In Conversation with Catie Miller: Founder & Creative Director, Barre Series

What inspired you to create Barre Series, and how has your vision evolved since launching the business?

I’ve worked in the fitness and wellness industry for over 15 years, and what has always fascinated me is the power movement has to change how someone feels, both physically and mentally.

I created Barre Series because I wanted to bring together everything I had learnt through my experience in Pilates, barre, strength training and functional movement. My vision was to create an approach that felt intelligent, effective and accessible, regardless of someone’s age, experience or ability.

Over time, Barre Series has evolved into something much broader than a fitness class. Today, I work with private clients, luxury hospitality partners and corporate organisations, host wellness retreats and educate the next generation of instructors through the Barre Series Academy.

The heart of what I do, however, hasn’t changed. It’s about helping people understand their bodies, move with confidence and experience the benefits of consistent, purposeful movement.

What does wellness mean to you personally, and how has your own relationship with movement shaped the Barre Series philosophy?

For me, wellness is about feeling strong, confident and capable in both body and mind. It’s not about perfection, but about understanding what our bodies need and recognising how those needs evolve throughout our lives.

Movement has been a constant throughout my own life, supporting me through different stages, challenges and experiences. My relationship with it has evolved enormously, and I’ve come to appreciate just how powerful movement can be, far beyond its physical benefits.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been working with people from all walks of life, each with their own story, challenges and goals. I’ve also expanded my education to become certified in movement support for oncology patients, deepening my understanding of the role exercise can play in supporting people through some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

Every client teaches me something. Their stories continually reinforce why I do what I do and inspire me to keep learning. The more I understand the science behind movement, the more I appreciate its practical, functional and emotional benefits.

This is really the philosophy behind Barre Series. Movement is not simply about fitness or appearance. It’s about building strength, independence, resilience and confidence, allowing us to live our lives as fully as possible, whatever stage of life we find ourselves in.

What sets Barre Series apart from traditional fitness classes, and what makes your approach to movement unique?

Barre Series brings together principles of Pilates, barre, strength training and functional movement to create a balanced, full-body experience.

My approach is rooted in education and understanding. I don’t believe in simply asking someone to perform an exercise without helping them understand its purpose. How we move, why we move and how an exercise feels are all important.

I’m particularly passionate about technique, alignment and creating strength through controlled, intentional movement. Small adjustments can make an enormous difference, and I love seeing the moment a client connects with an exercise in a completely new way.

I also think it’s important to challenge the perception that barre or Pilates is only for a particular demographic. I work with men and women of different ages, abilities and fitness backgrounds, and my sessions are adapted to meet people where they are.

Ultimately, it’s about movement that has a purpose, rather than simply making someone work harder.

Why do you believe a more personalised approach to fitness and wellbeing is becoming increasingly important?

We’re all navigating different demands, whether that’s work, family, travel, ageing or changes in our health. Our bodies are not static, and I don’t believe our approach to fitness should be either.

Two people can have the same fitness goal but require entirely different approaches to achieving it.

Personalised movement allows us to consider the individual as a whole. How are they sleeping? What does their working day look like? Are they experiencing stress, recovering from an injury or looking to build strength for the future?

I think people are increasingly recognising the value of investing in their long-term health, rather than chasing quick results.

For me, the most effective approach is one that people can sustain and that continues to evolve alongside their lives.

How do your private sessions differ from group classes, and how do you tailor the experience to each client’s individual needs and lifestyle?

I love the energy and connection that comes from teaching a group, but private sessions give me the opportunity to understand someone on a much deeper level.

Every client has their own story, physical history, goals and relationship with exercise. Some want to improve their strength or mobility, others are returning to movement after an injury, navigating pregnancy or postnatal recovery, or simply looking to feel better in their bodies.

I take time to understand what each person needs and develop sessions that combine elements of Pilates, strength, barre and mobility work accordingly.

One of the things I value most is building long-term relationships with clients. Over time, I get to know not just how their bodies move, but how their lifestyles and priorities evolve.

I want every client to leave feeling that their session was designed specifically for them, because it was.

For clients balancing demanding schedules, frequent travel and busy lives, how do you help them incorporate movement and wellness into their everyday routines?

I always remind my clients that consistency is far more valuable than perfection.

You don’t need an hour every day to experience the benefits of movement. Sometimes 15 or 20 minutes of focused exercise can make a meaningful difference to how you feel.

For clients who travel frequently, I encourage simple routines that can be done in a hotel room or at home with minimal equipment. Through Barre Series On Demand, clients can also access sessions wherever they are in the world.

I think one of the biggest misconceptions around wellness is that we have to do everything. In reality, finding a few manageable habits and practising them consistently is often far more effective.

My role is to help people find a way to make movement part of their lives, without it feeling like another obligation.

Beyond private sessions, you offer bespoke wellness experiences. What do these involve, and how do you create something truly personal for each client?

One of my favourite aspects of my work is creating experiences that bring people together through movement and wellbeing.

These can range from intimate private sessions and small-group gatherings to corporate wellness programmes, workshops, special occasions and multi-day retreats.

I approach each experience by understanding who it’s for and what we want people to take away from it.

It might be a morning of movement, breathwork and connection with friends, a tailored wellness experience for a family, or a programme designed to support employees in a demanding workplace.

I also collaborate with specialists across different wellness disciplines, which allows me to create experiences that extend beyond movement alone.

For me, the luxury lies in the attention to detail, but more importantly, in how people feel throughout the experience and what they take away from it.

What inspired you to introduce wellness retreats, and what makes the Barre Series retreat experience special?

My retreats grew from a desire to create more time and space for the connection that develops through movement.

In a regular class, we might spend 45 or 60 minutes together before everyone returns to their busy lives. A retreat offers the opportunity to slow down, connect more deeply and experience movement in a different environment.

I’ve been fortunate to host retreats in some beautiful destinations, including Six Senses Ibiza and Monteverdi Tuscany.

Movement is always at the heart of the experience, but it’s equally about beautiful surroundings, wonderful food, meaningful conversations and the opportunity to step away from everyday demands.

I intentionally keep my retreats intimate. I want to get to know every guest and create an environment where people feel comfortable, supported and genuinely looked after.

What I love most is seeing the connections that develop between guests. People often arrive as strangers and leave with lasting friendships. That, to me, is incredibly special.

As wellness becomes an increasingly important part of luxury living, how do you see the demand for personalised fitness and wellbeing experiences evolving?

I think our understanding of luxury is changing. Increasingly, people value their time, their health and experiences that genuinely enhance their quality of life.

There’s a growing appreciation that wellbeing isn’t something we should only think about when something goes wrong. It’s an ongoing investment in how we want to live, both now and in the future.

I also believe clients are becoming more discerning. They’re looking beyond trends and seeking experienced practitioners who can offer thoughtful, informed guidance tailored to their individual circumstances.

For the luxury hospitality and lifestyle sectors, I see an exciting opportunity to create experiences that are both highly personalised and genuinely beneficial.

To me, true luxury in wellness is having someone take the time to understand what you need, rather than simply offering what is popular.

Looking ahead, what is next for Barre Series, and are there any exciting plans, collaborations or upcoming experiences you can share with our readers?

There are several exciting areas we’re continuing to develop.

I’m incredibly proud of our collaborations within the luxury hospitality space, including Six Senses Place London and 1 Hotel Mayfair, where we’re bringing Barre Series to new communities through movement and wellness experiences.

Education is another important part of the business. Through the Barre Series Academy, I’m able to share my knowledge and experience with not only aspiring instructors but also dedicated clients, helping them develop the confidence and skills to begin their own teaching journeys or deepen their understanding of movement. We have further Academy training dates scheduled in London for 28–30 January and 22–24 April 2027.

I’m also looking ahead to new retreat experiences in 2027 and continuing to explore opportunities to bring personalised movement and wellness into people’s homes, workplaces and travel experiences.

Ultimately, I want Barre Series to continue growing in a way that feels authentic to why I started it: helping people move well, feel stronger and find enjoyment in taking care of themselves.