Every good story includes a turning point. Usually a lemons-to-lemonade type of situation; a change in pace from the norm, turning a negative experience into a positive breakthrough. For Ballet Bodies founder Andie Decker, her turning point came when a surgical procedure to remove her lifelong struggle with scoliosis ended her career as a ballet dancer – one she had build for herself in record time and had taken her to the prestigious New York City Ballet.
While the surgery left her with a full set of permanently fused vertebrae, Andie had over a decade of good fitness and health habits to help her healing process along, get her back to full strength, and begin her new career as a ballet teacher and personal trainer. It was at that point her passion for dance morphed into something deeper: a desire to help women transform their bodies through the dance, Pilates, and fitness training she knew and loved so well. And so Ballet Bodies, now a staple in West Hollywood’s fitness scene (and fave of celebs like Ginnifer Goodwin and the Black Swan herself, Natalie Portman), was born.
We love Ballet Bodies for its all-inclusive approach; no form of exercise is off-limits as long as it keeps you strong, lean, and injury-free. Whether you’re on classic Pilates equipment (reformers or Cadillacs) or utilizing just your body as your prime mode of movement, each class draws its main inspiration from a pro dancer’s impeccable form and graceful lines. Here’s Andie to dish on her secret weapon, her favorite mantra, and what makes her style of sweat so special.
Name:
Andie Hecker.
Studio:
Ballet Bodies.
My specialty:
Ballet- and Pilates-based personal fitness training.
Favorite class to teach:
One-on-one private training, catered to each individual’s needs.
Favorite class to take:
Romi’s ballet class – great workout to great music!
Moment I fell in love with fitness:
My first ballet class at age 10.
When you leave my class you feel…
Physically worked and mentally refreshed.
My secret weapon:
My deep understanding of the mechanics of the human body. I can figure almost anyone out.
Go-to workout gear:
My onesie sweatsuit has become my own, unofficial personal uniform.
In my gym bag:
Ballet shoes and Vans.
Favorite workout move:
Penché to plank. It’s a combo of ballet and Pilates that works the entire body while giving the legs an amazing stretch.
Biggest inspiration:
Music!
When I’m not in the studio, I’m:
Painting. Yep, closet artist here.
Favorite post-workout fuel:
Fave quick workout outside of the studio:
Swimming! Everyone should swim every week. It’s the healthiest, best workout going. I should be a swim coach, but people seem to hate getting wet. Bummer!
Current mantra:
No self-deprecating at Ballet Bodies!
