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From Client to Instructor: How One Woman Found Strength, Purpose, and Community at barre3
Jean Strickland first stepped into barre3 Buckhead over eight years ago, and it wasn’t long before the workout—and the community—took hold. “I was instantly hooked,” she remembers. “It made me feel good in mind, body, and spirit. It was fun, uplifting, and empowering. Unlike other workouts I’d tried, barre3 encouraged me to listen to my body, honor it, and move in a way that felt right. That shift was huge.”
For Jean, barre3 wasn’t just about the workout—it was about discovering a way to move that respected her body’s signals rather than ignoring them. That balance, between challenge and care, became a throughline in her journey from client to studio team member to instructor.
A Career Pivot and the Leap into Leadership
After years in corporate life, Jean found herself craving a change. Barre3 came to mind naturally, and timing aligned when a Studio Manager position opened up. “It felt like it was meant to be,” she says. Stepping into the role, she became even more connected to the mission and saw firsthand how transformative the experience could be for clients.
Then, an opportunity to teach came up, and Jean recognized it as another moment of aligned timing. Nervous but inspired, she accepted the challenge. “I wanted to do something that felt both scary and right,” she explains. “I wanted to help people feel stronger, healthier, and more connected to themselves.”
The Joy of b3 Mindful Flow
As the first instructor at her studio to certify and teach b3 Mindful Flow, Jean brings the depth of her yoga training into class, blending it with the distinct barre3 approach to create a connected and meaningful experience. She’s found this new format both personally restorative and rewarding to share. “B3 Mindful Flow has given me a way to connect mind and body, reset, and find balance in life’s chaos,” she says.
Watching clients soften into ease, release tension, and take a deep, full breath is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her teaching. Her hope is that every client leaves class feeling grounded and renewed.
Strength in Mind, Body, and Community
Jean’s understanding of strength has evolved over the years, shaped by both barre3’s approach and her personal journey. “Physically, strength isn’t just about heavy weights or endurance—it’s about listening to your body. Emotionally, it’s being vulnerable and authentic. Mentally, it’s honoring rest and trusting yourself,” she says. Barre3 has taught her that modifying doesn’t indicate weakness—it’s a form of strength. “Honoring yourself makes you stronger,” she says.
Community is central to Jean’s experience. From the moment she first walked into the studio to her current role as instructor, the people she’s met have shaped her perspective and fueled her passion. “The relationships I’ve built at barre3 bring joy and energy into my life. Experiencing the studio’s 10-year anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of how much connection matters—it was electric, emotional, and unforgettable.”
Being an instructor is about more than cues or choreography—it’s an opportunity for Jean to foster empowerment and connection. She loves seeing clients feel seen, encouraged, and cared for. The energy in class, the collective “woos” of a cardio burst, and the sighs of accomplishment during breathwork—all reinforce why she shows up. “Teaching allows me to give back the joy and connection barre3 has given me,” she says.
Words for First-Timers
To anyone stepping into a barre3 studio for the first time, Jean offers reassurance: “It’s unlike anything else. It’s a workout, yes, but it’s also a community and a mindset. You’ll feel supported every step of the way, and you’ll leave class feeling celebrated, seen, and inspired.”
A Life Transformed
Looking back, Jean marvels at how much her life has shifted since joining barre3. Leaving a corporate career behind was a leap of faith, but it led her to a life filled with purpose, joy, and growth. “It’s given me a career I love, a community I cherish, and the courage to step outside my comfort zone. Barre3 has truly changed my life.”
Your path to strength, joy, and deeper self-trust starts here. Find your local studio and sign up for your first class today.
Jean Strickland first stepped into barre3 Buckhead over eight years ago, and it wasn’t long before the workout—and the community—took hold. “I was instantly hooked,” she remembers. “It made me feel good in mind, body, and spirit. It was fun, uplifting, and empowering. Unlike other workouts I’d tried, barre3 encouraged me to listen to my body, honor it, and move in a way that felt right. That shift was huge.”
For Jean, barre3 wasn’t just about the workout—it was about discovering a way to move that respected her body’s signals rather than ignoring them. That balance, between challenge and care, became a throughline in her journey from client to studio team member to instructor.
A Career Pivot and the Leap into Leadership
After years in corporate life, Jean found herself craving a change. Barre3 came to mind naturally, and timing aligned when a Studio Manager position opened up. “It felt like it was meant to be,” she says. Stepping into the role, she became even more connected to the mission and saw firsthand how transformative the experience could be for clients.
Then, an opportunity to teach came up, and Jean recognized it as another moment of aligned timing. Nervous but inspired, she accepted the challenge. “I wanted to do something that felt both scary and right,” she explains. “I wanted to help people feel stronger, healthier, and more connected to themselves.”
The Joy of b3 Mindful Flow
As the first instructor at her studio to certify and teach b3 Mindful Flow, Jean brings the depth of her yoga training into class, blending it with the distinct barre3 approach to create a connected and meaningful experience. She’s found this new format both personally restorative and rewarding to share. “B3 Mindful Flow has given me a way to connect mind and body, reset, and find balance in life’s chaos,” she says.
Watching clients soften into ease, release tension, and take a deep, full breath is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her teaching. Her hope is that every client leaves class feeling grounded and renewed.
Strength in Mind, Body, and Community
Jean’s understanding of strength has evolved over the years, shaped by both barre3’s approach and her personal journey. “Physically, strength isn’t just about heavy weights or endurance—it’s about listening to your body. Emotionally, it’s being vulnerable and authentic. Mentally, it’s honoring rest and trusting yourself,” she says. Barre3 has taught her that modifying doesn’t indicate weakness—it’s a form of strength. “Honoring yourself makes you stronger,” she says.
Community is central to Jean’s experience. From the moment she first walked into the studio to her current role as instructor, the people she’s met have shaped her perspective and fueled her passion. “The relationships I’ve built at barre3 bring joy and energy into my life. Experiencing the studio’s 10-year anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of how much connection matters—it was electric, emotional, and unforgettable.”
Being an instructor is about more than cues or choreography—it’s an opportunity for Jean to foster empowerment and connection. She loves seeing clients feel seen, encouraged, and cared for. The energy in class, the collective “woos” of a cardio burst, and the sighs of accomplishment during breathwork—all reinforce why she shows up. “Teaching allows me to give back the joy and connection barre3 has given me,” she says.
Words for First-Timers
To anyone stepping into a barre3 studio for the first time, Jean offers reassurance: “It’s unlike anything else. It’s a workout, yes, but it’s also a community and a mindset. You’ll feel supported every step of the way, and you’ll leave class feeling celebrated, seen, and inspired.”
A Life Transformed
Looking back, Jean marvels at how much her life has shifted since joining barre3. Leaving a corporate career behind was a leap of faith, but it led her to a life filled with purpose, joy, and growth. “It’s given me a career I love, a community I cherish, and the courage to step outside my comfort zone. Barre3 has truly changed my life.”
Your path to strength, joy, and deeper self-trust starts here. Find your local studio and sign up for your first class today.
