South Surrey\u2019s Barre Fitness marks 10 years<\/p>\n
Published 12:00 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2026<\/p>\n
From med school to film to fitness \u2013 Susan Scarlett\u2019s journey to owning her own gym has been an interesting one.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll these life things shape us to who we become,\u201d the 53-year-old South Surrey resident said in a recent interview, reflecting on events that led up to her opening Barre Fitness in Grandview Corners 10 years ago.<\/p>\n
Barre \u201creally brought me back \u2026 that connection to myself. It brought me back to a happy place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Born and raised in North Vancouver, Scarlett was introduced to the hybrid fitness workout that blends barre with pilates, stretching and strength in 2012. Going through a divorce at the time, the mother of two started taking the classes to \u201cfind myself again,\u201d and quickly became hooked on the ballet-inspired exercises.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can kind of channel your inner ballerina, but it\u2019s a butt-kicking workout,\u201d she said, adding it\u2019s not just for the body, but also builds mental strength.<\/p>\n
Looking back on the road that led her to open Barre Fitness, Scarlett described dance as an integral part of her life from preschool into high school; a passion she left behind to pursue a career as a doctor, ultimately graduating from UBC with a bachelor\u2019s degree in medical science.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen, my mom got sick.\u201d<\/p>\n
The illness\u2019s \u201cvery tough road\u201d left Scarlett feeling the medical community had snubbed her and her mom, \u201cso I changed my whole path.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following two years studying naturopathic medicine in Seattle, she took a year off, during which time she began dabbling in acting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was, \u2018screw the sciences, screw medicine, I\u2019m going to do this,\u2019\u201d she recalled. \u201cClearly, I had these things that I had to try in my life.\u201d <\/p>\n
Landing roles on such series as Stargate, Mysterious Ways and Supernatural, as well as commercials, Scarlett said she continued in the film and TV industry \u2013 concurrently starting a business making jewelry and all the while raising her kids \u2013 until she discovered barre, moved away from North Vancouver, met her now-husband and moved to South Surrey.<\/p>\n
Finding the community barre-less, her husband \u2013 a contractor \u2013 suggested they open a studio, offering to put his skills to work to help make it happen. After securing a franchise and the Grandview location, Barre Fitness began offering classes in May 2016.<\/p>\n
The June 6 \u2018Open Barre\u2019 anniversary celebration, set for 8 a.m. till 12:30 p.m., includes an opportunity to check out the studio, meet Scarlett and the team, try a class (sign up online at barrefitness.com), win prizes and enjoy refreshments.<\/p>\n
There will also be an opportunity to support the business\u2019s fundraising efforts, including through a QR code scanning station benefiting Sources Women\u2019s Place.<\/p>\n
Scarlett said the morning\u2019s classes are suitable for every age and fitness level, noting her clients currently span an age spectrum ranging from 20 years old to 90.<\/p>\n
\u201cBarre is very low-impact, safe for joints, and everyone can modify and make it their own,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n