What Barre3 Taught Me About Being a Better Project Manager

Spoiler: It’s not just about the squats.

If you’ve ever worked with me, you know I’m usually juggling a lot. Between leading proposals for AEC clients and running marketing initiatives across our agency, my day is filled with spreadsheets, strategy sessions, and Microsoft Teams pings. But what you might not know is that after work and on my days off, I’m also wearing a mic and leading a room full of sweaty, determined humans through a barre3 class.

At first glance, teaching group fitness and managing marketing projects might seem like two totally separate worlds. But honestly? They’re not that different. Over the last few years, I’ve realized that my time in the studio has made me a way better project manager—and a more confident leader.

Here’s how.

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1. Reading the Room Is Everything

In a fitness class, you need to be able to scan the room and pick up on a lot at once: who’s new and might need more support, who’s zoning out, who’s pushing too hard. It’s a constant dance of observing, adjusting, and delivering. Sound familiar? That’s project management in a nutshell. Whether I’m running a proposal kickoff or troubleshooting a creative review, I’m constantly tuning into body language, tone, and energy. I’ve gotten better at sensing when someone’s overwhelmed, when a conversation needs redirecting, or when a little motivation might go a long way.

Try this:

• Next time you're in a meeting, pause and really read the room.
• Who’s leaning in?
• Who’s disengaged?
• Who hasn’t spoken up? Just noticing can shift the way you lead.

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2. Planning Ahead (But Staying Flexible)

Before I teach a class, I look at who’s signed up, think through modifications, and prep my playlist and flow. But no matter how much I plan, the vibe in the room can shift—and I have to adapt on the fly.

Same thing happens at work. Even the most carefully crafted project plan can change in a second. A team member gets pulled onto something else. A deadline moves. A scope expands. The key? Be prepared—but stay loose.

Try this:

• Build your plans like a workout: have structure, but leave room to adjust. And remember, a little music never hurts the mood.

3. Multitasking Like a Pro

One of the weirdest skills I’ve picked up in the studio is being able to correct someone’s form, demo the next move, and count down from eight—all while hyping everyone up.

That same muscle helps me juggle client needs, team bandwidth, and creative direction without dropping the ball. It’s not about doing everything at once; it’s about staying present with what’s needed most in the moment.

Try this:

• Practice switching gears quickly without losing focus. Whether you're jumping between meetings or priorities, bring full attention to the task at hand, then move on clean.

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4. Confidence (The Good Kind)

When I first started teaching, I was terrified of hearing my own voice on a mic. But after hundreds of classes, I’ve learned how to speak with clarity, coach with conviction, and hold space for a room full of people.

That confidence shows up at work every day—in how I lead meetings, present ideas, and advocate for our clients and our team.

Try this:

• Don’t wait until you feel confident. Practice speaking up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Clarity and poise are muscles you build over time.

Whether I’m leading a high-stakes proposal or guiding a class through their grand finale hold (if you know, you know), my goal is always the same: to create a meaningful, supportive experience that helps people show up as their best selves.

And if it happens to include a great playlist and a killer core sequence? Even better.

Want to chat more about project leadership or favorite workout jams? Let’s connect! Email me: carrie@wonderstruct.co.