NEWPORT NEWS — When Whitney Duenas, 20, was diagnosed with lupus following a car crash in November 2016, she became heavily invested in barre fitness, specifically infrared-heated barre classes to deal with her illness.
“The infrared aspect has helped me tremendously whenever I’ve had flare-ups,” Duenas said, noting the treatment helps with everything from easing muscle and joint pain to improved flexibility and weight loss.
Infrared-heated barre is similar to hot yoga or pilates where a person works out in a humid environment — think about 102 degrees — essentially heating one’s body from the inside out. The main difference? Participants work out using a ballet barre.
When she moved from North Carolina to Newport News in May of last year, Duenas could not find any barre studios that offered infrared-heated barre classes.
So she decided to open her own studio, Barre by the Bay.
“I knew I had to help myself and other people,” Duenas said, in regards to spreading the word about infrared barre studio as a way to treat lupus.
Her studio, which officially opens April 6, offers barre, spin and yoga classes for multiple skill levels. There will also childcare for children as young as 8 months to “whatever age”.
Duenas also wants her studio to be a community where clients can get coffee with instructors, feel comfortable venting about their day to others and a space to support one another and feel supported.
She said she feels very passionate about supporting women and those with mental illness and thinks it’s important to find a way to foster a fun and comfortable environment where people can grow and improve themselves.
The Port Warwick studio is not near the water so why name her business Barre by the Bay?
“I’ve always been surrounded by water,” said Duenas, who grew up in Guam before moving to North Carolina when she was 14 years old. “It’s been a huge part of my life.”
“And,” she added, “I really wanted a wave for my logo.”
Barre by the Bay, 157 Herman Melville Ave. is open Monday through Sunday. Hours vary as the studio is only open during class times which start as early as 5:45 a.m. with the last class starting at 7 p.m.
For more information, visit the studio’s website or call 757-525-3660. You can also follow Barre by the Bay on Facebook.
