After having her second set of twins, Amy Fickell, mother of six, found herself in a body that felt unfamiliar and unable to function without pain. As a trained physical therapist, she had always prioritized health and valued the body's intricate mechanics, but now she struggled to find a workout that didn't cause her discomfort. Her search led her to barre3, where she discovered a practice that mirrored her professional principles. What began as a need to reclaim her body's strength quickly transformed into a value-aligning purpose.
It was here that Amy found a consistent community and a path to reconnect with her own health. Despite moving from city to city, she felt at ease knowing she had barre3 to begin anew. This sense of belonging, a renewed drive, and the profound impact the practice had on her life compelled her to get certified as an barre3 instructor and begin instructing classes, guiding others to find their own path to wellness.
As her children grew older and more independent, she felt it was time to take the next step. She saw a need in her new community of Middleton for a space that offered an integrated approach to functional movement, body awareness, and inner balance, along with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere complete with on-site childcare. The decision to open her own studio was a direct response to a need she experienced firsthand, and her personal mission to “share the gift of barre3” and its core values with others.
Less than one year in and already an epicenter for community connection, it seems we have Amy to thank for cultivating a space where we can feel confident prioritizing our health, together.
At the heart of barre3’s philosophy are three powerful pillars: strength, cardio, mindfulness. With classes built to embody each, they are the foundational principles of a practice that guide individuals to build a more grateful mind as they develop a functional relationship with their bodies. This holistic approach empowers everyone, from triathletes to near-centenarians, to seek a deeper connection with their own physicality.
The STRENGTH pillar focuses on functional fitness, the kind that supports everyday life. Unlike workouts that push one-rep maxes, barre3's approach utilizes lighter weights and high repetitions to achieve what Amy calls "time under tension." This method builds muscle endurance and prevents injury by creating balance. From a physical therapist’s standpoint, Amy explains that many injuries are not from a traumatic event, but from an imbalance in the body's musculature. The strength work strategically targets opposing muscle groups to ensure a balanced, resilient body. It’s a purposeful practice that prepares you to intentionally carry groceries, lift your children, or simply stand taller, all without pain.
The CARDIO pillar redefines what it means to increase your heart rate. Barre3 cardio classes are designed to leave you feeling energized. They incorporate fluid, full-range movements in a series of circuits, with options to dial up or down your intensity level, empowering you to listen to your body's needs. The goal is to reach your 60-80% heart rate max, a zone where your body receives optimal cardiovascular benefit without feeling depleted. As Amy explains, a stronger heartbeat has a profound effect on our overall health, strengthening the heart muscle, improving stamina, and even helping clear plaques in the brain associated with dementia. Cardio isn't just about weight loss or endurance; it's a vital tool for mental and physical well-being, releasing endorphins that act as natural anti-anxiety and antidepressant agents.
The MINDFULNESS pillar encourages you to focus internally, connecting the brain and muscles in a powerful way. Amy explains how this practice creates new neuromuscular pathways and strengthens existing ones through consistent, focused practice and repetition, making it easier to recruit more muscles for daily tasks, such as activating your core to prevent back pain. The mindful flow classes, with their soft music and breath-driven movements, offer space to slow down and listen to your body, making us more in tune with its needs and grateful for its capabilities. As you focus inward on yourself and your breath, you become centered in the present moment. This deliberate act of gratitude for yourself can shift your autonomic nervous system from fight-or-flight to a state of rest and digest, allowing your body to restore and rejuvenate your muscles. Amy encourages people to incorporate this practice into their daily lives, with countless stories from clients who have implemented these techniques to manage stress and anxiety, demonstrating the lasting impact it has.
In a world that often pushes us to be harder, faster, and more, Amy’s studio is a powerful reminder that our greatest strength lies in our ability to be present, grateful, and to honor the bodies we’ve been given.
“Faith comes first. Then, next to your family , your health is everything."