Ripple Effect

Barre Ripple Focuses on Physical and Mental Well-Being

Writer / Molly Dykstra

Photographer / Michael Durr

Ellen Brown, owner of Barre Ripple, sees her fitness studio as more than just a place to get physically fit. It is a place to build a community that encourages people to feel better physically, mentally and spiritually. As these people share their newfound sense of wellness, they inspire others to reach for it as well. More and more lives are touched. As people continue to share their feelings with those around them, a ripple effect grows, encouraging people to be their best and offer their best to others. This idea can change the world for the better, but it all starts with one person, and their individual journey to wellness. This ripple effect is what inspired Brown to rename the studio, which was originally The Dailey Method, to Barre Ripple in September of 2021.

While Brown has been teaching fitness classes for more than 15 years, her passion for wellness dates back much further. When she was 18, an injury from a car accident threatened her ability to maintain her active lifestyle. She realized it was up to her to find a way to heal and restore her sense of wellness. Through a combination of physical therapy, yoga and pilates, she eventually overcame her injuries. This sparked a lifelong passion to meet people wherever they are, physically and emotionally, and help them find ways to feel better.

Barre Ripple, located in the heart of Broad Ripple at the corner of 65th Street and Carrollton Avenue, is the result of this passion. Brown and 11 other teachers offer classes in cycling, barre training, mixed workouts and cardiovascular training. These classes range from 30 to 60 minutes, and cater to a variety of experience levels from beginners to seasoned athletes. To accommodate a variety of schedules, classes start as early as 6 a.m. and generally let out no later than 7 p.m.

As with many fitness studios, Barre Ripple faced a unique challenge in 2020. Although they officially closed their doors to in-person classes the day before the mandated business shutdowns, Brown was not daunted by the challenge.

“Just glide and pivot,” she says. “What else can we do to figure it out and to make it work?”

She quickly offered all Barre Ripple classes via Zoom, other than the cycling classes that require equipment, music and atmosphere to be effective. For these, the instructors transported the bikes outside so classes could continue. While in-person classes have restarted, the number of participants is limited out of an abundance of caution. They continue to be available via Zoom however, and many clients have grown to prefer the convenience of virtual classes. There are many reasons for this. One is the

ease of early morning classes, without having to deal with getting kids up before the sun rises. Another is being able to attend classes with family and friends, even those who live out of state, to share the journey to wellness.

For in-person classes, Brown offers child care on-site so moms and dads can have their little ones close while sneaking in time for themselves. There is also a small retail area with athletic apparel and items produced by local artisans. She encourages people to contact her and arrange for a free class to see all that Barre Ripple has to offer.

In January of 2022, Barre Ripple is offering many special events and discounts, including the Buddy Challenge. This event challenges teams of two to complete 22 classes (11 each) in 31 days to compete for prizes and more. There is also an $89 special in January for unlimited classes, to encourage people to participate in a campaign to “Do Something New in 2022.”

For her part, Brown plans to do something new this year by holding special fundraising classes, with profits going directly to a local charity. To learn more about this and other special events, follow Barre Ripple on Instagram @barreripple, or at facebook.com/barreripple. Also visit barreripple.com, and you can direct questions to ellen@barreripple.com.