What is Barre?

It looks like ballet, feels like Pilates and offers the flexibility of yoga.  Barre fitness classes are ballet-inspired, incorporating the use of a ballet barre and some ballet moves to music. These highly effective classes mix elements of Pilates, dance, yoga and functional training, with a repertoire that is choreographed to motivating music. In each energizing and targeted class, you’ll use the Barre and exercise equipment such as mini-balls, resistance bands, and small hand weights to sculpt, slim and stretch your entire body.

Here are some great reasons to try a Barre workout!

1. Easy on the joints, but hard on muscles. The super-controlled, micro movements that take place in Barre classes reduce pressure on your joints, tendons, ligaments and spine. Done regularly, you'll also see improved core strength and posture.  A stronger core will make you look taller and thinner, but it will also keep you safe from injuries.

2. Anyone can do Barre, regardless of experience. Everyone has different starting points, strengths and challenges, and instructors recognize that. If you are worried about not having any dance training or fear you won’t be able to ‘get it’ or keep up, rest assured that instructors will guide you through the movements and offer helpful feedback without singling you out. And, remember, each person can be challenged at their own level in class without affecting anyone else’s workout. Always measure progress against yourself; not the person next to you!

3. It’s a full body workout. After each class, your entire body will have been stretched, strengthened and invigorated. Barre provides a sense of empowerment, but also offers the relaxed feeling you get after a yoga class.

4. Work muscles to failure. Barre's isometric moves with high repetitions, pulses and holds are designed to fatigue muscles to failure.   Muscle shaking is one of the characteristics of a Barre class.  It’s often said that “if you’re not shaking, you’re not doing it right!”  Embrace the shaking as it’s totally natural for your muscles to quiver uncontrollably – it means you are exhausting that muscle and forcing it to tone

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5. Increased flexibility. Through focused stretching, an improved range-of-motion is one of the greatest benefits of Barre exercise. Sometimes people are flexible but not strong, or strong and not flexible, so whether you can sit comfortably in a pretzel position or you’re stiffer than a board, Barre classes actually teach your body to be both. Having flexibility and strength allows you to enjoy a longer, active life free of injuries.

6. Look better naked!  You’ll lose weight and inches, so your clothes will fit better and you’ll look better in a bathing suit.  Many of the workouts target the largest muscle groups in the body, like the thighs and glutes. The larger the muscle, the more calories burned! As you continue to attend class, you will build more lean muscle mass which helps to raise your resting metabolic rate, to help you to burn more calories. If you combine Barre workouts with a healthy diet, you will achieve even better results.

7.  FAST results.  You’ll be sore after the first few classes, but you’ll also notice major results in a short time! If you perform a Barre workout 2-4 times weekly, you will typically notice changes in as little as one month. Changes may include an improved posture, thinner thighs, chiseled arms, a sculpted back, flat abs and a lifted seat. Barre classes are incredibly effective at transforming so-called 'problem' areas, especially for women.

These are all great reasons to try one of the most popular workouts around.  Give it a try.  Your body will transform, and you’ll feel great!