THE FORME METHOD
The Forme Method® barre class combines elements of Pilates, ballet and strength training into a dynamic, 60-minute format that is designed to transform your body and connection to movement.
Forme customizes each exercise, prop and choreography to activate and engage all muscle groups through high repetition and isometric work, all while prioritizing postural alignment and recovery. Intense, low-impact strength building is coupled with intentional stretching, resulting in increased strength, flexibility and balance.
Forme is dedicated to helping our clients reach their fitness goals, from aesthetic goals, to improving posture, alleviating pain, and helping clients get closer to joint freedom and their ideal biomechanics. We have seen clients change their bodies not only in terms of definition and sculpting, but also in terms of alleviating back pain, hip, knee and ankle issues, as well as the neck and shoulder issues that plague so many.
What is The Forme Method®?
BOOK A CLASS
We are passionate about movement and dedicated to providing a safe, effective (and fun!) exercise method that works across the lifespan.
MEET THE OWNER
KRISTEN GIDDINGS
Kristen’s life has always been rooted in movement. She is ecstatic to be taking over as the new owner of Forme Barre Nantucket and to continue to grow within this exceptional community.
Kristen is a 500-Hour Balanced Body Comprehensive Certified Pilates teacher and is currently completing her Master Trainer program through Balanced Body/Boston Body. She joined Forme Barre in 2019 as a Lead Teacher and Teacher Trainer in their Boston studios and shortly after, continued her teaching journey on Nantucket. As many can relate to being captured by the magic of Nantucket, she quickly fell in love with the island and the strong community within the walls of this bright studio.
Kristen’s first introduction to Pilates was during her training as a dancer. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance/Performance Studies and Journalism, with much of her dance education focusing on biomechanics and kinesiology. She danced professionally in New York, London, and Boston.
To Kristen, movement should light you up and make you feel alive. Her goal is to help you harness that post-class-high you get after a great workout, leaving you feeling stronger and more confident. She cannot wait to meet you in the studio!
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
CHRISTINA SCHWEFEL
Christina is a psychologist who is on faculty at Teachers College, Columbia University and who happens to also have a strong love for fitness! Christina opened the Forme Barre Nantucket studio in 2013. She spent years developing the Forme Method, refining the practice to reflect the highest standards in the barre fitness industry.
During the company’s expansion to Boston in 2019, Christina met Kristen and promptly hired her as a Lead Teacher and Trainer in both the Newbury Street and Chestnut Hill locations. Their relationship has been very strong ever since, and it was a natural extension to welcome Kristen to teach in the Nantucket studio in 2021. Christina is thrilled to announce that Kristen will officially take over the Nantucket studio in 2024 - she cannot wait to see the future of the studio under her leadership. Christina will continue to partner with Kristen and to teach (and of course take class!) in the Nantucket studio.
our instructors
Ali Barone
Ana Tapia
Natalie Silvano
Temple Nightingale
BIOS COMING SOON!