Growing up Gretchen was never a dancer, didn't play sports, and wasn't particularly athletic.  She was a shy kid who was usually too scared to get involved with any organized activities.  In high school, she became more comfortable in her skin and also got really into running—but still on her own. For years all she did was log miles, which ended up leading to an injury that forced her to seek out other forms of exercise.  Although she had never been interested in group exercise, a friend of hers repeatedly told her she’d love barre. It took one class before she was fully committed and made it a huge part of her weekly routine.