When Narendra ‘Nare’ Bandaranayake returned to Sri Lanka in 2016 after over a decade in London, she didn’t plan on launching a fitness movement - she just wanted to take a Barre class. But with no options in sight, he took matters into her own hands. What began as a few sessions in her living room has since evolved into Barressential: a pioneering fitness studio that introduced both Barre and Reformer Pilates to the country. Now eight years in, Nare reflects on the slow, steady climb - from shifting mindsets and earning trust to redefining what strength and wellness can look like in Sri Lanka.

1. What sparked the idea for Baressential - and why Barre and Pilates in particular?

I moved to Sri Lanka in 2016 after spending 13 years in London, where I was a regular client at Barre and Reformer Pilates studios. These practices weren’t just workouts for me - they were transformative. I’d experienced chronic back pain and a lingering knee injury, and through consistent Barre and Reformer sessions, I was able to fully rehabilitate my body. By the time I left London, I was running 5Ks pain-free.

When I arrived in Colombo, I was surprised to find that these forms of movement didn’t exist here. At first, I simply wanted to attend classes as a client, and I even encouraged others to start something similar. But when no one did, I saw an opportunity to create something myself - drawing on my experience as an investor in London to build a small, premium concept from the ground up.

I started with Barre because it was the least capital-intensive, just to test the waters and see if there was a market. Once I saw growing interest, I got certified and began teaching classes in my living room. We introduced Mat Pilates shortly after, also in my living room, in 2017 - effectively bringing two new modalities to the local fitness scene.

It wasn’t easy. Most people at the time were more familiar with Zumba, TRX, or traditional gyms, and we had to do a lot of work to educate the market. While Barre and Pilates are considered premium offerings around the world, in Sri Lanka we had to be thoughtful about pricing - positioning ourselves as a high-quality experience while still encouraging trial. It took a lot of patience and care to build trust, focus on form, train exceptional instructors, and create a brand known for attention to detail.

 

2. You were the first to introduce Reformer Pilates to Sri Lanka. How did you go about building trust in something completely new to the market?

As word spread and demand grew, it quickly became unsustainable to continue running classes out of my living room - especially since I lived in an apartment building. So in 2018, we moved into our first official space: a small, 100-square-foot studio with no windows. It was humble, but it was a start.

It was through one incredibly supportive client that I gained access to our first Reformer machine. He saw the value I was offering - especially in helping clients rehabilitate serious injuries, like herniated discs - and believed in my vision. That single Reformer marked the beginning of a new chapter.

In fact, even back in 2014, before I’d moved to Sri Lanka, I had the idea to open a Reformer Pilates studio one day. So while Barre was the most accessible first step - it required less capital - Reformer Pilates had always been the long-term goal. Once we had proof of concept and traction with Barre, I decided to go all in. I pitched for funding, secured angel investment from overseas, and used it to build out a 2,000-square-foot flagship studio in Thimbirigasyaya—equipped with multiple Reformers and a vision to truly raise the standard of Pilates in Sri Lanka.

Today, Barressential is a name synonymous with quality, trust, and excellence in Pilates. We’ve been operating for over eight years, and many of the instructors teaching across the country have been trained by us - or influenced by our approach. Our reputation is built not just on great classes, but on the details: small class sizes, a strong emphasis on form, personalized modifications for injuries, and advanced progressions for clients who want to push themselves.

We also invest heavily in education. Our internal teacher training program is rigorous - lasting over six months - and covers everything from anatomy to technique, plus a three-month supervised teaching phase before instructors are cleared to lead classes independently. That commitment to quality is why clients trust us. For those who prioritize expertise and a premium experience in Pilates, we’ve become the go-to brand in Sri Lanka.

3. What was the wellness and fitness landscape in Colombo like when you first started, and how do you think Baressential helped shift the culture?

When I first launched Barressential, the fitness landscape in Colombo was dominated by gyms, TRX, Zumba, and around that time, CrossFit was just beginning to emerge. But across the board, the dominant marketing message was centered on weight loss. That narrative never resonated with me.

Coming from a science background, I’ve always believed in addressing root causes rather than focusing on surface-level symptoms - and that philosophy carried over into how I approached fitness. From day one, our message at Barressential has been: get stronger, get better, and the rest will follow. Strength - not weight loss - was always our north star.

Thankfully, that mindset is becoming more mainstream now, especially among women. Around the world, there’s been a powerful shift in the conversation: lift heavier, push harder, build strength. We’re also moving away from outdated beliefs that cardio is the primary method for weight loss. The research is clear - cardio is great for heart health, but resistance training is far more effective when it comes to body composition and long-term fitness.

That’s where Reformer Pilates fits in beautifully. It’s an incredibly effective form of resistance training. For those unfamiliar with it, we use a spring-loaded machine - with springs, straps, and a moving carriage - to perform bodyweight exercises. But what makes it so powerful is how it supports balanced muscle development, joint stability, and injury prevention. It stabilizes where you need it, strengthens where you’re weak, and complements everything from weightlifting to running.

4. Starting something so niche must have come with its fair share of hurdles. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days?

One of the biggest challenges in the early days was education - plain and simple. We were introducing something entirely new, and naturally, clients compared us to what they already knew: more affordable, sweat-heavy workouts like Zumba or CrossFit. There was a common mindset that if you weren’t dripping in sweat, the workout wasn’t effective. And shifting that perception took time.

That’s the reality of being a first mover. You don’t just offer a new product - you have to go out and create the market. You bear the burden of educating, demystifying, and convincing people to try something unfamiliar. It’s much easier for those who come after, because the groundwork has already been laid. But in those early days, we had to take the losses - clients who didn’t return because it didn’t “feel” like a workout, or simply because they didn’t yet understand the value.

So we focused relentlessly on messaging: what is Barre? What is Pilates? How does it benefit you? We had to ring that bell every single day until people began to listen. Pre-pandemic, it was all push marketing - trying to get people through the door, getting them to give us a chance. But over time, something shifted.

Now, we’ve found product-market fit. People understand who we are, what we offer, and the level of quality we bring. We’re seen as a premium, trusted brand—and even as a place to be. That recognition didn’t come overnight. It came from eight years of tireless work, from believing in what we were building, and from continuing to show up even when it felt like an uphill battle.

Looking back, I think there’s immense value in those early challenges. They shaped our identity, tested our resilience, and reminded us of the importance of believing deeply in the impact you want to make. And we’ve always known how much this offering matters to the community.

5. And what about now - what challenges come with running a boutique studio in a fast-changing world?

Today, the challenges are very different from when we started. We’ve found product-market fit - clients love us, they stay with us, and they recommend us to others. That part is deeply rewarding. But with success comes visibility, and in Sri Lanka, that often means others want to try and replicate what they now see as a viable business model.

Honestly, I take that as a compliment. The fact that something I built eight years ago has become a blueprint for others to generate income and build their own paths - that’s something I’m proud of. But it also means we have to stay laser-focused on what makes Barressential unique.

For us, that means keeping our blinders on and doing what we do best: running exceptional classes, nurturing vibrant studio communities, and expanding access to high-quality Barre and Pilates experiences across the country. We remain committed to offering the best-in-class instruction, personalization, and care that our clients have come to expect.

And in many ways, we’re entering a golden era for Pilates. From social media to elite athletes, there’s a broader cultural moment happening - more men are exploring Pilates, and people are recognizing its strength-building, mobility-enhancing benefits beyond aesthetics. Our focus now is to meet that growing demand while continuing to deliver the high standards we’ve always upheld.

This is a moment to double down - not just on growth, but on excellence.

6. Baressential is turning 8 - when you look back, are there any moments or milestones that really stand out?

The first one, surprisingly, was teaching my very first class - and earning 500 rupees per person. Having come from a finance background, where I was paid for using my mind - modelling, analysis, strategy - there was something profoundly rewarding about using my physical self to generate income. That class had just four people, but it felt like an incredible accomplishment. I’d created something from scratch, shared it with others, and saw immediate value exchanged.

The second milestone was opening our flagship 2,000-square-foot studio with six Reformers. It was a moment I had dreamed of since 2014, back when I was still living in London. Sitting in that room, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for allowing me to bring something so beneficial to Sri Lanka. Reformer Pilates isn’t just a trendy workout- it’s a powerful tool for physical transformation, recovery, and strength-building. To be able to introduce it here, at scale, was incredibly meaningful.

Then there was COVID. That period was an emotional and financial test, but I’m proud of the decisions we made. We prioritized the safety of our community over short-term revenue, even when it was hard. We shut our doors before the government mandated it, and we were among the last to reopen. That integrity and sense of responsibility is something I’ll always carry with pride.

And now, a new chapter: signing our first franchise partner and preparing to open our first franchise studio in Battaramulla this April. This new location will offer Barre, Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, and Yoga - and it’s especially exciting because so many of our clients and former clients live in that area but have struggled with the commute to our current studio. The fact that we’re launching this with one of our original team members makes it all the more special.

7. Running a business that’s so personal can be all-consuming. How do you stay inspired and grounded as a founder while also employed overseas?

I’m no longer involved in Barressential’s day-to-day operations - that shift happened when I moved to the U.S. in 2022. During the pandemic, I transitioned into a new role as Chief Growth Officer at oDoc, a digital health startup in Sri Lanka. At that point, I stepped back from operational responsibilities and brought in a phenomenal management team to lead Barressential forward.

That said, I remain closely involved as an investor and advisor, particularly when it comes to strategic decisions and expansion plans. In recent months, I’ve become a bit more active again - offering guidance as we prepare to scale through franchising and deepen our brand presence.

The truth is, none of this would be possible without the incredible team we have in place. Our instructors - Dinely, Matheesha, and Mishkaa - are exceptional at what they do. If you reach out to us via Instagram or email to book a class, you’ll hear from Zeenath or Inaya, our warm and knowledgeable client advisors. And overseeing everything is Saira, our Chief Operating Officer, who manages the full operational puzzle and ensures that our client experience remains seamless and premium. We are always looking for more people to join our team, either as instructors (We'll teach them from scratch) or as client advisors so I'd encourage anyone reading this to get in touch if interested.

Of course, stepping back from something so personal is never easy. Barressential will always be close to my heart. But I think that emotional connection has only helped the brand - it means I continue to care deeply about our direction and standards, even from afar. It’s no longer my full-time role, but it will always be my first entrepreneurial love.

8. You’ve built a space that people genuinely look forward to coming to. What’s the secret to creating that kind of client loyalty?

I think the secret to building client loyalty is simple: authenticity. You can’t fake it - certainly not for eight years. When we started, classes were literally held in my living room. I was inviting people into my home, and naturally, that created a sense of community. Clients would talk to each other, I’d introduce them, we’d laugh, share stories - it felt like a shared experience from the very beginning.

When we transitioned into a formal studio space, we were intentional about preserving that same warmth. And I’m incredibly proud that our team has continued to carry that forward. The community we've built is just as valuable to our clients as the classes themselves. We've had people tell us that Barressential is their sanctuary for the mind. Others have said they've made their best friends here. I’ve personally met four of my closest friends through the early classes we ran.

That’s the kind of connection you can’t manufacture. It comes from the tone set by the founder and the team. It comes from being real, being vulnerable, and truly caring. And people respond to that. They feel seen, they feel safe, and they keep coming back - not just for the workout, but for the community, the consistency, and the comfort of being part of something genuine.

Our long-standing clients have been with us through many seasons - ups and downs - and their loyalty is something we’ll never take for granted. It’s at the heart of who we are.

9. Baressential isn’t just about movement - it’s about lifestyle. How do you help clients look beyond fitness and embrace wellness as a whole?

At Barressential, we’ve always believed that wellness goes far beyond physical movement. From the moment a client steps into one of our classes, we’re focused on holding space for them - not just as bodies in motion, but as whole people with complex needs, challenges, and stories.

We embed our values into every class. One of the most important is that you are known and seen here. That means clients aren’t expected to look a certain way, wear the “right” clothes, or fit into a particular mold. We welcome people exactly as they are. We’ve had clients dealing with PCOS, endometriosis, hormonal challenges, and body image struggles - conditions that can make traditional fitness environments feel alienating. But at Barressential, we create space for clients to show up authentically, without judgment.

Wellness, for us, is about showing up, trying, and listening to your body - not chasing perfection or pushing to the point of failure. Our classes are challenging, yes - but they’re also safe. We push our clients to their edge, but we never want anyone to leave feeling like they’ve failed. We want them to leave feeling like they’ve tried—and that trying is enough. That mindset shift is at the core of what we offer.

Personally, I’ve had my own struggles with strength and fitness. There are days I walk out of a class knowing I didn’t do every move perfectly - but I showed up. And that willingness to try, to be vulnerable, sets a tone that invites others to do the same.

Barressential is more than a workout. It’s a space where people feel empowered to pursue wellness on their own terms, where strength is redefined, and where trying is celebrated just as much as achieving.

11. What’s one misconception about Barre or Pilates you’d love to clear up once and for all?

There are two big misconceptions I’d love to clear up about Barre and Pilates.

The first is that you have to be flexible. That’s simply not true. I’m probably one of the least flexible people you’ll meet - and yet I’ve been teaching and practicing Barre and Pilates for years. Pilates isn’t about stretching; it’s about strength and stability. Yes, you do get a stretch, especially with Reformer Pilates, because of the way the machine engages your entire body. But flexibility is not a prerequisite. For example, when your quads are working and your feet are in straps, your hamstrings naturally get a stretch. That balance is built into the movements, but it’s not the core goal of the practice. And no, you don’t need to be able to touch your toes - we certainly don’t expect you to!

The second myth is that it’s just for women. Again, totally untrue. Some of the world’s top athletes - David Beckham, Tom Brady, Cristiano Ronaldo - are known to include Reformer Pilates in their training. David Beckham reportedly even has a Reformer machine in his home. These practices are incredibly effective for strengthening smaller, often-overlooked muscle groups, which is crucial not only for athletes but also for anyone who wants to stay active and injury-free as they age.

Pilates and Barre are low-impact on the joints but still high-intensity - they challenge you without overloading your body. Because of the spring-based resistance in Reformer Pilates, the exercises promote balanced muscle development and joint stability, which are essential for longevity, whether you're a rugby player or a grandfather heading out for a round of golf.

At Barressential, we welcome everyone - regardless of gender, flexibility, or fitness level - and our instructors are trained to meet clients exactly where they are. That’s the magic of these practices: they’re inclusive, intelligent, and designed to support you through every stage of life.

12. Finally, what’s next for Baressential - any new directions, goals, or dreams for the future?

We’re entering a bold new chapter for Barressential: we’re franchising.

Our goal has always been to make high-quality Pilates and Barre accessible to more people, no matter where they live. We know that traffic, time, and life can often get in the way—but wellness shouldn’t be limited by geography. That’s why we’re expanding through carefully selected franchise partners who can bring the Barressential method to their own communities.

Our first franchise studio is launching in Battaramulla this April. It will offer Barre, Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, and Yoga - all delivered to the same premium standard that our clients have come to know and trust. Battaramulla has long been home to many of our clients, and we’re thrilled to finally bring the full Barressential experience closer to them.

But this is just the beginning. We’ve had interest from across the country, and we’re currently in discussions with several potential partners. We’re actively looking for franchisees who are passionate about wellness, excited to build community, and want the satisfaction of owning a business - without the steep learning curve of starting from scratch.