What the heck is Barre anyway?
Let’s answer the most common question right off the bat. No, you do not dance in class, nor do you have to know how to dance. The majority of barre goers have little to no dance background and that’s just how we like it at The Yoga Barre & Co. We welcome the inexperienced because around here we like to work from the ground up. It’s all about progress over perfection.
Barre, named after the obvious piece of equipment - the bar, is a fusion of ballet (the fundamentals such as positioning of the feet and arms,) yoga, Pilates and strength training. You will find the exercises are set at a slow to mid-pace, with lots of reps that target strength and flexibility. You won’t have to worry about high impact here. Barre focuses on using specific muscles that aren’t used on a regular basis. These auxiliary muscles and help support your larger, more frequently used muscles. You will get to know this isometric workout and it’s benefits and it will quickly become something your body craves.
The bar is not the only beneficial prop in class. You will use other gear such as light weights, a mat, Pilates ball, loop bands and sliders. Each class brings a new challenge and the instructors will provide modifications for different fitness levels and explain how to best use the props to get the most out of your workout.
The goal of this type of workout to get to the “shake and burn zone.” You will find there are moments in class that you may need to mentally pep talk your muscles through a series, and that’s exactly what barre is targeted to do. The first time you feel that “shake and burn” you may mistake it for weakness. You are NOT weak. There will be a lot going on with your body at once and you will feel it. The burn is what you are going for. The burn is your muscle responding to the work and your muscles will change because of it.
Barre class will work muscles and body parts you rarely ever think about. Prepare to feel tired and sore from head to toe, and also prepare to get back to another class within 48 hours. Your body will definitely feel that first class and the best thing to do for that lactic acid build up is to work it out again. When you commit to working out regularly instead of occasionally, your body will feel less and less sore and tired - not to mention the mental health benefits that come with it. Committing to barre 3- 4 times a week will change your body in tone, flexibility and stamina, quickly making this one of your favorite workouts.
