Kristin Crawford was touring the Anne Frank House during a work trip in Amsterdam in July 2015 when inspiration struck. A woman in front of her was struggling to climb the steep staircase leading into the museum’s attic.

“She shouldn’t have to live like this,” Crawford said.

Crawford opened Love Barre in Round Rock in December 2016, fueled by her passion for fitness and the mental and emotional clarity that comes with an active lifestyle. She had practiced dancing from age 3 until her college years at The University of Texas as a member of the dance team. Crawford took up barre classes in 2013 after having her daughter.

Barre—a combination of ballet, yoga and Pilates elements—is a low-impact workout that is ideal for practitioners with joint pain or limited mobility. But make no mistake, Crawford said, low-impact does not mean easy.

“It’s utilizing your body’s alignment to do little, tiny moves,” she said.

These movements are interspersed with cardio bursts and bigger moves that incorporate larger muscle groups to sculpt the entire body.

Crawford’s personal mantra, and one that she extends to managing her studio, is accountability. The unwavering support she offers clients—from six-week challenges and meal plans to individual check-ins—sets the standard of her studio, she said.

In its nearly three years of business, Crawford said Love Barre has evolved from a fitness studio to a transformative experience, where clients learn how to prioritize and care for themselves through a more holistic lifestyle.

“Good morning, ladies,” studio instructor Aly Nunez called out to a class of more than 20 women. “Let’s get this Friday started. Say hello to someone here you’ve never met before.”

The rhythmic beats of remixed pop music pumped over the speakers as women exchanged smiles and hellos. Some are as young as 20, while others are in their 60s. But in the studio, age is simply a number.

“It reminds me of when I used to dance,” Crawford said, smiling. “It makes me feel strong.”

Love Barre
3107 S. I-35, Ste. 775, Round Rock
512-255-6600
www.lovebarre.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 5:15 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Fri. 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sun. 1-3 p.m.