By Jacie Scott
Lisa Hennings has been a “mover” all of her life. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Southern Methodist University, danced professionally in five cities between the east and west coast, and earned her yoga certification in the mix. Needless to say, movement has always been her art.
The Bar Method technique was an ideal match for Lisa. It allowed her to fuse the elements that she loved into a workout that works your muscles to exhaustion with small movements and subsequently stretches them out for long lean muscles.
But, don’t be fooled, friends. She’ll be quick to tell you it was no cakewalk. I briefly chatted with Lisa to talk about her barre beginnings, her decision to open a studio, and upcoming plans for her Park Cities studio. Check it out!
Jacie Scott: Ok, so tell me. How and when did you first hear about The Bar Method workout?
Lisa Hennings: We were moving to San Francisco in 2004, and I was literally reading a Yoga Journal magazine as packers were packing us to move from Dallas. I saw the ad for The Bar Method, and it was a brand new company at the time. With me being a studio brat, I don’t like to workout. I’m not a gym girl. I’m such a a studio girl.
JS: Well, what was the lure? What convinced you to give the workout a shot?
LH: The reason I was intrigued was because the ad said it was yoga, pilates and dance inspired. I literally remember the moment. I was sitting at my desk, looking at this ad, and I was like, ‘well this sounds really interesting. I’m going to take myself to that studio when I get there.’ I actually took my first class with Burr Leonard (the founder), and I had to sit outside afterwards and like ponder what I’d just done. I barely moved. I shook like crazy. I had no idea what I’d just did, but I loved it!
JS: Taking your first class is one thing. But taking your first class from the person who actually created the technique is another level. What was taking class from Burr Leonard like?
LH: Well, first of all, she was so intense! I remember not being able to get into standing seat, just like so many of our clients now. I was like, ‘I don’t understand. Why am I shaking so much? I think there’s something wrong with me!’ I was definitely that client! But she was just so specific, and you had the utmost respect for her from the very beginning. She was just so knowledgable and genuine, and it was so obvious how much she cared about her students. It was inspiring!
JS: Was there a certain exercise that she did that you just died over? Give me the details.
LH: I remember she had us do leg lifts facing into the center of the room with our back to the bar. She gave us the option to pull away from the bar, and I was like.. WHAT ARE WE DOING!? IS THIS EVEN SAFE!?
*Laughing ensues because any one who has done a barre class knows this feeling…myself included.*
LH: It was just like, wow, this is so creative, but I just didn’t understand it. But when you learn all the physiological stuff that backed it, it began to make sense. This many years later, it still has that authenticity.
JS: So, you were a passenger on the struggle bus for a bit, like most new clients, but you quickly got it together because you trained to become an instructor! How was the process?
LH: So, Burr asked me to get trained. Back then the training was over the course of three to four months of working directly with Burr. Everything was one on one with her. It was very intense.
JS: And even more training to become an owner.
LH: Yes, we opened our doors to the Park Cities community on August 25, 2010. We were the first Bar Method to open in Texas!
JS: That’s right! Ok so, it’s been almost seven years of shaking and sculpting at The Bar Method – Park Cities. Where are you in this journey? What do you love about it?
LH: I think the best part about owning the bar method is the community I think we’ve created in Dallas. You know, building relationships through the commitment that people make with The Bar Method. I also personally love helping young women find their voice and confidence. For me, it’s huge to see people commit to it and not only see changes in their body, but also become stronger emotionally. Plus, the fact that The Bar Method is growing and giving more women opportunities is even better.
JS: Lastly, what are some things both clients and newcomers can look forward to at the Park Cities location?
LH: I’m coming full circle wth my yoga experience. We have so many clients that have been with us from the very beginning, but I’ve always felt that yoga is such a huge balance for The Bar Method. Bar Method is not yoga. It has elements, but it’s not yoga. So, giving our clients the opportunity to quiet themselves, and the older I get the more I realize how important it is. There so many different stages of life as women, you know, watching clients get married and staying in shape for that. I see clients getting pregnant, having their babies and returning to The Bar Method. Then, the later stages of life and all the changes that your body goes through. I would like to bring that quiet down element to The Bar Method so you still have that go to your edge, push yourself workout, but you also have that other end of the spectrum.
Lisa’s yoga classes are Wednesday mornings at The Bar Method – Park Cities location. You can see the full schedule here!
