Femme On Fire, Lauren McComb: Living a Life That Is Fit and Fierce

I am SO excited for today’s post!

Today marks the start of a monthly post I’m calling Femme On Fire, where I interview and introduce you to women who are living life EMBODIED. They are fierce, compassionate, loving the skin they’re in, going after their dreams, living an authentic life, and encouraging women around them to do the same. These are the kind of women who not only shine bright, but take deep pleasure in encouraging their sisters to shine brightly too.

And because of these things, they glow with beauty from the inside out.

A Femme on Fire is the the kind of woman I strive to be and love to be around.

(And to Kamilah Barrett, you defintely are a Femme on Fire….I just hadn’t thought of doing this as a monthly post when I interviewed you last year..ya’ll should take a look at her interview too as soon as you finish this one!)

So let me tell you about Lauren McComb…

I had the deep pleasure of meeting Lauren back in January when I signed up for classes at her Pure Barre studio in Tampa, Florida. At the time, I was knee deep in my mother’s accident, spending countless hours at the hospital, and knew I needed something to keep me sane, keep me mentally and physically fit, and give me a sense of community when I was feeling quite disconnected.

I found that at Lauren’s studio.

Virtually everyday for a month, I made it into the studio for my 55 minute class to get into my body, fueled by amazing music and spirited, talented teachers. Not only did I leave feeling physically stronger, but also happier and more connected to myself.

I absoutlely fell in love with the Pure Barre technique, and as an added bonus, I found a new friendship in Lauren and her amazing mother, Elle. They, along with their incredible staff, are doing so much more than giving women a barre class…they are creating a community for women, something I think most of us are starved for in our web-based world. These two women treated me with such love and care during one of the most difficult times in my life…I cannot speak highly enough about them.

And that’s what stands out about Lauren and her studio…she really embodies beauty from the inside out and encourages other women to do the same.

So without further delay, I give you my interview with Lauren McComb!

(Anita) How did you get involved with Pure Barre?

(Lauren) I started taking Pure Barre in Sarasota back in June 2011. When I heard Pure Barre was opening in my hometown I was very excited to learn more about the barre technique and attend class the first week they opened. I was instantly hooked and found myself going everyday. After a month of taking classes I was asked to become a teacher and was thrilled to train to become a teacher! I had always wanted to teach fitness and have always been active from a young age. It was love at first “tuck”.

(A) I know you told me you left a career in finance to pursue this new career path. I love that and feel inspired by that, as I always encourage my clients and readers to live the life they desire. What made you decide to make the switch and what has been the best part of that for you?

(L) Prior to opening Pure Barre Tampa, I was a Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab & Co. in Sarasota, FL. I was in the Financial Services Industry for 6 1/2 years and enjoyed it, however I was not passionate about it. I loved meeting with clients and connecting with them on a personal level, I just knew something was missing. My love for fitness and health started at a young age. I grew up in a very active family. After teaching Pure Barre for several months I realized this was my passion and I wanted to follow my dreams of opening my own business.

(A) What makes Pure Barre unique?

(L) Pure Barre is unique because the workout utilizes a ballet barre & small isometric movements to lift your seat, tone your thighs, abs & arms while burning fat in record breaking time. Clients see results within 10 classes! It is a total body workout that is low impact and set to fantastic music! The class goes by quickly because you have fun while doing it! The Founder, Carrie Dorr, says “It’s a challenging workout but if you can hold on to a ballet barre can do it!”

(A) I believe that every woman should feel free in her body and beautiful in her own skin. I also believe that the quickest and most lasting way to getting a body you love is by loving and appreciating the body you have NOW, not waiting until you are the “perfect” weight. How does Pure Barre and your studio fit in with that philosophy?

(L) We couldn’t agree with this more! We have many potential clients that stop in the studio before taking their first Pure Barre Class and will say they want to get into better shape or lose weight before taking their first class. We encourage them to start now and Pure Barre is for all fitness levels, ages and body types. You see results within 10 classes and it is the quickest way to change the shape of your body. We empower women to love the body they have!

(A) For the woman who has never experienced Pure Barre and wants to give it a go but may be feeling nervous about taking her first class, what would you tell her?

(L) We would tell her with any new technique it takes a few classes to really grasp the concepts and movements. We would encourage her to come at least 3 to 5 times within the first week to really get a deep understanding of Pure Barre Technique. Our teachers are very hands on and help clients understand the movements and assure they are doing them properly. We also offer a “Breaking Down the Barre” class on a monthly basis. This is a non working class to help deepen the clients knowledge and get the most out of every class!

(A) I simply love how good you and your mom Elle treat your clients and are building a community for women through your studio. Why do you think this is important for women?

(L)We think it is so important to make clients feel welcomed and appreciated! It is more than just a work out studio, Pure Barre Tampa, is a place for women to come and focus on themselves for the 55 minutes in class, meet friends, make new ones and feel beautiful on the inside and out. Pure Barre is for all shapes, sizes and fitness abilities. We are passionate about helping our clients achieve their goals and we love to see the changes in clients bodies! Pure Results are the best! Keep on tucking!

(A)What’s your personal philosophy on food and fitness?

(L) My personal philosophy on food and fitness is about enjoying everything in a balanced manner. Eating healthy is a lifestyle choice and makes you feel better all around. It is important to eat healthy and fuel your body with the proper ingredients. You need to reward yourself for hard work every once in a while…and can do this by using fresh, organic and wholesome ingredients! Food is one of many life’s many delights and should be enjoyed!

(A) What lights you up most? What makes you feel most beautiful?

(L) The thing that lights me up the most is helping clients achieve their fitness goals and having them feel amazing about themselves. My passion is fitness and health and I love to see clients happy by the results they achieve. The thing that makes me feel the most beautiful is smiling from the inside out…a smile is the best accessory you can have! It is great for the soul, mind and body!

(A) Anything else you want to share?

(L) I want to thank you for taking the time to ask me these questions and most importantly for coming to our studio! We are so happy to have met you and look forward to seeing you again soon. You are a remarkable woman and you inspire us! I also want to share that I am thankful for the Tampa Bay Community for supporting my dreams of owning my own Pure Barre Studio and opening with my Mother, Elle. It has been such an amazing journey so far and I look forward to many more years of joy, laughter and memories!

(A) Lauren, I feel the same about you! Thanks for taking time to share your passion for fitness and living your dreams with all of us. And all of you make sure you check out Lauren’s studio in Tampa, Florida when you are down that way! You’ll be so glad you did. 😉 And for those of you not in Tampa, you can find a Pure Barre in your hometown too!

Lots of love,

P.S. There’s still time to have your voice heard and let me know how I can help you transform your relationship to food and your body so you can live a life that truly rocks. Fill out this short survey and give me your feedback…you are important to me! Plus, if you leave me your name and email, you’ll be registered to attend a very special Q&A Coaching Call with me next month where I will answer any and all questions you may have about your body, weight, food, and whatever else is up for you. Looking forward to hearing from you!