Affectionately known as the “Power Sisters”, Karylan and Cherylan are each other’s biggest cheerleaders in a barre class. They push each other to the limits and believe that being plus-sized is no barrier to exercise. Here’s what they have to say.
How did you first come to know about WeBarre? What went through your mind as you did your first barre workout?
C & K : We got know about WeBarre while googling for adult ballet classes, as we grew up taking ballet classes. We took a leap of faith and signed up for our 7- day trial. We were very, very self conscious as to how others may see us, judge us or say about us in class. We told each other not to be bothered by any judgement made and to go all out for class. At the end of the workout, we were addicted to it.
How has WeBarre changed your life?
C : Looking at myself 2 years back and now, I have grown more confident and comfortable in my own skin. WeBarre encourages me to be myself and love myself. These are not taught in class but it’s the takeaway and encouragement received from the instructors. If I’m neither at home or at work, I’m most likely busying ‘barre-ing’.
K : During these 2 years of my barre journey, I grew more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I never liked HIIT, I hate to jump and run, but WeBarre has changed me. I was able to witness myself doing HIIT and enjoying every bit of it no matter how tough it is. During my first few classes, i wasn’t able to do a single core exercise and I told myself ” TRY, ONE DAY SURELY CAN DO IT”, and I managed to do it. WeBarre has become part of my life – it’s a weekly dosage that I need.
What motivates you most to come for a workout?
C : The barre burn and the instructors, of course. I have a love-hate relationship with barre burn. It burns so bad sometimes that I tell myself it’s for the greater good. My other Power Sister will constantly remind of how much I ate and how much I need to burn.
K : That much-needed 1 hour of class to keep my mind away from work and of course, the instructors. I like how my happy endorphins burst out after a deserving sweaty barre class.
The environment and instructors I have met at WeBarre are definitely the warmest. Their constant encouragement, the small chit chat sessions, smiles and laughter made me stay on for 2 years and more years to come!
What advice would you give to people who want to try barre, but who are afraid of doing so?
C & K : Don’t let society condemn your mind that you have to be of a certain size/weight, that you can’t do it because you don’t have the flexibility/a strong core/abs. We both belong to the plus-sized category – we have body rolls, thunder thighs, and a tummy but that didn’t stop us.
Fitness is a journey. Don’t give up even if you feel like you’ve lost your legs in class. As times goes by, your body will thank you for not giving up. We are thanking our body, the instructors and WeBarre (:
