Move
This former college athlete just took his 100th B3 class—and he’s not slowing down
A little over a year ago, Jarvis Jackson had never heard of barre3, let alone stepped foot inside a studio. Today, he can’t imagine life without it. He recently surpassed the 100-class milestone to much fanfare and is full speed ahead into 2017.
Read on for all the details on this former college athlete’s inspiring journey from “weights and plates” to “shakes and quakes,” including how he found B3, his favorite posture, and his “why” behind it all.
How it all began
“In December 2015, while I was at a play date with my son’s first-grade class, I heard a group of moms speaking about this new barre3 workout they’d been attending,” Jarvis explains. “One of them challenged me to come and at first, I absolutely refused—I thought she was joking. I told her I have ZERO flexibility and ZERO balance, so this type of thing would do nothing for me! After some teasing, my competitive nature took over and I decided to take one class. Just one.”
That one class at barre3 Druid Hills turned into two, and then into three, and then into a membership, and the rest, as they say, is history. Jarvis quickly became a favorite at the Druid Hills studio for his energy, his work ethic, and his drive to succeed. “I want my kids, my friends, and everyone who interacts with me to see that I do what it takes to be a positive influence and help them if they need me. Barre3 gives me both the physical and mental balance to be this kind of individual.”
First- class surprises
As an athlete, Jarvis has always been right at home in the gym, so the challenge of a B3 class came as a surprise. “I was a hot mess at first, stumbling all over the place,” he says. “I was sweating like I had been on the treadmill for a full hour. The barre3 inch is no joke. Luckily, my instructor gave me enough modifications to get through. I was used to moving with large range of motion in my workouts, so it felt super efficient that I was able to work my entire body in that one-hour period!”
Favorite barre3 posture
“I love Mid-Core, but what really gets me shaking are Diamonds and Plank variations.”
His ‘why’ (two, actually)
“My biggest inspirations are my children, Jordan, who’s seven and Jenevieve, who’s six,” Jarvis says. “When I first started barre3, I was very uncomfortable with my limited balance and flexibility. I soon realized that this is the exact reason I should continue. I’m setting an example for my kids. It is always better to do what is necessary over what is comfortable.”
Jarvis also credits the sense of community for keeping him going. “The instructors and staff are amazing, inspiring, and motivating. Lisa Hill, the owner, has created an exceptional environment for her clients.”
His Message
“What barre3 really means to me is that even though I’m not perfect, I’m better than I was yesterday,” he says. “I try to take all my male friends to a class, and I would tell anyone thinking about attending to just bring it! The classes are for everyone, and if you can get past your uncertainty, you are in for an experience that will help you both physically and mentally.”
What’s Next?
After hitting his 100th class, Jarvis isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. “When I started, I never thought I would take this many classes,” he says. “I’m still far from an expert, but I improve every day. This year, I’m going for 200 classes in half the time. I’m still very much a work in progress, but the best chapters of my life are ahead of me.”
A little over a year ago, Jarvis Jackson had never heard of barre3, let alone stepped foot inside a studio. Today, he can’t imagine life without it. He recently surpassed the 100-class milestone to much fanfare and is full speed ahead into 2017.
Read on for all the details on this former college athlete’s inspiring journey from “weights and plates” to “shakes and quakes,” including how he found B3, his favorite posture, and his “why” behind it all.
How it all began
“In December 2015, while I was at a play date with my son’s first-grade class, I heard a group of moms speaking about this new barre3 workout they’d been attending,” Jarvis explains. “One of them challenged me to come and at first, I absolutely refused—I thought she was joking. I told her I have ZERO flexibility and ZERO balance, so this type of thing would do nothing for me! After some teasing, my competitive nature took over and I decided to take one class. Just one.”
That one class at barre3 Druid Hills turned into two, and then into three, and then into a membership, and the rest, as they say, is history. Jarvis quickly became a favorite at the Druid Hills studio for his energy, his work ethic, and his drive to succeed. “I want my kids, my friends, and everyone who interacts with me to see that I do what it takes to be a positive influence and help them if they need me. Barre3 gives me both the physical and mental balance to be this kind of individual.”
First- class surprises
As an athlete, Jarvis has always been right at home in the gym, so the challenge of a B3 class came as a surprise. “I was a hot mess at first, stumbling all over the place,” he says. “I was sweating like I had been on the treadmill for a full hour. The barre3 inch is no joke. Luckily, my instructor gave me enough modifications to get through. I was used to moving with large range of motion in my workouts, so it felt super efficient that I was able to work my entire body in that one-hour period!”
Favorite barre3 posture
“I love Mid-Core, but what really gets me shaking are Diamonds and Plank variations.”
His ‘why’ (two, actually)
“My biggest inspirations are my children, Jordan, who’s seven and Jenevieve, who’s six,” Jarvis says. “When I first started barre3, I was very uncomfortable with my limited balance and flexibility. I soon realized that this is the exact reason I should continue. I’m setting an example for my kids. It is always better to do what is necessary over what is comfortable.”
Jarvis also credits the sense of community for keeping him going. “The instructors and staff are amazing, inspiring, and motivating. Lisa Hill, the owner, has created an exceptional environment for her clients.”
His Message
“What barre3 really means to me is that even though I’m not perfect, I’m better than I was yesterday,” he says. “I try to take all my male friends to a class, and I would tell anyone thinking about attending to just bring it! The classes are for everyone, and if you can get past your uncertainty, you are in for an experience that will help you both physically and mentally.”
What’s Next?
After hitting his 100th class, Jarvis isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. “When I started, I never thought I would take this many classes,” he says. “I’m still far from an expert, but I improve every day. This year, I’m going for 200 classes in half the time. I’m still very much a work in progress, but the best chapters of my life are ahead of me.”
