With boutique fitness experiences on the rise across the country, New Orleans’ northshore has added a new one called The Sculpt Studio that offers barre classes.
Founder and owner Rachel Higgins Bissinger didn’t originally plan to pursue a fitness career after graduating from Louisiana State University with a culinary arts degree. While raising her two sons, she joined a local barre studio and considered becoming a certified instructor.
But before Bissinger could be trained, she the studio closed its doors.
“It was heartbreaking to lose such an important part of my daily routine, including the group of ladies with whom I had become friends over the years,” she said. “I just needed to figure out how and where we could go without losing momentum.”
Bissinger collaborated with her husband, her former instructors and about 10 women from her former studio to continue at-home classes until The Sculpt Studio opened its doors on Aug. 3 at 2985 U.S. 190 in Mandeville.
Classes include Sculpt Barre, a full-body, low-impact workout; Sculpt Ignite, a cardio-driven class; Sculpt Flow, a yoga-inspired session; and Sculpt Strength, which prioritizes heavy weights.
The studio plans to add TRX, a suspension-training workout that builds strength and core stability, to the future class lineup. Total Resistance Exercise was developed by a former Navy Seal, and it uses adjustable straps that are suspended from above.
Occasional wellness experiences and local business pop-ups are also planned to complement the exercise offerings.
“We’re independently owned, not a franchise, so it gives me the freedom to bring more than just fitness to my studio,” Bissinger said.
Future programming includes an event with cosmetic boutique About Face Mandeville and a color analysis pop-up with Kelly Fairchild of The Fifth Season.
The Sculpt Studio will celebrate its grand opening in October. Founding memberships, with a guaranteed monthly rate of $189, are available until Oct. 31. To learn more, visit sculptstudioco.com.