Oak Park’s fitness-related business community will grow again in early 2015, with the addition of The Barre Code, a studio geared toward women that will feature classes centered on ballet barres and other exercises.
Ali Haynes will be heading up The Barre Code at 1040 Lake St. She says she intends to open in February following renovations to the space.
“Oak Park itself … is very active. It’s urban, where people are out exercising and walking,” said Haynes.
The Lake Street location is an ideal space, she said.
Haynes, who works at University Chicago Hospital’s stress lab, has a degree in exercise physiology and teaches at other Barre Code locations in Chicago. She grew up dancing, and was drawn to the types of exercise classes at barre studios.
“I loved The Barre Code,” Haynes said, calling it a “supportive, empowering community.”
She has been a master trainer with The Barre Code since 2011.
The Dailey Method, another barre fitness studio, as well as retailers Lively Running and the not-yet-open Fleet Feet that will take the place of Competitive Foot, are among the latest fitness-oriented businesses in Oak Park.
“It does seem to be a sort of trend that’s hit (downtown Oak Park) and the Hemingway District,” said Max Austin-Williams, executive director of Downtown Oak Park business association.
He said he is seeing a good mix of independent, locally owned businesses and reputable, well-recognized brands moving in.
The Barre Code is a five-year-old franchise that began in Chicago, with five locations in Chicago. It has expanded into seven other states and Washington, D.C., according to the company’s website. In addition to barre classes, the studio offers programs that incorporate cardio kickboxing, yoga, and boot camp workouts.