June 16, 2025
Shop stories: Explore The Barre Co in Elsternwick Village
Shobi Umapalan, owner of The Barre Co in Elsternwick Village.
Situated in the heart of Elsternwick Village, The Barre Co is a breath of fresh air in Melbourne’s boutique fitness scene.
The studio, which opened in September 2024, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of barre and Pilates classes that combine elegant movement with functional strength training – all delivered with a distinctly personal touch.
The studio is the creation of Shobi Umapalan, a qualified Pilates instructor and long-time Elsternwick local. With a vision to create a warm and intimate space that celebrates movement and community, The Barre Co has quickly established itself as a go-to wellness destination for those seeking high-quality instruction without the intimidating vibe of a big gym.
Open for morning and evening classes on weekdays and daytime sessions on weekends, The Barre Co also hosts corporate events, private parties and special ticketed workshops, making it a versatile space that’s as much about connection as it is about fitness.
Boutique studio classes with personal touch
The Barre Co offers a range of small-group classes, including barre and mat Pilates, as well as private one-on-one reformer Pilates sessions. Catering to all levels – from beginners through to experienced practitioners – each class is designed to strengthen, lengthen and energise the body.
What sets the studio apart is its commitment to personalised attention. Group classes are intentionally capped at just eight participants, allowing instructors to provide tailored guidance and support to every client.
For those looking for a more customised experience, one-on-one sessions blend reformer Pilates, mat work and barre, depending on individual needs. The studio also welcomes clients navigating pre- and post-natal recovery, as well as those working through injuries or physical limitations.
“Barre is a ballet-inspired movement that is focused on building strength,” Ms Umapalan said.
“It’s extremely challenging and is a great workout for your legs, but for your overall strength and what it can do for your body, it’s incredible. And learning to move differently on the barre, to really focus on those micro movements that build that tension in the muscles, offers a great workout.
“It [barre] challenges your posture and your control, and we are often working slowly with a lot of control, so you’re putting those muscles under tension for a bit longer than you might in a reformer class. And you’re also really relying on your own body weight as well. It’s just you and the barre, really.”
A love of barre and filling a gap in the market
Ms Umapalan brings more than 30 years of personal Pilates practice to her teaching. Her love of barre took root after taking many classes, then later during a stint in New York, where she immersed herself in daily classes at a variety of boutique studios.
“I wished for a long time that there was a [barre] studio in Elsternwick that was the type of studio that I wanted to work out in, which was aesthetically pleasing but also intimate. And there really wasn’t anything around so I just opened my own,” Ms Umapalan said.
Having lived in Elsternwick for about 20 years, Ms Umapalan saw a clear gap in the local market for a high-end yet approachable fitness studio. The Barre Co now fills that void, offering a space where form and function meet thoughtful design.
Notably, her mat Pilates classes are conducted in a non-heated room – something Ms Umapalan believes provides a more honest workout experience.
“Although I love to be warm, I know that it doesn’t necessarily equate to a better workout. Yes, people sweat, but that’s because you’re hot, not necessarily because you’re working harder than you would in a non-heated class. It allows you to see when you’re working hard as opposed to just being hot and sweaty,” she said.
The studio also rejects the bootcamp mentality that can be intimidating for some. Instead, The Barre Co embraces a gentle, encouraging and mindful approach to training.
Fostering connections
More than just a fitness studio, The Barre Co is a community hub for those looking to feel good, both physically and mentally. Ms Umapalan is passionate about creating an environment that fosters connection – between body and mind, as well as among clients themselves.
“We wanted to create a space that was very friendly and welcoming, and where people could really connect with each other. We do encourage people to talk to each other; we always try to introduce people to each other in classes if they haven’t met before,” she said.
That sense of belonging is core to The Barre Co’s ethos. Many clients come for the physical challenge, but stay for the relationships they build along the way.
“Fostering those connections between the people who come to my studio and seeing them form relationships of their own, I find that really rewarding. And I think it’s really beneficial for the clients,” Ms Umapalan said.
With its unique blend of high-quality instruction, intimate class sizes and a focus on community, The Barre Co is redefining what it means to work out and feel welcome at a studio. Whether you’re a seasoned mover or just beginning your fitness journey, this boutique offers a space to strengthen, connect and thrive.
