IT MAY LOOK LIKE BALLET, BUT IT'S NOT. Barre fitness classes are simply ballet-inspireied, incorporating a ballet barre and maybe some plies and pirouettes here and there into a cardio infused workout. Essentially, barre classes mix elements of Pilates, dance yoga and functional training, and the moves are choreographed to motivating music. In each energizing and targeted workout, you'll use the barre and exercise equipment such as mini-balls and small hand weights to sculpt, slim and stretch your entire body.
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. 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 yo, rest assured that instructors will guide you through the movements and offer helpful feedback without singling you out. 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.
YOU WILL BE WORKED FROM HEAD TO TOE! After each satisfyingly exhausting class, your entire body will truly feel WORKED. You'll feel stretched, strengthened and invigorated. It truly does foster its own 'barre high.'
WORKS MUSCLES TO FAILURE. Barre's tiny motions, may reps, intentional squeezes and pulses (otherwise known as isometric moves) are designed to fatigue muscles to failure. 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.
MODIFICATIONS FOR EVERY AGE AND LEVEL. The beauty of barre class is that everyone works with small movements and can limit or expand their range of motion to suit their specific needs. Exercises can always be modified whether you're a beginner, pregnant or have an injury, but can also be amplified if you're advanced and looking for more of a challenge.
NEVER BORING, ALWAYS FUN. You'll find that the time spent in class passes very quickly due to the fast pace, variety of exercises, upbeat music to a LIVE DJ, ever-changing choreography and inspiring instructors. It's never the same class twice!
LOSE WEIGHT AND INCHES. Many of the workouts target the largest muscle groups in the body, like the thighs and flutes. The larger the muscle, the more calories burned! As you continue to attend class, you will build more lean muscle mass and raise your resting metabolic rate, which can help you to produce more energy and expend calories. Perhaps more important than actual weight loss, barre classes will help you drop a size by redistributing inches on your body -- making you appear (and feel) longer and leaner. If you pair barre workouts with a healthy diet, you will achieve even better results.
RAPID RESULTS. You, you will be sore after the first few classes, but you'll also see some major results in little time -- so stick with it! 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.
