What is Barre?

Personally, I love the dancer’s body. Toned, long and lean muscles, great posture, and strong! I appreciate the balance of strength AND flexibility. So, I’m going to start offering Barre Classes. Since I already mix some Barre moves into my current classes, it won’t be too much of a shock or surprise to any of my people wanting to try it out!

Just in case you want to know more – here are some answers to FAQ from Cosmopolitan Magazine on
JAN 23, 2018!

“What is barre?

Barre fitness is a hybrid workout class – combining ballet-inspired moves with elements of Pilates, dance, yoga and strength training. Most classes incorporate a ballet barre and use classic dance moves such as plies, alongside static stretches. Barre also focuses on high reps of small range movements.

But the real difference between barre and other workouts are the isometric movements you usually perform – holding your body still while you contract specific muscles, until you shake and feel the burn!

A lot of classes start with a warm up of push ups, tricep dips and planks, before moving to the barre, to focus on legs and your glutes. Then many classes end on the mat as you target the core, before a yoga-inspired cool-down. Some classes also use resistance bands and light hand weights to make the classes tougher to and to help build lean muscle, and mats for targeted core work.

What is it best for?

Barre delivers a full body workout, but it’s great for strengthening your core and toning your glutes and legs. Because ballet barre is low impact, it’s great if you recovering from an injury (let the instructor know if you have an injury so they can modify exercises accordingly!). Many barre classes can also be modified so they are a safe workout option for pre or post-natal clients. Barre workouts are also a good cross-training option to pair with other exercise like running, weight lifting or cycling, because they strengthen the muscles needed for these exercises without being too stressful on the body.

Are there other types of barre?

Depending on your studio, lots of different types of barre classes have started springing up, from cardio barre (where barre moves are coupled with a full on cardio workout), to HIIT barre (like cardio barre, but even more intense) and even yoga and pilates style classes where the emphasis is on stretching and relaxing rather than burning out your muscles.”

Be on the look out in the next couple of months for the new addition! Get started today by joining some of my other classes! It’s the best time of year to get started! (Anytime of the year is a good time to start….in case you were wondering!)

Thank you for your time! Hope to see you soon!
~Coach V