Business name, location: 

The Bar Method 

837 Beatty Street in Yaletown, Vancouver

vancouver.barmethod.com

In business: Opens October 23, 2010 

Number of employees: Three

What do you do?

I am the owner of and teacher at Canada's first Bar Method studio.  The Bar Method is an hour-long total body workout that combines isometric interval training, dance conditioning and sports rehabilitation to quickly and safely burn fat and carve muscle.

What was your motivation? 

I was hooked after my first Bar Method class – I had never found a workout to be so thorough and efficient. As soon as I moved from California to Vancouver, I missed the class and said to my husband: “I want to open a Bar Method studio here!” Two years later, it has become a reality and I am so excited for Vancouver to get the opportunity to experience the “burn”!

What was your biggest challenge and how did you solve it? 

Finding the perfect space.  I knew that the studio would become  a "home away from home" - so I had to absolutely love the space and the location.  I also remember visiting Bar Method studios in California and being impressed by their well-appointed lounges and locker rooms; it was important to me that the Vancouver space have the same spa-like feel upon entering.  

I spent eight months looking before finally finding the studio location at 837 Beatty St. in Yaletown (just above Jump! Gymnastics) and, with the help of my amazing realtor Andrew Altow, secured the space as Canada's very first Bar Method studio.

What's the best decision you ever made?

In my personal life, it would have to be marrying my wonderful husband, Jim.   In my professional life, I would say it was moving to this incredible city.  I really love Vancouver and moving here has enabled me to follow my passion and contribute to its outstanding athletic culture by introducing The Bar Method.

How has the Internet changed the way you do business? 

While we don't officially open our doors until October 23, the internet has already created a realm of possibilities for our studio that would never have been possible ten years ago.

Through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and email, we have already gathered hundreds of excited individuals into a proper Bar Method community.  We cannot wait to open our doors, and welcome these friends on a full time basis to experience The Bar Method.

What's your best source for new business?  

Definitely word of mouth and targeted marketing practices like Social Media.  The Bar Method is such a fun, result-delivering, and different workout, that people cannot help but tell their friends and share their personal experiences on Facebook, through Twitter, etc.  Even without opening our doors we are receiving mass interest from Vancouverites who have been told that they have to experience The Bar Method by friends who have taken a class at one of the US studios. 

What is one thing you need right now? 

We need Vancouver residents of all ages who want to make positive changes in their bodies, health, and lifestyle to come on out and give The Bar Method a try - I promise you, you won't regret it!