Barre Intensity was founded and is headquartered in Michigan. Some of the most popular barre brands out there like, Pure Barre and Physique 57, got started right here in the MidWest too! Did you know one of the biggest barre bosses out there has her roots right here in Michigan? We're XTENDing the Barre Intensity community and bringing you an inside look into the life of Andrea Rogers, the Founder and Creator of XTEND BARRE.
Andrea Rogers: Founder/Creator of XTEND BARRE & Training Parter with OpenFit
With her feet currently in New York City, this spunky single mom of two grew up in the MidWest. A graduate from Oakland University, Andrea says there is nothing compared to the wonderful people in Michigan. When she’s back home you can find her around Harbor Springs cruising on a boat lakeside in the summer or enjoying a tour of the local cider mill while snacking on a homemade donut in the Fall. Growing up in the MidWest she has a love for nature and the beauty of all that is Michigan.
A city girl at heart, she spent her early adulthood in South Florida. With a lengthy background in dance, she’s always had a passion for movement that started at the young age of 3. After years of instructing Pilates, she decided to sprinkle some of her own dance moves into a few of her classes. With the city of Boca Raton being one of the best cities to live in, it was the perfect place to spark a new idea. In 2008, XTEND BARRE was born in the beachside community and today you can find studios all over the world.
The name Xtend comes from her passion to extend all facets of her life. The name also emulates the extension of the spine. She’s a humble bundle of drive, passion, and love in the barre community. This 4’ll bombshell has worked with victoria secret models, celebrities and entertainers all over the map. In her daily routine, you can find her trying out all kinds of classes, spending time with her two daughters and bringing awareness of the barre workout all over the globe. In her recent accomplishments, she’s partnered with OpenFit providing XTEND BARRE workouts to all those who use the new app.
Barre Intensity: What’s your favorite genre of music?
Rogers: Ah, that’s so hard! Music is the fuel to my movement! My go-to would be Top Hits but I’m really feeling Leon Bridges’ song Coming Home at the moment. It’s really soulful and beautiful.
Barre Intensity: Do you have a favorite/go-to barre exercise?
Rogers: My go to would be a lengthy tondue plie series that I love to use as a warm-up.
Barre Intensity: What’s your biggest pet peeve when taking a class from another instructor?
Rogers: An instructor who only looks at themselves in the mirror the whole class. You gotta have that “it” factor as an instructor with personality in your movement. Just cueing the action and being offbeat is a big pet peeve of mine.
Barre Intensity: If you could be anyone else for a day, who would it be?
Rogers: This has definitely changed throughout my life. Today I’d love to be Joseph Pilates for a day!
Barre Intensity: What inspires you?
Rogers: I get a lot of my inspiration from all of the people who post on our FaceBook group. It’s so inspiring to hear others share their accomplishments by just taking a barre class. I love to see how much this workout benefits everyone and anyone.
Barre Intensity: Being a mom and a barre boss, what advice would you give to other mom bosses?
Rogers: Never stop setting goals and having intentions. Set an intention for the day, the week, the month, the year. Be organized and reach for goals attached to your niche in life.
Andrea is a lively spirit with a strong investment in our barre community. In your next barre class XTEND that investment into your clients and fuel your inner barre boss self.