As a competitive cross country runner throughout high school and college, I always knew that my life would be focused in health and fitness. After college, I put my accomplished athletic background to work by running and teaching at a chain of trendsetting and acclaimed dance studios in Los Angeles. In 2004, I was introduced to the Pilates movement by one of my dance instructors after experiencing pain in my knees, shins and lower back due to the impact running had on my joints. I was amazed at how Pilates gave me back my strength, flexibility and the mobility to run without pain. I earned my Pilates Certification through Balanced Body and soon after, I added certifications in both Sports Injury and Pre/Post Natal Pilates to my repertoire. Once my husband and I became pregnant with our first child, running became very difficult and I was looking to find a great workout that would be safe for me in my pregnancy and add the cardio element I so sorely missed. I discovered Xtend Barre and loved the fabulous cardio as well as the Pilates element. After the delivery of my little boy, I jumped right back into classes, and was back into my pre-preggo jeans within 8 weeks! The benefits that I gained from Xtend Barre made my decision to open and Xtend Barre studio easy. Xtend has challenged my mind and body in new ways and has added balance to my fitness regiment. I am exited to be able to share my experience, love and passion of Xtend Barre to others!
“As a Pilates Instructor with over a decade of experience, Instructor Trainer, and long time fitness enthusiast I believe that Xtend Barre is hands down the safest and most effective Barre workout available!” Courtney is thrilled and honored to offer the amazing benefits of Xtend Barre to the community of Mission Viejo! A fully certified Stott Pilates Instructor with 11 years of training clients from Professional Athletes to Miss Canada, Courtney loves her job and it shows. Dedicated to her profession and committed to the wellness and fitness industry, Courtney is always a student and has trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates methodologies with Master Instructors from around the world. She is trained in working with those with injuries or special needs, West Coast Xtend Barre Teacher Trainer, Xtend Barre instructor, Yoga Instructor, Personal Fitness Trainer, and Pre/Post Natal Pilates and Fitness Instructor. She aims to be passionate and supportive in all her sessions and with attention to detail, an encouraging approach, and a good laugh whenever possible you will feel rebalanced, rejuvenated, and ready to live life to the fullest outside of the studio! Courtney is an animal lover who teaches monthly donation classes to benefit our furry friends! When not at the studio teaching or taking classes, you’ll find her outdoors with Paris her adopted Boxer, surfing, or cooking a healthy meal with friends.
After discovering her passion for dance and choreography at a very early age, in 1999 Sara relocated to San Diego to continue her dance studies at San Diego State University, majoring in dance. She has trained with Paul Koverman from California Ballet, and numerous names in the modern dance world such as Jean Isaacs, Melissa Nunn, and Faith Jensen-Ismay. Sara was also a member of SDSU’s dance team. In 2001, she became captain/ choreographer of the collegiate team, winning many national awards and receiving top honors. In 2003, Sara began teaching competitive dance to kids of all ages at the San Diego Dance Centre where she has been a top instructor for 8 years. Looking for a lower impact work out for herself, she tried Xtend Barre and was instantly hooked! She believes you can give your body the long lines of a dancer's with out the harsh effects on your joints.
My love for fitness started at an early age when I began dance and gymnastics. I was a competitive gymnast for 7 years and naturally fell into coaching at the age of 16. I coached gymnastics throughout high school and college where I studied Kiniesiology. After college and the births of my son and daughter, I began practicing pilates and fell in love with it right away! I was amazed at the connection between gymnastics and pilates. Pilates allowed me to maintain my flexibility and core strength, without the vigorous training that is required in gymnastics. I became a certified Stott Pilates instructor in 2009 and began sharing my love for pilates with adults and gymnasts as well. Along with Pilates I enjoyed high intensity interval training, hiking, walking (pushing two kids up hills in a stroller isn't easy!) and spinning. I discovered Xtend Barre in 2011 and was more than excited about this unique workout. What makes Xtend Barre special is the challenging cardio aspect of the workout. In Xtend Barre we tighten, tone and lengthen the muscles of body while getting an amazing cardio workout too. We use bands, balls, straps, and weights to make every workout challenging and different. No two classes are exactly the same, which makes working out fun! I am honored to be apart of Xtend Barre and share my passion for this workout with others!
I come from a sports background--playing soccer and running track at the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduating, I commissioned into the Marine Corps. I spent about two years in the Marine Corps before a health issue got in the way. This is when I really became passionate about yoga. I was able to connect and get in touch with my body and self when, in other situations in my life, I felt like my body was failing me. A year later I earned my 200 Level Yoga Teaching Certification through Yoga Alliance. I love leading students through a flow, and find it so empowering to watch as they continue to grow in their practice. I am now healthy and happy and love to be active and fit. I have ran 3 marathons and love to do yoga, Xtend Barre, and run. I think its great to mix up your workout routine and keep things interesting!!
Robin grew up in Orange County and has been a fitness enthusiast her entire life. She grew up playing competitive soccer, running cross country, and surfing. In 1999 she took her first pilates class and has been an avid student ever since. In 2004, she decided to take her love of pilates to the next level. She entered the Body Arts and Science International certification program and received her mat and apparatus certification under Rael Isacowitz. Robin took an Xtend Barre class in 2011 and instantly fell in love with it. Xtend Barre builds on her passion for pilates adding cardio, dance, and music while maintaing the traditional pilates principles. Xtend Barre is such a fun, exciting, challenging full body workout all in one!! Robin strives to make classes fun and productive, and to inspire clients to make exercise part of their daily lives.
Lynzi Andre grew up as a dancer which gave her a passion for physical fitness early on. She danced at conservatories in Southern California where she became a dance company member of B2 and later became a company member of The California Conservatory of Dance Ensemble. Training under the directorship of Kim Olmos and Jennifer Backhaus, she had the opportunities to perform throughout California and was trained by world-renowned ballet and modern teachers and choreographers, which kept her on her toes (literally). As a company member, she was required to take numerous dance conditioning classes, including Pilates, to keep her body healthy and strong. She instantly fell in love with it as she saw how Pilates strengthened her body, especially her core, and made her job as a dancer easier. It also taught her how to move more effectively to prevent injures, as well as exercises to heal and strengthen her body when injuries occurred. In 2011, Lynzi took her first Xtend Barre class and became ecstatic to find a workout that encompasses two of her passions: Pilates and dance. But, she feels that it is the cardio within the two elements that makes Xtend Barre unique and therefore, her favorite workout method. Soon after her first class, she became certified in Pilates to pursue her love for Xtend Barre by becoming an instructor.
Growing up in Seattle, WA, I’ve always been involved in team sports and played Division I Fastpitch Softball for Towson University in Towson, Maryland. After college, I joined my first gym and discovered my love for group fitness classes. Not only did I enjoy the workouts of step aerobics, strength training, spinning, yoga and Pilates, I was drawn to working out with other people in a team-like atmosphere. In addition to group fitness classes, I also enjoy endurance sports like running, biking, swimming and triathlons. In 2008, my husband and I moved to Orange County and love being active outdoors year-round. In 2011, after three half marathons, my body and mind needed a break from high-impact exercise and I ventured back into group fitness classes. That summer, I took my first barre class and was immediately hooked. I was able to get a complete full body workout without any joint pain, and I had a lot of fun! Having never done any dance in my life, I liked doing a workout that made me feel graceful and powerful at the same time. After testing out a handful of different barre classes, I found Xtend Barre challenged me the most, offered a well-rounded workout with cardio, and transformed my body like never before. A few months later, I decided to put my background in sports performance training to use, combined with my passion for fitness, and became a certified group fitness instructor. It brings me great joy helping others achieve their fitness goals!
