Barbie Bent doesn’t sugarcoat it: the workouts at Lagree Westare tough. “A lot of people call it Pilates on steroids,” she says of the Gastown fitness studio she founded and operates. Ideal for those seeking a dancer’s body, the Lagree fitness method involves challenging movements on a machine called a Megaformer, which offers strength training, flexibility and, most uniquely, cardio.
“Your heart rate is raised because you’re transitioning moves really quickly, which sets Lagree apart from traditional Pilates,” explains Barbie who – in terms of her career – is no stranger to transition. She worked as an equity sales associate in Toronto, and an optometrist in England, prior to opening Lagree West in 2015.
“I asked my friend from Vancouver if she thought I would like it there,” she says when recalling her switch from optometry to fitness, London to Vancouver – two risky moves bolstered by her lifelong passion for exercise, and curiosity for the West Coast. “About a week later I called from London and told her I was moving to open the studio!” she continues.
