After recovering from a minor stroke episode, San Diego resident Amy Mewborn left her six-figure La Jolla finance career just nine months ago to pursue her newfound passion for fitness. More specifically, she fulfilled her dream of becoming an entrepreneur when she opened doors to Xtend Barre Carlsbad in May 2010, a fitness studio that offers a blend of dance, cardio, and Pilates using the ballet barre techniques that are currently sweeping the nation. Quickly growing to over 700 clients, which consist of exercise enthusiasts, yogis, moms, and brides-to-be, Mewborn jumped at the opportunity to sign a lease for a second 2,200-square-foot studio and retail space in Carmel Valley, which just opened on January 10, 2011.
“I’m so thrilled to launch my second location in Carmel Valley,” says Mewborn. “It’s an opportune time as the neighborhood is still in the midst of developing, but what really draws me to this area is that it’s filled with people and business owners who understand the importance of building a community.”
To celebrate the opening, Mewborn will host a charity benefit to raise funds for a nonprofit cause that is near to her heart. On February 5, from 6-9pm, Mewborn extends an invitation to residents of Carmel Valley and the surrounding North County communities to attend Burn for the Benefit — a jam-packed charity event raising funds for Team Angelina, a nonprofit organization that benefits baby Angelina Repetti of North County, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 neuroblastoma cancer.
Mewborn has partnered up with local San Diego spas, chefs, restaurants, boutiques, and country clubs to host a silent auction. Photo booth photography will be provided by local photographer Julie Cannon of Thrive Photography. Sessions will be free, but guests will be asked to pay for any pictures they want to purchase, with all proceeds going to Team Angelina. In addition, there will be a retail showcase from local jewelry designers and discounted Xtend Barre class pricing for those hoping to check out the unique workout — all activities will donate a percentage of proceeds from the evening to Team Angelina. Other event highlights include Xtend Barre demonstrations, a live DJ, and swag bags galore.
Party goers will be invited to sip on icy blue specialty cocktails and frosty Sinless Margaritas from fitness inspired water bottles, while noshing on delicious organic nibbles from ChileCo Catering — courtesy of the buzz-worthy Chef Scotty Wagner. Also the executive chef of acclaimed restaurant and nightlife destination Eden in Hillcrest, Wagner’s team will whip up a selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres utilizing only the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Menu items include the “Diego,” a hot chipotle-braised Estancia Beef Short Rib with a chilled Koral Farms Avocado Gelato, as well as Falafel & Caprese bites. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample couture cookies from The Cravory, the uber-hot bakery creating a sweet sensation in San Diego.
Developed from a dance and Pilates background, the Xtend workout combines the amazing results of dance with the principles of strength and safety in Pilates. The Xtend workout has been sought after by national spa and fitness centers and Pilates devotees from the US, Brazil, and Canada. Clients range from new enthusiasts to seasoned fitness pros and include men, women, teens, Pilates practitioners, professional athletes, celebrities, and dancers. At 55 minutes per class, each session can burn between 500-700 calories depending on preferred intensity. Classes are offered seven days a week and are scheduled throughout the day. Individual sessions begin at $23 each, but prices vary depending on package size. (760/213-6653, www.xtendbarrecarmelvalley.com)
