In a journey spanning from the crisp air of Alberta Canada to the city of Los Angeles, Marnie Alton found herself traversing continents in pursuit of her dual passions: fitness and storytelling. For her, fitness is not just about physical exercise but a holistic approach that nurtures the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Teaching barre in Los Angeles was not just a career; it ignited a passion that inspired her to establish M/Body—a method celebrated for its comprehensive approach to well-being. Beyond fitness, her passions extend to advocacy for animal rescue and support for sanctuaries — an embodiment of her belief in compassion and empathy as essential pillars of wellness. To learn more about Marnie Alton, read on.

Where are you based?
I’m originally from Canada, but have lived in sunny Los Angeles since college.

What inspired you to become a fitness trainer?
I first started teaching barre straight out of performing arts college as a side hustle between auditions. I had just moved to Los Angeles, and at the time barre was a brand new style of workout. Nobody really knew what it was, but because I had danced my whole life it came really naturally to me. I fell in love with both the discipline (I had never seen results like it before) and connecting to people, especially other women, in such a positive and empowering environment. Fast forward almost a decade of teaching, and I realized I was more excited going to the studio than I was going to work as an actor. Once that 'aha' moment happened there was no turning back. I became obsessed with bringing my vision of how to elevate barre to life and opened my studio a year later in 2014.

Your fitness method, M/Body, is renowned for its holistic approach to wellness. Can you tell us about this method? How did you develop this method, and what sets it apart from other fitness programs?
My method is anchored in embodying (M/BODY) the three primary pillars of wellness. The body, mind and spirit aren’t separate, they are symbiotic, always communicating and affecting one another. For example, when we feel stressed that triggers the release of cortisol which in turn leads to inflammation and immune system suppression. We can actually combat this chemical reaction in our mind with exercise. Certain kinds of movement trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins. Then, when we feel good, we are inspired and connected to something bigger than numbers on a scale. We stop feeling like we ‘have to’ workout and start feeling like we ‘get to’ workout because it brings us real joy. That’s what makes M/BODY so different… every class is designed to affect positive change in our physical, mental and emotional state.

Your journey from Alberta, Canada, to Los Angeles is quite fascinating. How did your background in music, theater, and dance influence your approach to fitness and wellness?
I was a total musical theatre geek! I loved how it felt to tell a story on stage in such a dynamic way. It speaks to all the senses. I also LOVED the energy exchange that happens with a live audience. You can feel in real time if you are really connecting with them. It’s truly magic when it all syncs up and this group of strangers are suddenly united and committed to a journey together. You forget all the bullshit and just live in the moment. It’s healing. I think a great workout does the same thing.

As a trainer to numerous celebrities and athletes, what are some of the key principles or philosophies you emphasize in your training sessions to promote both physical and mental well-being?
That every human body is unique, and the most empowering thing we could possibly do is to learn how to listen to our bodies because it will tell you what’s healing you and what’s hurting you if you listen. My job is to create a space for that to happen. In private sessions I have the opportunity to go a little deeper with an individual and guide them, but even for online clients that I haven’t met, it’s about creating classes that give people the opportunity to tune out the noise and tune back into what really empowers them. It’s not about me at all.

You shifted to online classes during the pandemic and amassed a global following. How has this growth shaped your vision for M/BODY, and what are your future aspirations for the brand?
Closing our LA studio was like most major life transitions: terrifying and painful at first, but essential for growth and ultimately the biggest gift. I loved our studio so much I probably would have kept it forever if I wasn’t forced to close the doors. I literally built it out myself so I was very connected to the physical space. Our in-studio classes had always been sold out, but when the pandemic happened and we moved online, everything opened up in ways I had never imagined. Being virtual meant we could connect to the whole world, not just whoever could get to our physical space in LA. I had no idea that was even possible before 2020. My goal is to continue to make this powerful method as accessible as I can to as many people as possible, both virtually and with live experiences and curated retreats around the world.

Congratulations on your recent collaboration with Pour Les Femmes! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your luxury loungewear line and how it embodies the principles of feminine empowerment and self-care?
Thank you! I love them so much!
When the studio opened in 2014 there was a big wall in the front lobby. A blank slate. I really wanted to do something to represent the incredible community of women showing up for classes every day. They put their trust in me and I wanted them to feel seen. Robin Wright and Karen Fowler, the founders of Pour Les Femmes, were regulars at the studio and the wall really resonated with them too. PLM not only embodies luxurious self-care, it champions women around the world through its commitment to supporting women's rights and promoting social justice. We both believe that championing women is the key to creating positive change in this world. When they asked if I was interested in a collaboration I couldn’t say yes fast enough! I literally live in my set. They’re so cool!

The prints on your loungewear line feature different workout poses. How did you integrate these elements into the design, and what message do you hope wearers take away from these pieces?
I had this idea to do something playful that looked like a graphic design from afar, but when you got close you could see it was made up of individuals in various class positions. A local artist named Kira Green was a friend and we collaborated to bring it to life. It took us over a week to paint these ‘beautiful barre babes’. The result was a 20 x 30 foot wall of original figures (by nature of them each being hand painted). Different colors. Different shapes. All beautiful. Clients used to sit and look at them between classes, finding themselves or giving the girls backstories. We saw ourselves and each other on that wall. The design is a reminder that we were both united in one story and beautifully at the same time.

Your commitment to animal rescue and support for sanctuaries is admirable. Could you share more about why this cause is important to you and how it intersects with your philosophy on wellness?
Animals are such a huge part of my life. They only know how to live in the moment and bring pure joy and love into the world. They deserve to be treated with the ultimate kindness and respect. How we treat our animals says so much about who we are as a society. Supporting animal rescue and sanctuaries is about compassion and empathy — it's about creating a kinder world for everyone, humans and animals alike. It's something I'm really passionate about because it aligns with my belief in spreading love and kindness wherever I can.

What advice would you give to someone looking to embark on a journey of wellness, especially in today's fast-paced world?
Put your mask on first. If your well is empty, how can you help anyone else?! Be kind to yourself and do what you can with what you have. Our health is worth at least 20 minutes each day (let’s be honest, we easily waste more than that scrolling). Get to the mat, focus fully on taking care of yourself for as long as you can, declare it a victory and get on with your day! Consistency, not intensity, is the key to longevity.

What is your favorite or go to fitness and/or wellness tip?
Water is number one!!! We hear all the time that we’re made up of at least 60% water, but I don’t know if we really get how integral it is to our health. Unless we are properly hydrated our blood flow, lymphatic system and organ function is compromised. In other words, our body starts to deteriorate. We're so privileged to have access to clean water and no matter how crazy busy our schedule is, there’s always time to take a swig of your water bottle. I start every day with a mason jar (32oz) of water (bonus to add lemon juice and ginger) before anything else. For me, it’s non-negotiable.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
I'm off to Italy for our next M/BODY retreat in October and can’t wait!! It’s in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, surrounded by ancient olive orchards and the Adriatic Sea. It’s like a dream.

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
Lol it’s been a rollercoaster. I think for me the most important thing to remember is that the lows remind you how good the highs feel. We can’t know the light unless we’ve been in the dark. Positivity isn't about denying the craziness or covering up challenges, it's about consciously choosing how we respond to those challenges. It builds resilience. Staying focused on the light, where it could lead, that's what gets me through.

What is your motto in life?
Keep a strong back and a soft heart.

To learn more about Marnie Alton, please follow the links below:
@marniealton
@mbodybymarniealton
Online Studio
Retreat
Pour Les Femmes PJ’s

Marnie Alton - Finding the Pillars of Wellness