Annie Truax-Dunn
THE BUSINESS OF FITNESS AND A HEART FOR COMMUNITY
story by JENNIFER BROWN-CARPENTER
photos by PAUL NURNBERG and ELLE MICHELE PHOTOGRAPHY
Balance Barre + Fitness is an incredible barre and yoga studio, located centrally in the Beaufort Town Center, that not only boasts exceptional barre instructors, a beautiful yoga program, and a wall of workout attire second to none, but it truly is a place where community is built and fostered by all of the instructors and by the owner Annie Truax-Dunn.
When I sat down with Annie to ask her what Balance means to her, she said, “Balance means so many things!” Some of the words that come to mind are inclusivity. Fun. A space for healing to take place. And yes, community. As you begin and continue to take group fitness classes, you will start to recognize the students you are working out with. You will exchange laughs and sometimes groans during the class and chat with each other afterward. “Balance is a place where you can network,” Annie says, “especially for those who might be new to the area. You can ask your workout buddies who their hairdresser is or what doctor they see, and on and on.” This is not a stretch. Many friendships have become made by attending classes at Balance, with the others coming to work out, and with the instructors.
Balance’s mission is to connect and elevate the community through the joy of movement. Annie laughs, saying, “I don’t think everyone views movement or working out as joyful, but it can be!” At Balance, you will find yourself smiling and laughing while pulsing and posing. You can truly disconnect, tune out the outside world, and forget about whatever happened before you walked in the door. This is true for both women in business and stay-at-home mothers. You are able to walk in, and for 45 minutes to an hour, you are only focused on your movement and your breath. This is incredibly valuable in our day-to-day lives.
One of the best things about Balance Barre + Fitness is that it is a studio for every body. And yes, we mean every BODY. It is a LOW IMPACT workout that allows you to work out your entire body while being gentle enough for those who may have joint issues, replacements, returning to fitness from having a baby, or are newer in their fitness journey. You can elevate and modify every move at a Balance workout, doing what feels best for you that day. The instructors encourage every person to listen to their body and only do what feels right for them. This allows Balance to provide workouts that cater to both an older and younger clientele, and for both men and women, regardless of where they find themselves in their fitness journey.
Annie has been in the fitness industry, teaching barre and yoga specifically, for nine years. Her previous experience has led her to where she is now. As a wife and a mom, it’s important for Annie to have a space for herself to move her body, listen to her breath, and have that sense of community. This is why it’s so important for her to provide that for our Beaufort community, because of her own need for it.
Not only does Balance offer the best full-body barre workout, but it also has a beautiful and expanding yoga program. Balance has some of the best yoga instructors in our area, teaching a strong vinyasa flow, a slower candlelit flow, and a super fun yoga-barre fusion. Yoga-barre gives you all the traditional yoga poses, with some added pulses pulled from barre and a relaxing savasana to end.
Balance Barre + Fitness is a small business, so it is key for Annie to ensure they support and draw attention to other small and locally-owned businesses in our area. One way she is accomplishing this is by curating unique fitness field trips. Barre at the Bar is hosted regularly at Shellring Ale Works. Yoga on the Rooftop happens downtown on Bay Street. Yoga + Lattes happens at Urban Brew, Balance’s neighbor in the Beaufort Town Center. You can also find the Balance instructors “tucking on the tiki” bar on the river. This is a unique opportunity for Balance to grow the community and introduce their clients to small businesses they might not know.
Balance’s business is fitness, but their heart is so much more. It is an inviting space for you to move your body and be comfortable. You might cry during class. You might lay in child’s pose for half the class. You will definitely laugh and smile during your workout. “Balance is a place I can go to calm my mind and restore my well-being all around, physically, emotionally, and mentally,” says Marissa Siebka, an instructor at Balance. Marissa teaches the $5 community slow-flow class on Sundays.
Balance offers childcare for multiple classes throughout the week. This allows moms to get their movement in without waiting for a babysitter. Just bring the kiddos with you, and know they are being cared for while you care for yourself.
Balance also offers an incredible retail boutique wall! Balance can be your go-to spot for activewear and athleisure, and with brands like lululemon and Tavi Noir on the wall, you will indeed find something that suits your fancy.
If you’re on the fence about group fitness, you have nothing to lose by giving it a try at Balance Barre + Fitness. You only have a lot to gain. You will gain supportive instructors who will push and encourage you toward your personal fitness goals. You will gain a healthier mindset toward movement. You will gain a community that makes you feel a little less lonely, a little less overwhelmed, and a whole lot more joyful. Because being at Balance always equals feeling joy. I know, I go there.
To view the upcoming schedule or book a class, visit balancebarreandfitness.com.
