New Caanan Living

In June of 2022, my wife Mabel Modrono and I purchased Forme Barre Fitness when an opportunity arose to buy the Greenwich and New Canaan brick and mortar studios, as well as the digital studio. (We have since established studios in Westport and Old Greenwich.) As we were already working at both studios as directors, and very much enjoying our clientele, amazing staff and supportive communities, the transition just seemed to make sense. As former professional classical dancers, as well as former fitness professionals in New York City, Forme Barre represented an organic extension of who they individually are as artists and teachers of both Barre fitness and classical ballet.

For those unfamiliar, the Forme Method is a dynamic, 60-minute class that combines elements of yoga, pilates, classical ballet and strength training. The entrepreneurship explaining the class mixes intense muscle training, which results in a long, lean physique, with gorgeous muscle toning. The method is "constantly evolving," and actually has its own vocabulary that they adhere to, not unlike a permanent method in any demanding line of work. As a former EMT with Central Park Medical unit, we have a whole book of injury modifications, for any limitation or injury, so the teacher can modify for the individual, within a group setting, making the experience much like a ‘private class’ within a group setting. And the same is true for Forme Method’s pregnancy guidelines, which allow the teachers to modify for the expectant mother, based upon her personal condition, and by which trimester she is in.

We consider the benefits of this upper-echelon fitness to be as much mental as physical—literally a panacea on so many levels. When practiced regularly, the method improves posture, bone density, core strength, muscle density and flexibility, not to mention the injury prevention that is built right into this most effective method. “We actually think of our method as physical therapy, but on steroids,” Mabel says with a warm smile.

Along with their certified team of teachers, offer both in-studio and digital classes. The digital library has now surpassed 1500 classes, of all modalities, including cardio, mat pilates, yoga and cross training classes. Equipment needed for classes includes hand weights, special abdominal support mats, playground balls, resistance bands, as well as static bands—which are designed to enhance the orthopedic stretches that are intrinsic to every class. “Going back to the pandemic, we always offer prop options when teaching the digital classes,” Mabel says, encouraging our now 750 digital clients to use daily household items for their props if they do not have studio equipment handy.

Every teacher on staff has had a minimum of ten years of training and teaching experience. “And at Forme Barre,” Mabel says, “this is an ongoing process so as to maintain the highest quality of barre teaching.”

We recognize Barre as the perfect blend of fitness and physical therapy, as the whole emphasis is first on the proper alignment of the body, proper positioning, and then the repetitive movements that challenge and fatigue the targeted muscle groups. This leads to less injury, and targets muscle groups in a pragmatic progression that challenges the muscles more, and lends itself to a much greater workout, and in turn, a much greater result.

Speaking on a more personal note, midway through her career, Mabel suffered a string of serious dance injuries. It was through barre that she “healed those injuries, recovered, became much stronger, and went on to have a wonderful renaissance in the second half of her dance career, dancing the lead roles in the Broadway productions of 'Movin’ Out' and 'Phantom of the Opera,'” Mabel explained.

As relatively new business owners, we have very much enjoyed connecting with clients and students. We intentionally designed offers that allow for a new member to “figure things out” without too much financial outlay, including reduced rates for teachers and students, as well as one-week and one-month special offers for those new to Forme Barre Fitness.

We consider ourselves a wellness facility. Not just a boutique fitness studio; and we strive to enhance the mind and body through wellness and the invaluable connection with what we have created at each of our studios.

Written by Tyler Ingram. Pictures of Tyler, Mabel, and daughter Abby Cole. Group photo by Julia Dagostino.