What is a barre workout?
But that idea couldnt be further from the truth.
It has some elements of ballet, but its so much more than thatthats not even scratching the surface.
So what is barre, exactly?
Consider this your all-inclusive guide to the low-impact workout method.
First things first: What is barre?
director of training and technique atPure Barre
Despite its connotations with ballet, barre is its own unique workout style.
Think of it as a combination of Pilates, resistance training, dance, and yoga, Santiago says.
All the movements are synced to the tempo of the music.
And much like ayoga session, youll flow seamlessly from one exercise to the next.
Its also a high-rep workout, meaning youll spend a lot of time performing each exercise.
All these features combined create a workout experience that flies by.
The benefits of barre thatll convince you to add it to your routine
1.
Its low-impact
Barre is a low-impact workout method, meaning it doesnt put much external stress on your joints.
Fallon Santiago
2.
director of training and technique atPure Barre
The added challenge is to maintain your alignment throughout these pulses or holds.
Trust us, its much more exhausting than it seems.
Consider this: You might start a series in first position.
Youll stand next to the barre with your heels together and toes turned apart.
Youll start performing little pulses, lowering and lifting your body a few inches by bending your knees.
You might even try kicking one leg out while holding the squat, she says.
Youre also working the core, because the core is engaged the whole time.
So even though its a thigh-focused exercise, youre also still getting that work on your backside as well.
Altogether, you might spend three to four minutes on this one combination, she says.
A lot of times in those smaller movements, youre engaging the muscles a little differently, McMahan explains.
Anyone can come to class and scale it, making it more challenging or easing up the intensity.
Okay, so does barre have any drawbacks?
The same idea holds true if youre looking to bounce around the entire class, Santiago says.
And like other boutique fitness classes, barre can initially feel overwhelming to newbies, McMahan says.
Even in a more restorative class, its more of a fast-paced class, he says.
Things are happening quickly.
The cueing is very quick… Youll typically start class in the center of the room, away from the bar, with a warmup.
Ballet terminology is used sparingly to make the classes accessible.
Fallon Santiago
Who is barre best for?
Importantly, listen to your body.
Listen to parameters that have been given to you by either a doctor or physical therapist.
7 main barre moves to know
Want to practice the basics before your first class?
Here, Santiago demonstrates seven fundamental barre exercises and explains how to do them with proper technique.
Alternatively, combine each pulse with a heel lift.
Wide second position
Pulse up and down an inch or two in each direction.
Alternatively, combine both movements, doing two press backs then two pulses.
Lower the right leg an inch or two, and repeat.
Alternatively, hold the squeeze and pulse.
Kozlenia D, Domaradzki J.
Prediction and injury risk based on movement patterns and flexibility in a 6-month prospective study among physically active adults.
2021 May 18;9:e11399.
PMID: 34046260; PMCID: PMC8139277.
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