Barre is one of the hottest fitness classes around. Why? Because it works you over from head to toe and it is always challenging. As a former professional dancer, Barre has been a major part of my fitness regimen, but regardless of what you may have heard, you do not need dance experience to fall in love with Barre. If you have been interested in taking Barre, but have yet to try a class, I want to break down the most common boutique classes and share a bit more about the workout in hopes that I can encourage you to pulse and plie to your hearts content.
Barre is a ballet-inspired workout with a touch of Yoga, Pilates and HIIT Cardio built in. It is a low weight/ high rep class that targets your arms, core, glutes, legs and stamina. You may use 2-3 lb weights, resistance bands or sliding discs which make the variety of movement infinite. The workout targets major and minor muscle groups and challenges your body in a completely different way than any other class I have ever tried. The”shakes” are guaranteed and consistent barre classes will help develop long, lean muscle mass.
There are tons of Barre classes offered at boutique studios and national chains alike and I have taken most of them! I am certified in Tracey Mallet’s “The Booty Barre”, which has a Pilates core with a cardio edge. The five brands I will mention below have become household Barre brands, but you can find amazing barre classes at local studios and health clubs across the country.
Barre3
Barre3 has a bit more of a mind-body connection through their instructors use of cues and breathing. Thankfully, Barre3 studios also offer childcare which has been a gamechanger for me! You end every class focusing on your breath and depending on the instructor you may have more Yoga infused throughout. It is called Barre3 because of their signature 3-step sequence to produce a strong and balanced body. Learn more about Barre3 here.
Pure Barre
Pure Barre is one of my favorite types of Barre classes. The instructors are very focused on postures and the variety of classes enables you to challenge yourself in four unique ways.
Pure Barre: Is a 50-minute class where You’ll be guided through a series low-impact, high-intensity movements that are designed to strengthen and tone your body.
Pure Empower: Empower is a fusion of barre and interval training designed to elevate your heart rate, build strength and rev up your metabolism. For 45 minutes, you’ll use multi-directional, dynamic movements with ankle weights and a plyometric platform to target different muscle groups simultaneously – all at an invigorating pace.
Pure Reform: Pure Reform is a total body workout that targets, shapes, and defines all major muscle groups through resistance‐based strength training.
Pure Foundations: If you’re new to Pure Barre, or even barre, this is a great place to start. This class will introduce you to the basic movements of Pure Barre and build confidence as you discover how our technique works and all the benefits it has to offer.
FLYBARRE
To me, FlyBarre is the most dynamic and active Barre class out on the market. Just like their spin counterparts, the classes challenge you EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. and will leave you dripping in sweat. My first barre experience was at a FlyBarre Sport class (no longer offered) and I was sore from head to toe in the best possible way! FLYBARRE offers live and on-demand classes to include:
Sweat while you sculpt. This upper-body and core-focused class incorporates cardio blasts to ignite your inner athlete.
Fully activate your arms, core, chest, and back. This zone-focused workout will balance the legwork of your rides.
Want an extra push? This fast-paced full- body workout is packed with our classic barre exercises, minus the stretch breaks.
Sculpt, tone, and define your legs and glutes using light weights and a series of bodyweight moves.
Strengthen your abdominals and back with bodyweight exercises, no equipment needed.
Physique 57
I have not taken a Physique 57 class, but I have heard great things! The Physique 57 workout targets the muscles in your arms, thighs, seat and abs to the point of fatigue then stretches them for relief. The Physique 57 effective process, called Interval Overload, includes muscle-defining arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, waist-chiseling ab moves, and fluid stretches. It’s not easy but that’s exactly why it works. Physique 57 offers a variety of streaming options and challenges for you try anytime…anywhere!
The Bar Method
Every Bar Method class starts with a warm-up, upper-body exercises and push-ups in the middle of the room, followed by a sequence of leg and seat work at the barre and core exercises on the floor. The method predominantly uses your own bodyweight for resistance along with a few basic props – free weights, mats and a ball. Students are continually challenged with endless variations of each exercise timed to the beat of the music. While each class is unique, the method follows a consistent sequence to work the right muscles in the right order, in order to maximize results. The Bar Method technique stands apart because it is safe, smart and personal. It was created under the guidance of physical therapists to ensure it is safe and effective for students spanning a wide range of abilities including those with physical limitations and injuries.
I hope this post encourages you to get to the Barre! If you have a studio in your area, give it a try!
