One of the best ways to stay positive, focused, and healthy, especially these homebound days, is through daily or weekly exercise. Given the temporary closure of yoga studios and fitness centers in Paris, many instructors have taken to offering their courses online. The silver lining, as I mentioned in this Fodor’s article about Paris during the pandemic, is that we are better able to connect globally. Here are my top recommendations for barre, yoga, fitness, and dance classes available online and taught by some of Paris’s best instructors. You’ll (almost) feel like you’re exercising in the city of light.
San Diego born Sophia Willoughby Jeremiasz brought the sunshine with her when she founded California Barre in Paris in 2015. As Sophia admits, “It was love at first “tuck” thanks to the method’s rapid results and low impact exercises.” By combining yoga, Pilates, dance, and fitness, these intense online workouts sculpt, lengthen, and spiritually boost your body. Ready to get in shape, California Barre style?
New York dance professional Michael Pereira arrived in Paris five years ago, bringing Broadway with him. After opening his successful dance studio Broadway in Paris, Michael decided to create an online program. This led to his recent launch of Bonjour Broadway, offering a variety of dance classes, offered both by him and fellow dance professionals. Get your dancing shoes on, Michael’s good energy is contagious! Photo by Jérôme Bessout
Julie Granger is a French ballerina turned barre extraordinaire who recently brought her practice from New York to Paris. In early March, Julie opened The Studio Paris and is now holding classes online. Her signature offerings include Brooklyn Barre, a conditioning class that combines the benefits of ballet, pilates, and cardio. Having tried many of Julie’s classes, I can well understand her popularity around the globe. Photo by Nisian
Fitness guru Stephanie Nieman is the founding trainer of Barry’s Fitness, the first Barry’s to open in Paris. Since Covid-19, she begun offering her intense workouts online by launching Team Steph. Her most recent body sculpting options include dynamic DJ sets which will keep your body flowing. Needless to say, Steph’s classes are a hit (or should I say HIIT) far beyond Paris! Photo by Albin Durand
One of my favorite yoga teachers Marc Holzman, who normally spends half the year (the sunny half) in Paris when not in Los Angeles, has now transitioned to offering his energizing and uplifting classes online. This certified Ayurveda practitioner and Amrit Yoga Nidra teacher will keep you fit through his yoga classes while keeping the mood light. Once travel returns, do yourself a favor and book a yoga retreat with this master!
