The popular workout of Barre integrates dance, Pilates, yoga and strength training all in one. It is also great for stretching and lengthening, so it really should be a consideration.

So that you can make a more informed decision though and not just take our word for it, here are some more details.

Barre Training – The Fundamentals

This training method has been designed to give a total body workout. Barre workouts are an infusion of:

• Classical ballet training – Known for its aesthetics & rigorous technique including pointe work, turnout of the legs and high extensions.
• Pilates – Improves flexibility, builds strength and develops both control and endurance of the body.
• Yoga – Increases flexibility, muscle strength, tone, respiration, energy and vitality. Connects the mind and body and can protect from injury.
• Cardio Dance – Allows you to improve your cardio incorporating a variety of low and medium impact aerobic dance moves.
• Calisthenics – Also known as body weight training, light hand held weights are used however most of the time we use the body to develop the body.
• Strength Training – With strength training resistance is used to induce muscular contraction to build strength, anaerobic endurance and increase muscle size.

The above are all combined with upbeat music and worked at the barre or on a mat. Some of the classic barre moves include:

Pliés (to perform plies both feet need to be turned to ten and two o’clock with the knees in line with middle toes. With a straight torso, you bend the knees, keeping the pelvis in neutral and then straighten.)

• Relevés (this manoeuvre requires rising up and down on tip toes. Small soft balls are sometimes added between the ankles or inner thighs.)
• Passés (sideways or face on to the barre, you bring the outside toe to the inside knee or ankle so you create a triangle.)
• Arabesque (holding onto the barre), raise a straight leg behind keep hips square and turn knee out.
• Squat – Knees a little wider than hip width apart, dig into heels and bend knees keeping in line with ankles, push bottom back and keep spine lengthened and chest lifted

Different instructors will have different styles and will choreograph classes differently; however, you will be likely to sweat and elevate your heart rate into the fat burning zone.

Barre Benefits

Alongside an elevated heart rate, rapid breath and a real sweat, that great endorphin high should kick in with your Barre workout. You should receive a great cardio workout, your arms, legs, glutes and core muscles will be toning. Other benefits include improved posture, decrease in back pain, stress management, reducing risks of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes and increased endurance and strength.

Athletes that participate in high energy primary activities often find yoga and Pilates too slow as a secondary exercise although they realise the benefits they offer and add to their primary activity. Barre is a great alternative as the higher tempo structure offers the same benefits but without the slow pace.

It can help with weight loss. All of the Barre workouts completely fatigue the largest muscle groups, whilst strengthening the deep intrinsic muscles; this helps to build longer, leaner muscles. The classes are low impact however the large, dynamic movement increases heart rate, improves circulation, helps to burn fat and energises the body.

It will leave you toned from head to pointed toe. The isometric hold works the muscles to the deepest point, which helps to increase strength and endurance.  Taking the time to hold a position allows time to focus on alignment and posture.

It strengthens the core muscles (abdominals). The controlled one-inch movements in the exercise create just enough relief in the muscles to manage the hold. The inclusion of the one-inch, heats the body, increases core strength, and revs up the metabolism.

All of the Barre routines involve Pilates-based abdominal work exercises to strengthen the core. Developing toned abdominals and a strong core helps to reduce the risk of overusing the lower back muscles and in addition putting stress on other joints like the knees.

Barre Training Essentials

Normal fitness clothing is fine but the tighter fitting ones are better so you can see your body shapes, making them easier to correct. Leg warmers are not a must however can be added if you want to add some extra swank as are tutu’s always welcome!

You may require a mat but here at ‘The View’ studio we supply them.

Live barre classes are always better than working out at home as an instructor is always on hand to correct postures etc. Having said that, we appreciate that it is not always possible with family, friends and work commitments. That is why ‘The View’ studio has now made some short barre workouts that are available to purchase. We believe that you should be able to visit the barre anytime and anywhere.