute classes daily, at $25 per session. The cozy, 1,500-square-foot studio can accommodate up to about 20 people. Stefanelli plans to launch officially on Oct.1, but will begin offering classes Aug. 25.
“It’s a great full-body workout that really gets results,” said Stefanelli, 47, a mother of three who credits barre with keeping her in shape. “But we want to keep this nice, calm energy here — we’re not trying to add gasoline to the fired-up New York City lifestyle.”
Stefanelli said she’s also planning to offer barre classes for moms and their kids, after several local mothers told her they’d love to have sessions where they could bring their youngsters.
"TriBeCa is filled with moms who like to keep fit,” Stefanelli said. “So, we’re thinking we’ll offer a class for kids and moms, and see what the community thinks."
The studio's opening was first reported by Well+Good.
Stefanelli, a multimedia artist, will leave some of her paintings hanging in her former painting studio, which she had used for nearly 15 years. She will continue to create art out of her second studio, in DUMBO.
“This building is home to a yoga studio and artists' studios," Stefanelli said of the TriBeCa space. "We’re like an indie barre studio, and we want to keep that relaxed vibe.”
For more information, visit Barre Tribeca's website.
