Barb Oakes

Barb Oakes

RYT-200, E-RYT-200

Barb (she/her) has been a Fitness Instructor for 30 years. She is also a Certified Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer. Barb began teaching Yoga at Bally Total Fitness when it was introduced there in 2003 as "Reebock Strength and Conditioning."  

Being intrigued by the physical discipline and appreciating the body/mind connection, she set out to take workshops, learn the Sanskrit names for the asanas, explore meditation and delve into the history and philosophy of yoga. That led her to Shala at Namaste and she became a RYT in 2006. "Best thing I have ever done in my life!"

Barb will say yoga is her passion. She is always learning and challenging herself to keep each class fresh; never allowing her students to become complacent. Her intent is to make each class a "work-in." To utilize the physical core and yoga bandhas while tapping into one's spiritual and emotional center.

Checkout Barb’s YouTube Channel for pre-recorded classes.

Barb’s Teaching Schedule:

  • Thursdays at 5:15 p.m.
    Essential Hatha - Strength + Core (studio + virtual)

  • Sundays at 12 p.m. (bi-weekly)
    Yoga in the Park at 12 p.m.

What our Students Say About Barb

  • "I find Barb's class challenging and rewarding. When I do it regularly I definitely feel results. I love her way of explaining the science and reason behind various poses. She also brings much compassion and empathy to her classes."

    -Birgitta B.

  • "I love her cadence and flow, soft direction and gentle transitions but includes more challenging postures that you feel later. She's a great instructor and provides a well-rounded class."

    -Anahi H.

  • "Barb is off the charts knowledgeable of all of the different yoga poses and Sanskrit. She is uplifting, inspiring, encouraging, and challenging! Barb is the best!"

    -Pam F.

  • "Barb's was great - challenging in a good way. I like all of the yoga descriptions as they relate to our lives."

    -Jane W.

  • "Barb was very skilled in her instruction in telling us about our bodies and how to move to optimize the position. It was a challenging session and she gave us several times to recharge. I would recommend Barb!"

    -Lynne M.

  • It was my first class with Barb. I am not familiar with all of the yoga terminology, so I thought she provided very good direction and explanation of proper posture and background in the movements. That helped me check myself to make sure I was doing it correctly. I enjoyed the class!"

    -Kimberly F.

  • "I always know when Barb is teaching I'm going to do some stuff I didn't do before! It was good. She knows creaky hips, that's for sure!"

    -Deborah O.

  • "Excellent knowledge of physiology which Barb shared with us during class while still incorporating the beauty of yoga and mindfulness."

    -Sandra A.

  • "Barb's knowledge of our anatomy and yoga is amazing and I love her commentary on being kind and spreading warmth. And she doesn't mess around! I always feel accomplished after a Barb class!"

    -Amy H.

  • "I love all of my teachers at Namaste, but Barb is amazing. Her fiece grasp of anatomy resulted in a class that was simultaneously sophisticated and fundamental. Her twists were more complex than usual and my body responded well."

    -Elizabeth K.

  • "Barb really knows her stuff and thorughly and patiently explains the nuances of each poses. Plus, her classes push me to try just a little harder and get a little stronger. She is a terrific teacher and an inspiration."

    -Pru S.