Michelle Rahlves L.C.T/Owner-Trainer

Working in Physical Therapy for 7 years with Ladd Williams PT, Michelle learned the correct techniques for an effective workout.  Taking Pilates classes for 4 years and then training in Bar classes in Southern California gave her the incentive to bring The Bar Effect to Northern California.

As a 15 year Truckee resident, Michelle has worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and traveled the world with the U.S. Ski Team on the World Cup Circuit.  She is certified with the ISSA, the International Sports Science Association. Partnering up with The High Fives Foundation in 2011 has given her experience in working with injured athletes of all levels.

 

-Bar Effect Instructors-

 

Allyson Gilles/Coordinator

Allyson has been with The Bar Effect since September of 2010, and she was hooked instantly! Health and fitness have always been important to her, so it was natural for her to seek additional methods to heal a lingering running injury through The Bar Effect. The speed with which her injury healed after attending just a few months of classes regularly convinced Allyson that she had stumbled upon a significant way to heal and prevent future sport injuries. As an avid runner and skier, being physically fit and strong are important to enjoying life outdoors in the Tahoe region no matter the season. Allyson also brings to The Bar Effect a strong background in horseback riding and instruction, both of which have prepared her to teach others how to “tuck” that backside into shape. She enjoys working with people, and she looks forward to helping others transform their bodies and minds in the process.

Jennifer Frechette

Bio coming soon…

Amie Engerbretson

Born and raised in Tahoe, is a true lover of the outdoors and of the high level of fitness necessary for her to go out and seek adventure. She first discovered the Bar Effect style of training when living in Chicago where she took classes for 2 years. With a strong background in dance both as a company member and a teacher, she has developed an excellent awareness of body positioning, balance and strength. Amie is a professional skier currently sponsored by Salomon, Sessions, Smith Optics and Discrete Headwear. She approaches fitness as a way to enhance life, prevent injury and relieve stress. Additionally, Bar Effect is a great cross training for her to build strength which enables her to pursue her many sport passions including skiing, mountain biking, paddle boarding, running, rock climbing, and dancing.  She aims to share these techniques and benefits with others.

Jennifer Ford

Jennifer has a background in dance. She has been an instructor for the past 11 years at a studio in Seattle, taking master classes from some of the greats of choreography and technique. Taking her first bar class at The Bar Effect, she immediately felt the burn and came back for more! Her goal is to push clients to their fullest potential while focusing on posture and form, and making the hour of burn as fun as possible.

Tanya Miller

Tanya started working as a rehab trainer, boot camp instructor and personal trainer in 1998 in San Francisco.  Working with some of the top physical therapists at the Stone Clinic and Presidio Sport Medicine, Tanya learned the importance of proper technique.   Working with world class athletes trying to return to their sport or trying to reach the next level of competition Tanya found the Bar type of training to have the specific movements that made a critical difference.  She believes that Bar training is the perfect cross training exercise to allow a person to do all the sports they love at a higher and safer level.

 

Patrice Abood

Exercise and physical fitness has always been an essential part of Patrice’s life. From the 80′s craze of teaching aerobics, Nautilus and general fitness at the gym to Pilates and yoga in which she has practiced since the early 90′s. Patrice is an experienced Pilates instructor, having studied and received her comprehensive certification (2007) from master teacher Rael Isacowitz, founder of Body Arts and Science International (BASI).  She is also trained and certified (RYT® 200 Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher) as an Ashtanga and Sadhana Yoga Chi Instructor by Doug Swenson (2010).  She currently teaches vinyasa style yoga infused with humor and generous helpings of kick-your-asana power flow sequences.  Upon taking classes with The Bar Effect team, Patrice just had to add that to her repertoire. She feels bar classes are extremely challenging, but at the same time loads of fun along with great results.  Patrice has a certification through the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) for Pilates Bar.  Patrice’s enjoys horseback riding, hiking, snowshoeing and traveling.

Jennie Pitts

Yoga with Jennie

Expect a lighthearted and flowing practice with an attention to proper alignment.

Jennie Pitts-Knipe became a Registered Yoga Teacher at the Shambhava School of Yoga (Kona, HI) in 2004 and has been teaching yoga ever since.  She received her Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Colorado at Boulder and with dance as her native language, she combines a joyful love of movement with a careful attention to alignment and proper use in all of her classes. A dedicated educator, Jennie has taught creative movement, dance and yoga classes in a variety of settings here and in the Czech Republic for organizations such as Iowa State University, University of Colorado, The International School of Music & Fine Arts, Prague, Truckee Meadows Community College, and the Vancouver Public School System.   She currently teaches yoga at Sierra College, University of Nevada Reno, O2 Yoga & Wellness and is very excited to begin classes at Truckee Pilates and The Bar Effect.