Q&A with Leana Macrito, Pure Barre Studio Manager

I recently interviewed Leana Macrito, the new Pure Barre studio manager at Deerfield.  She has been my instructor in several classes and is super positive during class and always makes sure my form is spot on so I feel the shaking.  Classes always seem to fly by when she is teaching, and before I know it- it’s time for the cool down and I feel relaxed and happy with how I’ve spent the last 55 minutes!

Learn more about Leana below…

What was your background prior to becoming a Pure Barre Studio Manager?

I am University of Iowa graduate (GO HAWKS!) with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and minors in English and Human Relations. I was a dancer from my early years and continued dancing through college.   After college I worked in sales at a bridal salon in the northwest suburbs and then switched to sales at a print marketing company.  While I liked what I did I wasn’t super passionate about it which is something that is very important to me.  I started taking Pure Barre classes and instantly became addicted to the workout.  When a Studio Coordinator position opened up I made the decision to move from the corporate world to the fitness world.  I loved coming into the studio everyday and getting to know the clients.  I was more than ecstatic when a teaching position opened up and I was chosen to go to training.  After teaching classes for a little over a month the manager position opened up and I knew that there was no better way to spend my days.  I am lucky to call the Deerfield studio home.

What’s your must-have item(s) for Pure Barre?

My must have items for Pure Barre class include: A fresh pair of sticky socks, my Pure Barre Tervis Tumbler water bottle, a Sweaty Band, and high rise leggings.  Sticky socks really help me to stay in place so I don’t have to worry about slipping.  I choose a Tervis over any other water bottle because it holds 20 ounces of water and it stays nice and cold.  The sweaty band is my favorite headband because it never slips or pushes off my head.  Lastly, I love a good high waisted pair of leggings.  I never have to work about them slipping down while I am moving around and they keep everything in nice and tight which makes me feel good.  The better I feel about myself going into class the more I get out of it.

What is your favorite part of class?

My absolute favorite part of class is thigh work.  I love the high energy high intensity workout.  My legs always burn and shake and I cannot get enough of that feeling.  I tell myself that I cannot come out of position until my legs are shaking and I have counted to 10.  I love the feeling of leaving class knowing I have 100% of my efforts.

What would you say to those considering a class, especially those unfamiliar with Pure Barre?

I would say try it! You won’t know if its for you unless you do.  Because barre workouts are still up and coming people feel intimidated to come in and try one.  They aren’t sure what the class looks like, how they will feel, if they are good at it— but once they try a class they see how warm and welcoming everyone is towards them.  The community in Pure Barre is great.  Everyone is focused on their own workout which creates such a good energy in the room!

Thank you so much for your answers, Leana!  Love that she was able to combine her background and passion into what she does every day!

Learn more about Pure Barre Deerfield and check out the latest happenings on their Facebook page.

Check out my other Pure Barre posts:
– 5 Tips for Pure Barre Newbies
– 5 Ways Pure Barre Helps Runners
– What to Wear to Pure Barre Class
– Q&A with Rachel, Pure Barre Studio Manager

Disclosure: Pure Barre Deerfield provides me with classes in exchange for blog promotion.  All opinions are my own.  I write about it because I love this workout, my local studio and the staff!