SF's Hottest Trainer 2015: Nini Gueco of Avant-Barre, Contestant #1

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Nini Gueco is a trained dancer in ballet, modern and jazz, as well as an experienced instructor for one of the original barre studios. So launching her own dance-inspired fitness company was the logical next step in this San Francisco original's career. The new biz idea was clearly on point, as Avant-Barre, her flagship Soma studio quickly became a local favorite.

Avant-Barre brings a dancer’s spin to barre exercise class. "It combines circuit-like training, strength poses, deep stretching, heart-pumping cardio with inventive choreography— and a playlist that will have you dancing through the end of class," explains Nini.

In one sentence, tell us about yourself

I am a native San Franciscan who took her wild idea for a fun and empowering fitness space and turned it into the "Best Barre Class in SF" (according to San Francisco Magazine).

What inspired you to become a trainer/fitness instructor?

When I used to dance, I never thought about how moving to the music could actually be really intense exercise. For me, it was just really fun to get lost in the song and feel the music take over my body. I wanted to create a class that gave people from all backgrounds that same experience, but without the actual requirement of having taken a dance class.

What advice would you offer to someone who is just starting in your class?
Don’t think too much. Just have fun. It’s your time. It’s your class. We’re just here to lead you through it and make sure you get the most out of it.

Fun fact...go!
I make the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. Period.

If you weren’t in fitness, what would you be doing?
I’d probably have a chain of karaoke bars...or be a touring DJ.

What are your top three workout jams?
"Weekend" by Mocki; "Forgiveness" by Made in Heights; and "Five More Hours" by Deorro.

Follow Nini on Instagram and Twitter: @avantbarre