INTERVIEW: East End Fitness Legends Elisabeth Halfpapp And Fred DeVito On CorebarreFit’s One-Year Anniversary, The Fitness Collaborative, And More

Barre fitness legends Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito have a devoted following that includes Kate Hudson, Katie Lee, Mariska Hargitay, Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Ramona Singer, Edie Falco, Tara Lipinski, Embassy Row’s Michael Davies, Christine Evangelista and Seventh Generation’s Jeffrey and Sheila Hollender, to name a few. So, it should come as no surprise that their latest endeavor – CoreBarreFit (CBF) – quickly became a hit.

A year later, the duo is celebrating the first anniversary of the daily streaming classes, which have had a global reach. And this summer, Halfpapp and DeVito are joining forces with Konner Development to establish the Fitness Collaborative, a consortium of top fitness professionals. Classes, which of course will include CoreBarreFit led by Halfpapp and DeVito, will be held at the former home of Exhale on Bridgehampton’s Main Street.

We caught up with Halfpapp and DeVito to learn more about the hit at home workout, the most important benefit from a fitness routine, and much more.

What inspired you to found CoreBarreFit?

EH + FD: In April 2020, when the pandemic forced all of us into “Stay At Home” lockdown, we had to find a way to connect to our loyal clients and teach them our signature barre classes so we started to use livestream as our classroom.

To what do you attribute the success of your CBF streaming classes – with clients tuning in from as far away as Argentina, Switzerland, and Aspen?

EH + FD: We worked very hard to create a social experience, not just a fitness class. We connect with our clients by providing feedback to them during the class and an opportunity for the clients to engage with us and each other before and after class.

What is the biggest challenge about teaching a class virtually and what do you look forward to most about the return of teaching in person?

EH + FD: The biggest challenge about teaching virtually is having to use the camera and screen to connect with each other. Some clients are skilled with technology and some struggle with the basics. We look forward to having the opportunity to teach, coach, train and motivate our clients on a much more personal level once we are live and in person.

Tell us about The Fitness Collaborative.

EH + FD: The Fitness Collaborative was the brainchild of CBF and Gregg Konner, the building owner. We figured out a way to provide an indoor teaching opportunity for us and a few amazing teachers looking for a space to teach and simultaneously activating a space that would have sat empty this summer, once Exhale closed its doors.

What initially drew you to barre?

FD: Our journey with barre started in the early 80’s when, as a dancer, Lis found the Lotte Berk Method and started teaching there in NYC and Bridgehampton.

EH: Fred joined a few years later and we have both been teaching barre in the Hamptons now for the past 38 years!

What does your typical fitness routine look like?

EH + FD: After almost 40 years in the fitness industry, we have learned that the most important benefit from a fitness routine is in leading a healthy lifestyle and having a pain free – injury free body as we age. Barre is the best form of exercise for longevity and the proof is in our client base with ages ranging from mid 20’s to early 80’s. We also include yoga, long hikes for cardio and restorative stretching for balance, stress reduction and meditation.

What does an ideal East End day/night look like for you?

EH + FD: We are up early teaching till early afternoon, then a few hours running the business followed by “down time” which includes Fred playing his upright bass and Lis practicing ballet. Fred loves to swim and grow organic vegetables while Lis loves to bake. In the evening, we love getting together with friends for drinks, dinners, and fun times enjoying each other’s company.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

EH + FD: After 22 years working for The Lotte Berk Method, followed by 18 years as founders and program creators for Exhale, we are thrilled to be running our own business, CoreBarreFit.

Our passion is in helping our clients lead healthy and happy lives through the fitness programs we have created, and we feel blessed to be making a living doing what we love!

For more information, visit www.corebarrefit.com.