Barre for Survival

One intention I set for myself this year was to work out more often and to try different types of fitness classes. So, when Lauren of Chi Chi Life reached out and asked if I would like to participate in a fundraising core fusion barre class that she was holding at Exhale Spa to benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering and rare cancers, I enthusiastically said ‘yes.’

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is working hard to help people who are battling a rare cancer—which is defined as any cancer that is diagnosed in fewer than 200,000 people annually.

Lauren, herself, is a two-time cancer survivor and after reading her inspiring story, I knew that she was someone that I wanted to meet in real life. As a cancer survivor, fundraiser, and events guru, Lauren has combined her passion for cancer advocacy with her love of fitness—and it comes through in her class.

While I’ve taken a couple of barre classes in the past, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this one—or how much energy I would have left after my morning yoga class at Lululemon. But the thought of meeting new people and the knowledge that I was taking part in something that was helping cancer patients and survivors invigorated me.

By the time I made it to Exhale Spa at 150 Central Park South, I was ready to get my workout on. Lauren was the first person I met when I arrived and her energy was infectious.

Once checked in at the studio, I perused the merchandise at Exhale before putting my belongings in a locker and getting ready for class. The studio space at Exhale is amazing—you feel as if you have left the City and are in a private residence somewhere.

The spacious barre studio comfortably fit our large group, and with Lauren’s expert instruction, and individual assits as needed, I quickly felt comfortable hitting the barre again. Lauren’s high-energy teaching style was great and I can’t wait to take another class with her.

After the barre class, we retreated to another room where we chatted and opened our goodie bags. Our bags contained gifts from Luna Bar, Women’s Health Magazine, Noosa Yoghurt, Bare Snacks, Squish Marshmallows, Up Mountain Switchel, Califia Farms, Sweaty Betty, YORK Athletics Mfg, and Mantra Band. A big thank you to all of the brands and to Exhale Spa for hosting the event.

I am so grateful that I got to be a part of Barre for Survival at Exhale. It means a lot to me as a cancer survivor to be able to help raise money for rare cancers—and I am always inspired when I get to meet other cancer patients and survivors.

I’m also happy to report that the event raised more than $1,200, with 100 percent of proceeds going to benefit rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

A big thank you to Lauren for including me in the event and to all of the wellness warriors in the group for the wonderful work being done!