WOODBURY - "I wanted to give area residents a club with a yoga and fitness theme with many options for members and non-members," said Sarah Shinn Pratt, owner and managing member of The Barn Club, 558 Main Street South."Our space was carefully designed with each class and gym activity in mind."
The Barn Club celebrated its grand opening on February 1.
Sarah Shinn Pratt is most often recognized for her work as an antiques appraiser and appearances on the PBS series Antiques Road Show.
Her passion for antiques, unique structures, fitness and creating space that is simple, handsome and direct, was the platform for her interest in the Main Street South property.
Sarah purchased the former location of Dan's Frontier Shop in 2006. After some renovation, she rented the 7,000-square-foot space to her husband, antiques dealer Wayne Pratt.
Wayne Pratt passed away in 2007.
"I loved this building and didn't want to sell it after Wayne's passing," Sarah said.
With the idea of a social club gym in the back of her mind, Sarah set her plans into motion.
"I wanted to create something different, with a social club genre with a yoga and fitness theme, in a home-like atmosphere in well thought out space," she explained.
The first floor of The Barn Club is a carefully melded blend of old and new. The inspiring atmosphere is designed with serene post and beam earth tones, shiny wood floors, high ceilings, meticulous house keeping, large mirrors, state of the art fitness equipment, a café, barn-door themed changing rooms, locker rooms with black and white floors and shiny new lockers.
The rustic barn theme and attention to interior design details, from the high ceilings to window placement, blends the best of old and new architecture.
A sitting area for club members resembles an antique style living room, with a very up-to-date, flat screen television. Members can enjoy the comfortable wireless lounge and café area.
Upstairs, the second floor emanates calm serenity. The space was designed for the yoga, zumba, Pilates mat, indoor cycling and many other specialty classes.
The high ceilings, natural light filled exercise areas create plenty of room for personal training, Pilates reformers, cardio equipment and the massage and acupuncture suites.
Megan Lutz is The Barn Club's instruction director. Her passion for fitness and wellness started in college as a lacrosse and field hockey player.
Her calling has enabled her to create a career she loves that includes teaching wellness, yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling, becoming an outdoor guide and blending this with raising her family.
"This has woven well with raising my family," she explained to Voices.
Megan has assembled a team of dynamic seasoned instructors who teach a wide array of classes.
"It is wonderful to hear when our classes have helped our clients have a better night's sleep, a reduction in stress and more energy," Megan said. "We create teaching modalities for every level. Our beginner will feel successful and our advanced members will feel worked out."
The Barn Club offers many options for members and non-members. Classes offered include yoga, Pilates mat, zumba, indoor cycling, 20/20/20 fit, Tai Chi and Qi Gong and many other specialty classes. Personal training, Pilates reformers, cardio equipment, massage and acupuncture are available.
Hatha yoga, restorative vinyasa flow yoga, kundalini yoga, cynsura yoga and total body conditioning are offered.
The Barn Club, located at 558 Main Street South, may be reached by calling 203-263-4745. Additional information is available on the website at www.thebarnclub.net.
