Remember when you watched ballet and thought to yourself how lean and lovely the dancers looked? Did you ever think wow I would love to look like that one day?
Then you may want to try a Barre class – one of the hottest fitness trends around. You know Barre is big when Les Mills (the world’s largest group fitness provider) is now offering their own version of Barre classes.
So what is Barre?
Barre is basically a combination of ballet inspired moves with elements of Pilates, dance, Yoga and strength training.
Each class is a full body workout. Each muscles group is targeting through lots of reps with light weights or resistance.
Anyone can do a Barre class, because the moves are low impact, you don’t need a high level of physical fitness or prior expertise.
What to expect if you are a Barre virgin
Like any new fitness class, don’t expect to master all the moves in the first class – you have to give it a chance so make sure you do a few classes before deciding whether Barre is for you or not.
Don’t worry if you have never pulled on a pair of ballet shoes, you don’t need any dance experience to do a Barre class (though you do use an actual Barre). Don’t expect too much cardio, the focus is more on isometric strength training.
Get ready for the muscle shakes!
A Barre class is really going to focus on working specific muscles groups – some you may have not used in God knows how long! You will move at a slower pace, do smaller moves and hold the position for a long time (a lot longer than what you want or are used too).
Because of this, you may start to feel your muscles burn and shake – and let me tell you that is a good thing! It means you are targeting the right muscles, they are working overtime and this is what you need for your muscles to strengthen and your shape to change.
Of course if it all gets too much, take a break. But the more classes you do, the less intense it will get.
What are the benefits?
Barre if perfect for people who want to:
- Improve their posture,
- Increase core strength,
- Become more flexible,
- Improve muscle tone,
- Improve balance and coordination
- Define your arms, legs and butt
- Try something different.
So if are looking to get lean and lovely, just like a ballerina, then give Barre a go.
