Kady Decker is the adventurous owner for Pure Barre Nashville, Nashville’s first barre-style workout facility that opened in 2009. Many know Kady for the motivation she gives in her classes and thank her for the lifted booties these classes are known to achieve. But, we wanted to know about the person behind this studio that took Nashville by storm almost 3 year ago. We are proud to have Kady Decker as our FACE of Nashville today.
Where did you grow up?
Murfreesboro, TN
When and why did you move to Nashville?
March 2009 to open my first Pure Barre studio in Green Hills.
What is the greatest piece of advice you have been given in business?
“Once you lose someone’s respect it’s nearly impossible to get it back.”
Greatest piece of advice for someone on a New Year’s mission to either lose weight or get healthier?
Don’t have an ‘all or nothing’ mindset; you’re setting yourself up to fail. You should have a clear plan for your goals and the results that you want to achieve, but you should also know that of course you’re going to miss an occasional workout and undoubtedly you’re going to have sweets at some point. Just remember that it’s okay. The most important thing is to get up the next day and start again with your plan rather than feeling like you failed and give up.
How is Pure Barre different from standard workouts?
We work every muscle in the body all the way to fatigue, and then we stretch everything out to lengthen the muscles, all utilizing a ballet barre. You hold the positions until muscle fatigue sets in and then stretch to elongate the muscle, which is why the technique works so quickly and clients start to see results within the first few classes. The class is intense and it’s high energy, but everyone can do it. You do not need to have any prior dance or ballet training.
How many of your instructors have left to open their own studios across the country?
8 of my best teachers have spread out all over the country from Seattle, WA, to Charlotte, NC, to open multiple pure barres. Between the 8 of them, they have 16 studios.
Do you have an irrational fears?
I’m completely afraid of the dark.
What books can be found on your bedside table?
My Bible and light-hearted, quick reads like the Something Borrowed seriesby Emily Giffin.
Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Dinner and drinks at Tavern with my boyfriend and close friends, then home to crash.
Favorite local musician?
Joshua Maddox.
What is your “must-have” purchase for spring 2012?
High-waist, wide-leg pants. I’ll take any chance I get to channel my inner hippie.
Any new workout wear that has your eye?
Of course lululemon is always an amazing staple. But new on the market is Splits59, women’s activewear company based in Los Angeles. I sell their pieces at pure barre and they’re amazing. They have functional pieces for all types of work outs, but what’s even better are their “to-and-from” layering pieces that you never want to take off.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Nashville?
Anything MStreet: Tavern and Kayne Prime are my favorites. For quick lunches, Tazikis on West End is SO yum.
Favorite vacation spot?
Cabo.
Do you have a playlist for a dinner party that you can share with our readers? (to see this playlist in iTunes, click here.)
1. Avett Brothers, ‘Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise’
2. Joshua Maddox, ‘Come Away’
3. Patty Griffin, ‘Up To The Mountain’
4. Ray Lamontagne, ‘Jolene’
5. Joshua Maddox, ‘Fighting Chance’
6. Mumford & Sons, ‘The Cave’
7. Adele, ‘Make You Feel My Love’
8. James Morrison, ‘One Life’
9. Mumford & Sons, ‘Awake My Soul’
10. Joshua Maddox, ‘Waiting Patiently’
11. Ray Lamontagne, ‘You Are The Best Thing’
12. John Hiatt, ‘Have A Little Faith In Me’
13. The Beatles, ‘Come Together’
14. Patty Griffin, ‘Heavenly Day’
15. Zac Brown Band, ‘Free’
Name three things you can’t live without (excluding friends, family and God):
- Pure Barre
- SmartWater
- Bobbi Brown Eye Corrector
Thanks Kady! And special thanks to Ashley Hylbert for her amazing photos. For more behind-the-scenes photos, see Ashley’s blog here.
