Life and Work with Hailey McCourt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey McCourt.

Hailey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I found yoga and fitness when I was in high school and became passionate about teaching others when I began college. I later decided to travel to Costa Rica and complete my 200-hour yoga teacher training. I found Pure Barre when I was dancing with my College dance company and decided to begin teaching barre as well as yoga. I find the two to have many similarities and also perfectly complement each other for a well-rounded spiritual and physical routine. I’ve always found movement of any kind to be my escape and the way I connect with myself. I love being able to help others find their own personal practice no matter what that is for them. I currently teach full time across the East valley.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve learned over the years that you have to say no. As woman, I feel we are often told we need to please others and forsake our own needs to do so. I began teaching when I was really young and felt the need to say yes to everyone and to take every opportunity. I ran myself ragged to become the teacher I thought I needed to be. Now I say no. Not just in my professional life, but in my personal life as well. The health and wellness industry is constantly telling women what they are doing wrong and who they need to be. Being empowered in saying no to things helps to create more self-acceptance and self-love in all aspects of your life. Stand in your power and know that you are more than a body.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pure Barre/ Vibetality – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I empower women, and some men, by leading low impact, mind-body connecting yoga and fitness classes. My goal is simply to bring people home to themselves. I believe you do this by having increased body awareness and connection to yourself. I’m not talking about how the body looks, but how it feels. If you are not listening to pain, fatigue, or any other physical cues from your body, you are disconnected. This is when injuries occur. I want to help people connect with the physical body to experience break through’s mentally. I love the way Pure barre and yoga both are so much more than physical movements. The mind-body connection is what they are both truly about. This can look different for everyone. Not all are physically able enough to do certain poses or workouts. What about sitting and breathing? That’s connection.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I grew up insecure and being made fun of. I always felt that I was not athletic and I was embarrassed of my size. I learned to hate my body and became insecure because I did not look a certain way. Through dance I made friends and became good at something that involved me using my body. That is what made me so passionate about mind-body connection. As I became stronger, and more confident, I also began to appreciate my body more. After injuries that led me not to be able to dance anymore, I now only do mindful movement that feels good in my body. I believe that I teach from the space of the long-term effects rather than the short-term goals that can wreck your body forever.

Pricing:

• Pure Barre Dana park and San tan village first week free
• Vibetality Chandler 2 weeks $30
• Private yoga $50 per class (options for dance studios and workshops)

Contact Info:

• Email: haileymccourt@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @hailzmaster

Image Credit:
Drake Bennetch
Nicole Santa Cruz

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.