This blog was originally featured on Maria Haymandou’s website here.
Barre is a ballet-inspired, low-impact workout regimen. Within the last decade, barre workouts have become increasingly popular. PureBarre, a fitness studio franchise that specializes in barre workouts began in 2001 with a single location. They now have over 450 within the United States and Canada.
Barre is so popular because it’s possible to get a full-body workout that combines strength training and cardio within an hour. Barre might be an excellent option for people who are new to fitness, short on time or need a switch-up from their daily gym routine. Also, barre is entirely safe for pregnant women but always check with a doctor first.
During workouts, you will actively burn fat, tone muscle, improve posture, develop core strength, and correct balance issues. The beginning of a barre workout usually involves a combination of typical mat-based exercises like planks and push-ups. Then, the majority of the workout is completed at the barre. The barre is used for balance while a series of isometric movements are performed. This just means that instead of doing the more extensive motions typically associated with workouts, (squats, jumping jacks, or burpees) you’re performing smaller movements, usually around an inch while holding the rest of your body still. These smaller movements, almost like pulses, target your muscles in a way that most fitness enthusiasts aren’t used to. Expect to work each muscle group separately and to experience a little bit of shaking in the beginning, before your body gets used to holding barre positions. The workout is usually finished with core exercises and stretching. A typical barre workout lasts about an hour.
The majority of a barre workout will be bodyweight only (along with the use of the barre), but some may include the use of resistance bands, an exercise ball, or light hand weights. Some studios require socks with grips on the bottoms to be worn during barre classes, while some will allow you to be barefoot.
The typical cost for a barre class is between $20-$30. Some gyms and fitness studios offer them as free add-ons, and some offer unlimited classes for one price. At-home barre workouts may require a barre to be installed, but you could also use a banister or railing of some sort. Barre workouts need minimal equipment, which makes barre a popular at-home workout choice.
Maria Haymandou 