Hope Wheeler, an Arlington resident, launched her entrepreneurial journey earlier this year by opening a new barre3 fitness studio in Falls Church. After two decades in professional communications, Wheeler made a major career change, deciding to pursue her passion for fitness.
This winter, she opened the barre3 studio at 450 N. Washington Street. Since its opening in February, the boutique studio has quickly become a popular destination for locals, offering classes focused on strength, cardio, and mindfulness.
Running the barre3 studio has become Wheeler’s full-time role, where she teaches classes, manages social media, restocks merchandise, and handles payroll. “It’s been quite a journey,” she told ARLnow. “It took me almost two years to get to this point… opening the studio was a big milestone and a major celebration.”
The studio offers four to five group classes daily, each with space for up to 24 participants. The workouts combine cardio, strength training, and breath exercises, all set in a welcoming environment. Wheeler emphasizes that the studio is inclusive, saying, “You don’t have to be the skinniest, the strongest, or the richest. You can just be yourself.”
Wheeler was inspired to open the new barre3 studio after the Clarendon location closed in 2022. The Clarendon studio had become an important part of her routine during the pandemic, helping her stay social and accountable. When the studio shut down, driving to other barre3 locations in the D.C. area became too difficult. “It was something I needed every day,” Wheeler explained. “So, I decided to open my own studio, and the franchise opportunity was available in this area. It means a lot to me.”
This is Wheeler’s first foray into entrepreneurship. Though she’s never considered herself “a traditional gym girl,” she felt drawn to barre3 because of its non-intimidating environment. “When you believe in something so strongly, it removes a lot of the worry,” she said.
Barre3 is a woman-founded franchise with over 200 women-operated studios across the country. In Falls Church, first-time visitors can enjoy a free class.
In addition to the fitness classes, the studio features a child-care area, locker room amenities, and jewelry for sale by The Pink Reef, a Northern Virginia-based designer.
Looking ahead, Wheeler hopes to form more community partnerships. She is set to teach a free fitness class on April 26 at Mr. Brown’s Park as part of the City of Falls Church Fitness Challenge. Barre3 will also participate in the city’s Memorial Day Festival.
Wheeler is excited to become more involved with her Falls Church neighbors and the local business community. “I’ve been welcomed so warmly by the Falls Church community and other business owners,” she said. “It’s truly been an amazing experience.”
