What formerly was a second studio for yoga in the Tahoe Keys Marina is now home to The Bar, a new fitness company. Run by South Lake Tahoe local Robyn Lindner, The Bar primarily offers barre classes, a low-impact form of exercise combined with dance elements. It is one of the few studios in the area that offers this type of workout.

The origin is in not only dance, but also physical therapy, which is huge in Tahoe as people get injured from outdoor activities,” she said.

According to Lindner, participants train using tiny movements, and instructors give in-depth descriptions of exercises to verify each person has correct posture and avoids injury.

Prior to teaching at The Bar, Tahoe-raised Lindner led classes in Berkeley, California, and New York City before moving back to South Shore in 2013 and teaching barre on her parents’ roof. When the opportunity to sublease the marina suite presented itself, she jumped on it.

Dance has always been a part of my life,” she said. “I thought it was better to at least try and fail than to not try at all.”

As the location was formerly a yoga studio, it was already set up to hold exercise classes; all Lindner needed to add was the mirror and bars. She opened The Bar on June 25 with an open house, offering free classes all day. It officially opened on Monday, June 27.

Lindner is currently the only instructor at The Bar, but she expects to hire approximately four more instructors in the near future. An English and yearbook teacher at South Tahoe High School, she will not be able to teach all The Bar classes once the school year begins.

“My goal is to be able to keep the classes going,” Lindner added.

Also offered at The Bar are dance conditioning, cardio dance and “Coyote Ugly” classes. Lindner says cardio dance is the most popular class behind barre.

“It’s a fun way to work out and dance in a comfortable environment to gain confidence,” she said.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Bar cardio dance classes begin with a warm-up before moving to a routine in the second half of class. Classes focus on the same routine for two weeks, learning a little more each day, before switching to a new routine. According to Lindner, the routine is basic and people come back to the class just to keep learning the dance.

A kickboxing class, taught by Lindner’s sister, is expected to begin in February. For each of the classes, no experience is necessary and it’s open to all ages, with the exception of “Coyote Ugly,” which is open to ages 18 and older.

In the future, Lindner plans to offer Level Two barre classes, which are for people with more experience. Level Two classes move more quickly, as participants know barre descriptions and what the terms mean. Lindner is also open to offering other types of classes, such as pilates.

“I want the ability to do whatever new trend comes along,” she said.

Lindner is currently in the process of receiving necessary permits to provide child-care services at the studio, which will be offered at select classes. According to Lindner, it’s most needed in the morning, so that is likely when it will be offered. She hopes to get it set up by this fall.

Classes last one hour, and up to 16 people can fit in the studio. Walk-ins are welcome, but Lindner recommends signing up online prior to morning and Saturday classes, as those have a tendency to fill up.

For more information, to view the class schedule and prices or to sign-up for a class or private event, visit http://www.thebartahoe.com.