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.
Barre isn’t a dance class, even though it’s inspired by ballet. Invented to recover from a back injury, the workout strengthens, tones, and stretches the body, contributing to an elegant, confident posture. It’s a low-impact workout that can challenge participants as it requires muscles to engage in new ways, helping to build strength, improve flexibility, and achieve a lean, toned physique. The minimal impact on joints allows for building muscular strength and endurance without high-impact stress, making it suitable for nearly everyone, including runners seeking to improve stability.
Barre exercises can be tailored for various fitness levels, incorporating exercises that target smaller muscles for better posture and appearance. In a typical class, movements flow into one another, with sections that focus on major muscle groups like arms, legs, glutes, and core. Props such as resistance bands, hand weights, and exercise balls may be used, but the primary feature is the ballet barre, used for support and stability.
A typical barre workout incorporates classical ballet, Pilates and cardio, all set to music in a friendly environment. The exercises typically involve small, precise movements that target specific muscle groups. You may find yourself performing a series of movements at the barre, in the center of the room, and on the mat. With a focus on form and alignment, the workout can be quite intense despite being low impact.
Barre workouts offer a unique mix of benefits for participants of all skill levels, boosting overall fitness and well-being. If you’re interested in trying out barre, be prepared for a challenging session that can effectively improve your physique and potentially aid in weight loss.