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18 Years of barre3: How a Local Vision Became a Global Movement
Eighteen years ago, barre3 was born in Portland’s Pearl District out of a desire for something different. Fatigued in their corporate careers, co-founders Sadie and Chris Lincoln set out with a clear business plan: to create a guided fitness practice built on genuine human connection, a body-empowering approach to movement, and a fierce commitment to local business.
Their original plan was to franchise about 20 studios across the Pacific Northwest with partners who shared those core values. Today, barre3 has far surpassed that initial dream—growing into a global movement with 200+ locally owned studios, an active digital community reaching members in over 100 countries, and a spot as the #1 barre franchise on the 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list.
Reflecting on this milestone, CEO and co-founder Sadie Lincoln shares:
“What we learned quickly was that growth was never about geography. It was far more about resonating with women who bring a people-first commitment to relationships and the community they build in their own town.”
To mark where it all began, all five Portland-area studios are celebrating our 18th Anniversary (August 28–30) with free classes, local community events, and Sadie herself instructing classes across Portland.
Fitness That Meets You Where You Are
We live in a world that constantly bombards us with noise, digital distraction, and pressure to battle our bodies. Barre3 was developed by women to be the antidote to that overwhelm.
By combining functional strength, cardio, and mindfulness into one complete practice, our dynamic classes regulate your nervous system and give your body what it needs to take on daily life with confidence and ease. In our landmark clinical impact study with Dr. Gloria Han, 96% of clients reported feeling stronger, calmer, and more clear-headed after just one class.
This grounded, adaptive approach is why clients stay for years—and through every season of life.
“I think I’ve been a barre3 client for about 13 years. A big part of it is that barre3 keeps evolving—the strength training, the yoga elements. It’s changed. I’ve changed. We’re changing together. When I walk out of a barre3 class, I’m guaranteed to be in a better headspace and feel more in my body. It’s like medicine for me.” — Heather, barre3 Portland Client
Whether navigating injury recovery, pregnancy, or postpartum transitions, the practice is designed to bend and support you—never break you down.
“I started taking barre3 after a motor vehicle accident and had never quite resolved some injuries. Within a few months, I felt so much stronger and wasn’t dealing with the pain I had been dealing with before. barre3 helped me through two pregnancies with modifications, and it’s truly a space that meets you where you are.” — Nora, barre3 Portland Client
Growing Better, Not Just Bigger
Instead of asking “How can we grow bigger?” every year, Sadie, Chris, and the franchise team reframe the question: “How can we grow better?”
For us, growing better means staying anchored in our B3 promise—helping you feel present in your body, present in your mind, and connected to your community. It means bringing on visionary leadership like President Emerald Lopez while continuing to innovate a practice developed by women, for real life.
It also means empowering local instructor teams to guide every class with intention, balance, and joy.
“In our Signature class, we focus on mobility, intentional sequencing to target key muscle groups for alignment and strength, cardio bursts, and mindfulness built into every single portion. It’s not just moving for movement’s sake—it’s building a connection between your mind and your muscles so you feel rejuvenated and connected.” — Rachel, barre3 Portland Instructor
“If there is one thing I wish every client knew when stepping into class for the first time, it’s that I want you to look like you. You don’t have to look like anyone else in class. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, what size you are, or what your ability is.” — India, barre3 Portland Instructor
Above all, growing better means ensuring that every single time you step into the studio, you leave feeling supported, grounded, and capable.
Grounded by Local Leaders
Across 200+ locations, every barre3 studio exists because a local owner chose to build a business with purpose in her own town.
Like Sadie and Chris, many of our studio owners were seeking a career pivot—moving away from corporate burnout to create a space that puts people first. Backed by our Support Center team and a close-knit studio owner network, they’ve built local sanctuaries designed to feel like a true retreat from the moment you walk through the door.
Reflecting on this 18-year milestone and what it means for our local owners, Sadie shares:
“We have an incredible dedicated team in service to our franchisees, and an amazing community of owners who support each other as peers. That’s truly what I’m most proud of.” — Sadie Lincoln, Co-Founder & CEO
Building What’s Next
Women need real, physical connection and sustainable fitness now more than ever. As we look toward our next chapter, we are actively expanding into new communities and searching for passionate, purpose-driven leaders to grow alongside us.
If you’re ready to build something meaningful and bring a practice that matters to your neighborhood, here’s how to get started:
To our entire community—members, studio owners, instructors, and staff—thank you for 18 years of showing up for yourselves and each other. Here’s to meeting this moment—together.
Eighteen years ago, barre3 was born in Portland’s Pearl District out of a desire for something different. Fatigued in their corporate careers, co-founders Sadie and Chris Lincoln set out with a clear business plan: to create a guided fitness practice built on genuine human connection, a body-empowering approach to movement, and a fierce commitment to local business.
Their original plan was to franchise about 20 studios across the Pacific Northwest with partners who shared those core values. Today, barre3 has far surpassed that initial dream—growing into a global movement with 200+ locally owned studios, an active digital community reaching members in over 100 countries, and a spot as the #1 barre franchise on the 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list.
Reflecting on this milestone, CEO and co-founder Sadie Lincoln shares:
“What we learned quickly was that growth was never about geography. It was far more about resonating with women who bring a people-first commitment to relationships and the community they build in their own town.”
To mark where it all began, all five Portland-area studios are celebrating our 18th Anniversary (August 28–30) with free classes, local community events, and Sadie herself instructing classes across Portland.
Fitness That Meets You Where You Are
We live in a world that constantly bombards us with noise, digital distraction, and pressure to battle our bodies. Barre3 was developed by women to be the antidote to that overwhelm.
By combining functional strength, cardio, and mindfulness into one complete practice, our dynamic classes regulate your nervous system and give your body what it needs to take on daily life with confidence and ease. In our landmark clinical impact study with Dr. Gloria Han, 96% of clients reported feeling stronger, calmer, and more clear-headed after just one class.
This grounded, adaptive approach is why clients stay for years—and through every season of life.
“I think I’ve been a barre3 client for about 13 years. A big part of it is that barre3 keeps evolving—the strength training, the yoga elements. It’s changed. I’ve changed. We’re changing together. When I walk out of a barre3 class, I’m guaranteed to be in a better headspace and feel more in my body. It’s like medicine for me.” — Heather, barre3 Portland Client
Whether navigating injury recovery, pregnancy, or postpartum transitions, the practice is designed to bend and support you—never break you down.
“I started taking barre3 after a motor vehicle accident and had never quite resolved some injuries. Within a few months, I felt so much stronger and wasn’t dealing with the pain I had been dealing with before. barre3 helped me through two pregnancies with modifications, and it’s truly a space that meets you where you are.” — Nora, barre3 Portland Client
Growing Better, Not Just Bigger
Instead of asking “How can we grow bigger?” every year, Sadie, Chris, and the franchise team reframe the question: “How can we grow better?”
For us, growing better means staying anchored in our B3 promise—helping you feel present in your body, present in your mind, and connected to your community. It means bringing on visionary leadership like President Emerald Lopez while continuing to innovate a practice developed by women, for real life.
It also means empowering local instructor teams to guide every class with intention, balance, and joy.
“In our Signature class, we focus on mobility, intentional sequencing to target key muscle groups for alignment and strength, cardio bursts, and mindfulness built into every single portion. It’s not just moving for movement’s sake—it’s building a connection between your mind and your muscles so you feel rejuvenated and connected.” — Rachel, barre3 Portland Instructor
“If there is one thing I wish every client knew when stepping into class for the first time, it’s that I want you to look like you. You don’t have to look like anyone else in class. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, what size you are, or what your ability is.” — India, barre3 Portland Instructor
Above all, growing better means ensuring that every single time you step into the studio, you leave feeling supported, grounded, and capable.
Grounded by Local Leaders
Across 200+ locations, every barre3 studio exists because a local owner chose to build a business with purpose in her own town.
Like Sadie and Chris, many of our studio owners were seeking a career pivot—moving away from corporate burnout to create a space that puts people first. Backed by our Support Center team and a close-knit studio owner network, they’ve built local sanctuaries designed to feel like a true retreat from the moment you walk through the door.
Reflecting on this 18-year milestone and what it means for our local owners, Sadie shares:
“We have an incredible dedicated team in service to our franchisees, and an amazing community of owners who support each other as peers. That’s truly what I’m most proud of.” — Sadie Lincoln, Co-Founder & CEO
Building What’s Next
Women need real, physical connection and sustainable fitness now more than ever. As we look toward our next chapter, we are actively expanding into new communities and searching for passionate, purpose-driven leaders to grow alongside us.
If you’re ready to build something meaningful and bring a practice that matters to your neighborhood, here’s how to get started:
To our entire community—members, studio owners, instructors, and staff—thank you for 18 years of showing up for yourselves and each other. Here’s to meeting this moment—together.
