Barre

Professional rugby players utilizing the power of Barre for peak performance

Barre, a fusion of ballet, Pilates, and cardio, is meticulously crafted to accommodate individuals of all proficiency levels. Nika’s focus has perpetually centered on implementing the most expedient and efficacious strategies for optimizing bodily performance. In this light, Barre presents an avenue for harnessing the therapeutic virtues of ballet, ensconced within the safety protocols and emphasis on proper form characteristic of Pilates, while incorporating cardiovascular elements akin to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT) workouts, thereby engendering mental health benefits alongside improved cardiorespiratory health and calorie expenditure.

In a surprising revelation, a 1975 study hailed ballet as the most physically and mentally demanding pursuit, surpassing even the rigors of football. This underscores ballet and Barre’s status as an effective asset within the toolkit of professional athletes, transcending its stereotypical association with classical dance. Notably, ballet dancers frequently exhibit superior fitness levels compared to conventional athletes, as evidenced by a study conducted at the University of Hertfordshire, which highlighted their prowess relative to international swimmers.

This fitness advantage extends across genders, as exemplified by renowned footballer Rio Ferdinand, who earned a scholarship to the London School of Ballet at the age of 11, underscoring the universality of dance’s appeal. Moreover, illustrious athletes such as Lynn Swann, Herschel Walker, and Steve McLendon have embraced ballet as a means to augment their on-field performance, thereby dispelling misconceptions and redefining the boundaries of athleticism. Even stalwart rugby players from the Newcastle Falcons have embarked on ballet lessons under the tutelage of Swan Lake performers, recognizing the transformative potential of ballet in fostering flexibility and enhancing agility, ultimately facilitating injury prevention and unleashing untapped athletic prowess.

To athletes across the spectrum, irrespective of gender, barre beckons as an untapped reservoir of fitness acumen, poised to elevate performance to unprecedented heights.

Nika’s Qualifications

FOUNDER AND CEO OF NIKA HEALTH

BARRE

  • Merrithew Stott Pilates (USA) Total Barre® Instructor certification

Pilates

PMA/REPSA Certifications in Mat and Equipment:

  • Beginner and Advanced Mat
  • Reformer
  • Cadillac
  • Chair
  • Barrel/Arc/Spine Corrector
  • Aerial Pilates
  • Pre and Post Natal Pilates
  • Magic Circle, Band, Roller, Balls

Aerial Movement

  • Certified Aerial Movement and Aerial Pilates Teacher

Stretching and Rehab

  • Certified in Anatomy
  • Certified in Fascia and Movement
  • Certified in Pelvic Stability
  • Certified in First Aid and CPR (2024)

Coaching and Psychology

  • MSc Psychology (Distinction)
  • Philosophy BA (Hons) Degree
  • Certified Master Facilitator Coach
  • Certified Relationship Coach

Corporate

  • Harvard University Certified in improving business through a culture of Health
  • Finance BSc (Hons) Degree
  • Chartered Banker (ACIB)
  • Young Banker of the Year Finalist Award (Sustainability)

TESTIMONIALS

"A pleasure to work with"

As the founder of Forge Fitness + Performance, a boutique luxury gym in Dubai, I'm thrilled to see our commitment to excellence making waves in the city. Nika has always impressed our high-profile clients and celebrities with her genuine warmth, exceptional skills, and extensive knowledge. Clients simply adore Nika. I first collaborated with Nika over a decade ago. She effortlessly connects with people from diverse cultures. Especially in a city known for its high standards, ensuring our clients always receive the best experience possible. Nika's ethical approach and compassionate nature make her a pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend her.

Phillip Elder
Owner and founder of Forge Fitness + Performance, Dubai

"Lovely compassionate teacher"

Nika is a lovely compassionate teacher and was offered a position as a regular instructor at The Source (my pilates studio and teacher training facility). While teaching Pilates with us, Nika showed up as reliable, a team player, and a lovely individual who we enjoyed having in our space. Clients loved working with Nika and I would happily recommend Nika for a position.

Renee Watson
Owner and founder of The Source and Concious Movement Education

"Dedication, professionalism and positive impact"

I have witnessed first-hand her dedication, professionalism, and positive impact on people. I am confident that Nika will be a tremendous facilitator in any coaching process as she has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to develop and mentor individuals of various skill levels and in various professions. Her personalized coaching style, combined with a deep understanding of the people's individual strengths, has enabled many to improve their skills and achieve their goals. She creates a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters respect and personal growth and has outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Moreover, Nika is highly committed to consistently facilitate the balancing of personal and professional responsibilities, and she works collaboratively with the individuals being coached to develop strategies for success. Her commitment to giving back to the community continues to have a positive impact with those she is involved with. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Nika as a coach and am confident that her skills, dedication, and passion will make a significant and lasting contribution to any one.

Carla Fortunato
Master Facilitator and Founder of Turnkey Solutions International consultancy Practice and lead coaching certification educator

"Nika seeks to bring out the 'gold' in people"

Nika’s suitability to work with people comes from her heart, she has a warmth and enthusiasm to engage fully and in the moment with people from all walks of life.  Nika is bright minded, intelligent, well traveled and is creative in her problem solving and reliable in all stages of relationship. She is a kind, safe person with a good knowledge of boundaries and a loving and cheerful manner. Nika seeks to bring out the “gold” in people without being blind to the truth of what is actually going on in stressful situations. Nika has a genuine zest for daily life. Inspiration plus a wealth of experience and sound knowledge inform Nika’s work.

Jane , Australia
Counsellor and Non Profit program Coordinator

"I highly recommend Nika"

Nika was extremely patient, knowledgeable, very aware of my limitations at the time, and worked magic on my knee. She has a charming smile putting me at ease totally. I highly recommend Nika. Physio never helped, and I am now able to bend my knee entirely from her Pilates and Stretching classes, starting slowly with knee bends, leg bends, and other stretching poses , progressing to total use.

73 Year Old Client
Suffering with Knee Injury

"Transformative"

Struggling with lower back injuries and postpartum recovery, I was determined to regain my athletic abilities for activities like Tough Mudder contests. Despite my prior experience with exercise and instructors, my sessions with Nika stood out. Her expertise in deep somatic breath and stretch techniques, combined with her exceptional knowledge of anatomy and muscles, brought immense relief and relaxation during a stressful time. Nika guided me from a state of fight or flight to profound relaxation. Nika's method of breaking down core Pilates exercises was transformative; I finally mastered the correct connections and techniques, transforming my practice. I value my sessions with Nika, and her warmth and kindness resonate with my five-year-old son as much as they do with me. She is genuinely dedicated to health and wellness, as well as humanitarian and pro bono initiatives, spending time serving many with her skill set.

Katie T , London UK
Law firm exec and Career mum

"Exceptional Pilates Instructor"

Nika is an exceptional Pilates instructor and possesses an intuitive awareness of the human body. The private Pilates lessons that she gave me were the main reason that I was able to overcome a number of recurring injuries and resulted in true rehabilitation for my body. My work requires me to carry 25 kg (55lbs) of weapons and equipment for up to 14 hours a day under austere conditions. This, along with training as a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) cage fighter for over 12 years, resulted in me picking up a number of recurring injuries, and muscle strength imbalances in my body. As my physical strength and wellbeing is of huge importance to me in operating as a security professional, it was essential that I rectified the issues that I was facing to continue to operate at my peak. My posture, focus, strength, endurance and overall sense of wellbeing improved significantly. It has been life changing. Nika is a conscientious and focussed instructor and her knowledge of Pilates and other aspects of health (such as diet) is vast. I believe that any athlete, professional or person seeking a healthier and stronger body will benefit from Nika’s lessons and recommend her as a world-class Pilates instructor of the highest level.

Client
MMA Fighter/Special Forces

"Her encouragement and positive reinforcement make every session enjoyable and motivating."

I recently had the privilege of working with Nika in 1-1 stretching and somatic release sessions focused on improving my mobility and flexibility. Nika’s experience is great but it’s her genuine warmth, kindness and dedication that impacted me the most. She took the time to truly understand my needs and tailored her approach to ensure personalised and effective instruction. Her encouragement and positive reinforcement make every session enjoyable and motivating. Nika’s commitment to her clients’ well-being goes above and beyond, creating a trusting and supportive environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Nika to anyone seeking to enhance their mobility and flexibility.

Sonali, British Expat in Thailand

"Won his swimming race"

He won his swimming race and said he was applying some principles you taught him

Kids Class
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2024 | nika health