Have you heard of “Barre” Workouts?   There’s all kinds of workouts with “barre” in the name of the class at every gym and in the exercise DVD section of Amazon — but the only connection that I knew about was the barre is used in ballet lessons.     So what’s the class about and can a non-ballerina be successful?   I did some research.

It may look like ballet, but it’s not.  Barre fitness classes are ballet inspired, incorporating a mix of ballet barre and pilates work with plies and kicks in the workout.    Barre classes are choreographed to motivating music, and in each targeted workout, you’ll use the bar and exercise eequipment such as small hand weights and mini balls to slim and stretch your entire body.   You don’t need dance experience to be comfortable in a Barre class.

What’s the difference between barre and a typical strength training class? Rather than larger, compound movements (think squats and shoulder presses), you’ll perform tiny, one-inch increments called isometric movements. That’s why you’ll often hear, “Down an inch, up an inch,” repeated by barre teachers.  The barre is used as a prop to balance while doing exercises that focus on isometric strength training (holding your body still while you contract a specific set of muscles) combined with high reps of small range-of-motion movements.

For someone who’s used to other cross training classes, it may seem like you’re not working hard enough. But that’s absolutely not the case, experts say. In fact, you’re getting a killer workout because the one-inch increments are enough to fire up the muscle and make it more elastic, but not too big to tear the muscle.

Some articles say that the major benefits of barre are improved posture, muscle definition, weight loss, increased flexibility and reduced stress. Women at just about any age and fitness level sign up for classes.  Barre classes are perfectly fine for pregnant women because they’re not high impact. They may even help with imbalance (a common issue during pregnancy due to that growing belly) and stability.   Weight loss results are highly individualized depending on how many barre workouts you do and how consistently you do them.

Do you have to look like a ballerina (tiny, lean and flexible) to take a Barre class?  The simple answer is no.  Barre is mindful movement. Participants can start at whatever fitness level they are at.  The instructor will lead you through the movements, and suggest adjustments based on each student’s working level.  You will sweat.  Your muscles will shake because of the repeated, small movements.

What should you wear to barre class?   Leggings, a sports bra, and a tank will do the trick.   You may want to wear some grippy socks to prevent slipping.

Why should you add a barre class to your workouts each week?   It’s easy on the joints, low impact, motivating and almost every article I read said that Barre targets “problem areas” for women.   Who doesn’t want to target those “problem areas”?    Articles also said that results could be seen and felt in as little as a month for people that add 2-3 barre classes a week to their workout routine!!

Still apprehensive?    Rivercity Pilates is offering “Barre Basics Getting Started Package” that includes a Barre Basic Workshop and a package  of 5 Barre classes at the studio. The Barre Basics workshop will teach you everything you need to know about this dance and Pilates inspired workout! The workshop will go over all the basic movement patterns and techniques used in Barre classes, give modifications for different bodies and give you a chance to practice basic Barre sequences!  You can save 20% if you sign up by August 22nd and you’ll be off to a great start with your new Barre practice!!

Click the image below to sign up for the Barre Basics Getting Started Package!