Our instructors are at the heart of what we do. They are some of the most amazing people you’ll meet! Juju and Malena are brand new additions to the #WeBarreSquad- get to know them here!
1.Tell us how you started this fitness journey
Juju: I didn’t have such a healthy lifestyle before and went through a sort of meltdown both physically and emotionally some years ago. In a way, this became an awakening call for me to learn how to take care of myself and build my own version of healthy life style. I think strengthening your body and becoming mentally resilient doesn’t happen overnight, it’s more a continuous journey and a devotion.
Malena: I started ballet since young and danced my way to contemporary. In university, I opened myself to lyrical jazz and commercial dance. Being back in HK, barre complements my regular dance as a way to strengthen my muscles because I started to realise the more you train your core strength, the more fancy dance moves you can master.
2. Tell us about the very first WeBarre class
Juju: I had a bit of prejudice before taking the first class – it looked like a gentle exercise but the first class shattered my belief! During class, I found myself dripping and my muscles were burning!
Malena: It was so hard! Half the time I was catching my breath… The burn was unreal, but so worth it. I loved how fun the workout was, not your typical gym workout!
3. What’s a typical work day like for you?
Juju: I start my day with a morning ritual – a bit of meditation & reading – and my workouts are a must!
Malena: Get ready for work and make sure I put sunscreen on (so important!). I try to keep my day productive, disciplined and fun – you’d either find me checking off items on my to-do list or experimenting productivity hacks! After work, I like to cook myself a really simple meal and make sure I eat an orange before bed for that essential vitamin C.
4. What’s the best thing about teaching?
Juju: I really love giving and receiving the energy and good vibes with clients. We laugh and sweat together before/ during/ after the class and that’s such a beautiful experience. I do appreciate they give their precious one hour to me and do my best to offer a great time while they are with me.
Malena: One thing I enjoy most about is the opportunity to be creative every time I teach a class. Whether it be a new playlist or a new sequence, I try to tweak small bits every class to keep things exciting for clients and for myself!
5. What don’t most people know about you?
Juju: Probably my nationality- I’m Korean – and the fact that I actually like to spend a quiet time at home as much as I like to socialise
Malena: like discovering productivity hacks. I’m all about anything that makes life easier!
6. How do you hope that people feel after your class?
Juju: Beautiful, strong, confident, and uplifted. I wish my clients would know that I truly care about their health and hope that WeBarre is a safe and happy place for them and is somewhere they can have loads of fun and release whatever stress or daily issues they have outside the studio
Malena: I hope people sweat a lot and are happy they adopted a growth mindset in class!
7. What is one mantra in life that you live by?
Juju: Be kind & grateful. Do everything with a good intention!
Malena: Growth mindset!
