Are your friends hitting up a different kind of bar these days? Here's what to expect from the barre workout, and why you too should shed your sneakers (literally — you do it barefoot!) and give it a try
How to Describe Barre to Your Friends
Looking to grab your girls to test this new trend out, but don't really know how to give them the 101 rundown? Use this intro from Sadie Lincoln, founder of barre3 fitness. "Most barre-based classes use a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other disciplines like yoga and Pilates. The barre is used as a prop to balance while doing exercises that focus on isometric strength training (holding your body still while you contract a specific set of muscles) combined with high reps of small range-of-motion movements." Also, don't be surprised if your class incorporates light handheld weights to bring the burn during all those reps, as well as mats for targeted core work.
When Did Barre Get So Trendy?
Wondering why these boutique studios and specialty classes are popping up all over the place? Lincoln, who opened her first studio in 2008, points to the recession as the root. "Many of us discovered during hard times that we craved smaller and more connected classes. We needed a place where we could balance our bodies and get prepared for our busy and stressful days." Tanya Becker, co-founder of Physique 57 thinks the results are the reason for the craze. "Women see results quickly with barre, it's a one-stop shop that includes all the essentials of a well-rounded exercise program, plus it's perfect for women who are short on time. That's a workout women will always need!"
The Benefits of Barre
Still not sold? If you're sitting slumped in your chair reading this, then you may want to think again. According to Lincoln, the major benefits of barre are improved posture, muscle definition, weight loss, increased flexibility and reduced stress. Plus, women at just about any fitness level can sign up for a class: Both Lincoln and Becker say that barre classes are perfectly fine for pregnant women because they're not high impact. They may even help with imbalance (a common issue during pregnancy due to that growing belly) and stability.
What to Expect from a Barre Class
You've taken the plunge and signed up for a class. Now what? Becker says that the typical class (such as a Physique 57 beginner session) will take you through a dynamic and invigorating workout. You'll start with a warm up and sequence of upper-body exercises, which include free weights, push-ups, planks and other moves to target the biceps, triceps, chest, and back muscles. Next, you'll use the ballet barre and your own body weight for resistance to focus on the thigh and seat muscles. Your core will be engaged the entire class and then targeted at the end. For the cool down, you'll go through a series of stretches to increase flexibility and allow your muscles to recover. Most classes are 60 minutes, says Lincoln, and some studios (like most barre3 locations) may even offer childcare during class.
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