If you haven’t been to a barre class, you’re in for a treat and a challenge.
Barre workouts consist of a combination of low-impact exercises. You’ll experience the balance and strength of pilates and yoga, the length and grace of dance training, and the benefits of core training, all with fun, upbeat music.
This type of workout focuses on working muscles through low-impact, high-intensity movements. It uses your body weight as resistance, although sometimes hand weights, balls, and resistance bands are also incorporated.
Barre engages muscles you normally wouldn’t target – vital accessory muscles deep within your body that lunges, squats, and sit-ups alone don’t reach.
With its high-reps and low-impact movements, barre challenges anyone looking to define their muscles—even if you’re a beginner.
When you think of taking a barre class, you may think it will be easy. But you should know that it’s actually challenging.
While the experience will differ from studio to studio, the typical class will take you through a dynamic and invigorating workout. You will have a barre glow!
Barre classes are increasing in popularity around the world. But what exactly can you expect from this low-impact workout? Here’s the lowdown.
What to Expect In a Barre Class
If you think a barre class might be something you could enjoy, here’s what you need to know.
1. It’s actually harder than you think it is.
Barre class is challenging in a way that’s a bit indescribable.
Don’t think barre workouts are easy just because you’re not jumping with high-impact movements.
It’s intense. It challenges you physically and mentally and you can be sore after a workout.
Your body may shake from the isometric movements, which challenge you to maintain and hold a position”
Be ready to hold a pretzel position—holding your leg extended for a while—or pulse only an inch or two in your plié for dozens of reps. It may take you a few workouts to get the hang of the movements, but the results are worth it and your workouts will be very rewarding.
Through it all, you’ll work hard but feel refreshed after every class.
2. If weight loss is your goal, you may need to supplement more cardio with some barre methods.
While it gives you a fantastic workout, Barre exercises aim to strengthen, sculpt, and tone your muscles without adding bulk.
Some barre classes are faster-paced and have more added cardiovascular exercises, providing a more comprehensive fitness program.
If your goal is to lose weight, you may need to add in another type of cardio workout with some Barre methods that are slower-paced.
Fortunately, Physique 57 incorporates cardio exercises in its barre methods.
Nutrition is also key to achieving your health and optimal weight goals. You may need to adjust your overall daily calorie intake depending on the intensity and duration of your workout regime.
Incorporating a healthy diet will also fuel your body with energy to help you look and feel your best.
3. Even if you’re in shape, barre class will challenge you.
Even if you run, lift, or engage in other types of exercises, barre workouts will still be challenging and leave you feeling sore afterward.
Though it’s low-impact training, barre movements work muscles that regular exercises don’t typically reach.
Barre exercises are all about strengthening, endurance, form, and repetition. You hold positions for an extended period of time and do repetitive movements using your own body weight for resistance.
And because you’re spending an extended amount of time in each position to fully exert the muscles, you can deeply feel which part of your body you are activating and strengthening.
4. Barre workouts have mental benefits.
Barre workouts offer more than just physical benefits.
In fact, the mental advantages are similar to yoga. It enriches your mind and body awareness and your focus and concentration.
When you concentrate on the technique of each movement, it lets your mind relax and can reduce stress levels.
You also get endorphins from it just as you would any other workout. Barre classes are known to be addictive!
5. You’ll see and feel immediate results.
What draws most people to continue their workouts is seeing the results.
You’ll probably feel all those I-just-worked-out vibes for the first hour or so. Thanks to chemicals released in your brain, you’ll experience increased energy, focus, attention, and a positive outlook even after just one barre session.
A few hours later, and definitely the next day, you will start to feel soreness from the work you put in.
And in about a week or two of consistent barre classes, you will see and feel the results.
You will see and feel improved posture, your muscles toned, and your mood skyrocketing. You will also notice how you increase your endurance with each workout.
And there are the mental benefits, which might be one of the biggest perks. It will undoubtedly change your outlook, making you more positive, empowered, and confident.
6. You’re stronger than you know.
Barre workouts are all about endurance, strength, and stamina.
Even though barre exercises are intense and challenging, you will get through them.
The rush you will get from making it through the ultra-challenging workouts will leave you energized, confident, empowered, and strong.
And those feelings are nothing short of addictive.
7. You’ll definitely be hooked and come back for more.
There’s something about participating in barre classes that makes you feel happy, confident, and satisfied, leaving you coming back for the challenge.
Working out can sometimes feel like a chore, especially if your fitness routine has become boring, you’re no longer seeing results, or it just doesn’t feel good on your body.
Barre exercises are a different story.
This workout feels good and satisfying. It challenges you. It strengthens you. But best of all, it leaves you feeling confident and empowered.
The Benefits of Barre Workouts
The significant benefits of barre class include a strengthened core, defined muscles, improved posture, increased flexibility, and reduced stress.
(See also: Benefits of Barre Workouts)
Plus, it’s fun, and anyone is welcome to join a barre class.
Barre is also fantastic for pregnant women because it’s not high impact, and the exercises can be modified. They may even help improve balance—a common issue during pregnancy due to that growing belly—and stability.
Convinced to Give Barre Class a Try?
No matter where you are on your fitness journey, whether you loathe going to the gym or are already working out seven days a week, our breakthrough exercise regimen will completely transform your body into its best version and make you love every minute of it.
And even if you’re a complete beginner or experienced in barre, Physique 57 has a class for you.
We also have Barre Home Workouts where you can experience everything barre offers from the convenience of your own space.
Subscribe today or visit www.ondemand.physique57.com to know more.
