Sunday Shoutout & Fitness Spotlight [Rachel Wilson, barre-OM]

I met up with Rachel last week for coffee (well, I got coffee, she got a smoothie) and got to talk to her about yoga, barre and all things sweaty! I loved how friendly and down to earth she was. She had me laughing during the entire interview and I’m excited to take one of her upcoming classes. Here is a glimpse at Rachel Wilson, founder of the barre-OM method.

Expertise: Rachel moved to Columbus in 2013 and hit the ground running on the fitness scene. We could impress you with a list of accolades she has accomplished during her ‘day jobs’ ~ teaching, law, volunteerism ~ but we’ll keep her accomplishments fitness related since this is a fitness blog! You can read more about Rachel’s notable law & teaching background HERE.

Although Rachel is highly accomplished in many fields, her passion and calling is health & wellness. She holds many fitness certifications including Lagree Fitness, Indoor Cycling [Schwinn] and a Yoga Certification [Yoga Alliance, RYT 200]. She was also originally certified through B. Fit Barre in DC, and has now become the founder of her own method, barre-OM [keep reading for more info!]. She teaches at several boutique fitness studios around Columbus including PAI Yoga & Fitness, The Butcher Shop Fitness, Grow Yoga, Replenish: the spa co-op and one of our local favorites, the apparel store, Bend Active. Grow Yoga states, “Rachel strives to make her vinyasa classes challenging, playful, and inspiring, with the ultimate hope that everyone leaves her classes with a smile.” You can visit her full bio on Grow Yoga’s website HERE.

Q & A’s with Rachel

Why do you live a FIT life?

I come from a family of athletes and coaches who love sports and I grew up playing volleyball, basketball and running track. I played Division I basketball at the University of Pennsylvania and over time, injuries led me to pursue lower impact fitness options. Exercise allows me to feel like myself; peaceful, strong, healthy, and happy. I feel like I’m my best self when I’m doing yoga – its my moving meditation.

What’s your diet/fuel look like?

High protein, low carb. I love green smoothies & raw juices (has own juicer at home).

Why did you want to become a fitness instructor?

After falling in love with barre during law school, I wanted to become an instructor for several reasons. My body changed significantly after taking barre regularly for several months and I want other people to see that they too can change their bodies in significant part by adding barre fitness to their routines. I want women to realize that you can be strong and fit, even though you may not necessarily be a size 2. I also yearn to share my love of barre and fitness generally with people of all shapes, ages, races, fitness levels, cultures and experiences. I hope to add greater diversity to the barre and yoga communities in Columbus, Ohio, and elsewhere as well.

Also, there is no greater feeling than witnessing a client having a breakthrough. There are moments in class when I can see clients mentally deciding whether they will give up or if they will keep fighting to stay in the position, to allow their legs to tremble uncontrollably, and to endure the burning sensation they are feeling during what some might call “controlled muscle failure.” Every single time that a client makes a decision to fight, to continue to push themselves, it is awe-inspiring, humbling, and motivating. I want clients to realize that if they can be comfortable being uncomfortable in barre class, they can endure and thrive in challenging situations in everyday life as well.

Tell me about barre-OM? I’ve heard great things, what’s all the buzz about?

Barre-OM is a fusion of my two passions – yoga and barre. Its unique in several ways;

Yoga inspired. Barre-OM gives you lots of traditional barre exercises which consist of small isometric movements, but also combines other techniques and benefits that yogis love.
Offers modifications for all skill levels, injuries, pregnancy, etc. Everyone’s body is different & barre-OM allows them to practice safely and effectively.
Anatomical explanations provided. People deserve to know how each movement is benefiting their body!
Class is challenging, but fun. You’ll get in a great workout and leave sweaty & happy!
Sense of community. I enjoy getting to know clients and helping them connect with each other.

I teach barre-OM myself, as well as license it to various yoga studios (currently offered at PAI Dublin, PAI Gahanna (soon), Replenish, Bend Active and Detroit Barre).

Some of Rachel’s Favorite Things

Favorite ways to sweat: Vinyasa & Bikram [yoga], Lagree, Barre, Spinning
Favorite yoga pose: Half moon – strength, balance, focus, openness
Favorite FIT place(s) around Columbus: Grow, PAI, Butcher Shop, Cycle 614, Bikram Hot Yoga Columbus, Replenish: the spa co-op
Favorite cheat meal: any kind of pasta
Favorite music – Beyonce. Period.

Anything else we should know about you?

I LOVE watching the NFL! My cousin is the QB for the Seahawks, so of course, that’s my team!

Can’t wait to try a class! Where can we find you?

Rachel lives near downtown Columbus and recently got engaged. I look forward to taking her classes, sweatin’ it out to some Beyonce and hearing about the wedding plans!