Move
This college football trainer uses barre3 to elevate her team’s game
In 2002, Ariko Iso made history when she became the first female athletic trainer in the NFL. After nine years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, she headed back to her alma mater, Oregon State University, to work with the Beavers football program. Now she’s breaking new ground again by incorporating barre3 into the players’ training regimen. We caught up with Ariko to learn why she’s so passionate about b3—and how it’s helping her guys step up their game.
How did you discover barre3?
Ariko: My colleague had taken a barre3 class and loved it, but we had no studio here in Corvallis yet. At the time, the closest one was nearly an hour away. I thought, “Who drives almost one hour to work out for an hour?” But I’ll try anything once, so I made the trip and took the class. By the end I was dripping with sweat. I was also hooked. Now we have a studio in Corvallis, and I’m there almost every day.
Why did you start recommending barre3 to your players?
Ariko: So many of the barre3 moves are similar to the ones we use with our athletes. We start out with isometric contractions, we work on strengthening the core—all the same rules of biomechanics apply. I knew that barre3 would really complement what the players were already doing and add a new dimension to their training.
What’s the typical response the first time they take a b3 class?
Ariko: They’re definitely humbled. These guys are used to lifting really heavy weights in the gym and then they show up at a studio filled with women using two-pound weights. So they think it will be easy, but by the end they’re shaking and quaking along with everyone else.
What are some of the improvements you’ve seen in the players who take barre3?
Ariko: Well, football players typically have very strong quads and hamstrings, but tend to be weaker in the core and glutes. That can lead to inflammation or injury when the other muscles try to compensate. I think barre3 does a really good job of balancing the entire body, and that helps our athletes perform at their best.
There are people out there who think that barre3 is too “soft” or just for women. What would you say to them?
Ariko: The great thing about barre3 is that you can make it as easy or as hard as you like. You make every workout your own, no matter who you are or what your ability level is. When I’m in class I see men, women, people of all ages. Really, barre3 is for anyone who wants to push their edge. And if you want it to be, it’s a very, very challenging workout.
When Ariko isn’t on the sidelines, you’ll find her at the barre3 Corvallis studio, cooking at home, or exploring new restaurants. “I love to eat!” she laughed. “Our athletes eat to fuel their workouts. I work out so that I can eat more.”
Photo by Mark Hoffman.
In 2002, Ariko Iso made history when she became the first female athletic trainer in the NFL. After nine years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, she headed back to her alma mater, Oregon State University, to work with the Beavers football program. Now she’s breaking new ground again by incorporating barre3 into the players’ training regimen. We caught up with Ariko to learn why she’s so passionate about b3—and how it’s helping her guys step up their game.
How did you discover barre3?
Ariko: My colleague had taken a barre3 class and loved it, but we had no studio here in Corvallis yet. At the time, the closest one was nearly an hour away. I thought, “Who drives almost one hour to work out for an hour?” But I’ll try anything once, so I made the trip and took the class. By the end I was dripping with sweat. I was also hooked. Now we have a studio in Corvallis, and I’m there almost every day.
Why did you start recommending barre3 to your players?
Ariko: So many of the barre3 moves are similar to the ones we use with our athletes. We start out with isometric contractions, we work on strengthening the core—all the same rules of biomechanics apply. I knew that barre3 would really complement what the players were already doing and add a new dimension to their training.
What’s the typical response the first time they take a b3 class?
Ariko: They’re definitely humbled. These guys are used to lifting really heavy weights in the gym and then they show up at a studio filled with women using two-pound weights. So they think it will be easy, but by the end they’re shaking and quaking along with everyone else.
What are some of the improvements you’ve seen in the players who take barre3?
Ariko: Well, football players typically have very strong quads and hamstrings, but tend to be weaker in the core and glutes. That can lead to inflammation or injury when the other muscles try to compensate. I think barre3 does a really good job of balancing the entire body, and that helps our athletes perform at their best.
There are people out there who think that barre3 is too “soft” or just for women. What would you say to them?
Ariko: The great thing about barre3 is that you can make it as easy or as hard as you like. You make every workout your own, no matter who you are or what your ability level is. When I’m in class I see men, women, people of all ages. Really, barre3 is for anyone who wants to push their edge. And if you want it to be, it’s a very, very challenging workout.
When Ariko isn’t on the sidelines, you’ll find her at the barre3 Corvallis studio, cooking at home, or exploring new restaurants. “I love to eat!” she laughed. “Our athletes eat to fuel their workouts. I work out so that I can eat more.”
Photo by Mark Hoffman.
