Find Your Community at BarreCoast

Fitness class at BarreCoast. Photo credit: Joshua Behan.

From the minute you walk through the door at BarreCoast, you’re greeted with good vibes, friendly faces and even an adorable pup, Bear — the official mascot of this fitness studio in Westerly. Perched at his spot on the doormat, Bear welcomes all the patrons to BarreCoast with a smile and a tail wag, before you settle in and gear up for a good sweat.

BarreCoast owner Kristen Ullrich and Bear, BarreCoast’s official mascot. Courtesy of Kristen Ullrich.

Exercising can feel like a daunting task, whether you’re a fitness novice or just testing out a new type of workout — which is why support, and a sense of community, are paramount for your comfort level and success. I, like probably many of us, fall somewhere in the middle of the fitness spectrum — I make time to work out a few times a week, but I’m not running marathons or breaking any world records. So, when I went in for a barre class, which is a form of aerobic workout using a ballet barre and other exercises, I was a little nervous about what to expect. Turns out, there was nothing to be nervous about — it was actually one of the most exciting workouts I’ve ever completed! 

My barre class was challenging, unpredictable, and dare I say, fun. Yes, you heard me right. Working out doesn’t have to be a chore when you visit this beachside fitness studio — and you can even build meaningful connections and make new friends along the way. 

“We want BarreCoast to not just be a place to come for fitness, but a place to come for community,” says BarreCoast owner and fitness instructor Kristen Ullrich, who just recently celebrated ten years in business. And Ullrich practices what she preaches at her studio. 

From the friendly front desk staff and fitness instructors to my fellow classmates, I felt like I was in good hands. Even while Ullrich was busy getting ready for the class and helping other students, one of my fellow barre classmates, without even waiting for me to ask, helped me gather all of the tools and equipment I’d need for the next hour. That same community atmosphere and friendly vibes continued throughout the rest of the class, with some of my other fellow classmates cheering each other on and catching each other up on their lives. 

“People come in here and they feel like they’re coming home … they come to work out but they also come to socialize,” Ullrich says. 

 For me, it was all of that and more when I visited BarreCoast. I had a killer workout (I think I worked muscles I didn’t even know existed), I made new friends, and I was even able to get some puppy snuggles, courtesy of Bear. 

Bear stopped by for a visit at the end of my barre class. No better way to end a workout than with puppy snuggles! Photo credit: Tabitha Pereira.

And BarreCoast doesn’t just do barre classes — this fitness studio offers everything from yoga and meditation to Pilates, boxing, TRX Suspension Training and more. The studio is equipped with multiple rooms for the different types of workouts, and if you’re a fan of hot yoga (I know I am!), BarreCoast’s yoga room is even heated with an infrared heating system, to make their classes even hotter. But not to worry if you’re more of a traditional yoga fan — the studio offers a variety of non-heated and slow flow classes as well. Plus, you’ll also find an onsite boutique inside the studio where you can shop for new workout gear and fashionable finds. 

No matter what you need, from a good sweat to a new wardrobe, or if you’re looking for a sense of community and to be around fun and friendly faces, you’ll find it all at BarreCoast. Visit their website for more information, and check out the boutique’s online store. 

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