What is barre and why practice it?

What is Barre? A combination of Pilates and ballet

Barre is a fact, and there are many reasons why this dance-inspired workout method has a legion of followers. Barre is not only an effective and fun workout, but for many women it has become a social plan.

In addition, the range of classes in this discipline is becoming more and more extensive and appealing: Full Body Barre, Barre Core, Barre Intensity, barre in infrared rooms, with barre, on chairs, online .... From 30-minute classes to one hour, you have all kinds of barre sessions with which to tone the whole body in a very fun way, that engages from the first session.

Barre, a dance-inspired method

The barre method was born in the 1950s thanks to German dancer Lotte Berk who, after suffering a back injury, developed a system of exercises that combined rehabilitation with ballet movements. Her method later became popular in cities such as London and then New York, where it evolved into the modern barre that is now practiced in gyms and boutique studios around the world.

Barre takes its name from the ballet barre, which is used as a prop for much of the class. But to do barre you don't need to have done dance classes before, it is very easy to follow the classes. And this is precisely one of the reasons for its success: everyone can do it.

The perfect combination of dance, pilates and yoga

Barre combines movements, postures and exercises from ballet, Pilates and yoga, with a strong focus on core control and body alignment. The goal is to tone the entire body, improve posture and increase muscular endurance with low-impact movements. But not only that, barre also provides flexibility and balance, burns calories, slims the whole body and strengthens the abdomen and pelvic floor.

Barre is based on small, controlled, repetitive movements designed to work specific muscles, especially in the legs, buttocks, abdomen and arms, which is why it has been so successful among the female audience. Barre classes often use weights, elastic bands or balls.

Overall, barre is a very complete functional workout that works muscle groups and is especially beneficial and effective for women. The movements are repetitive and high intensity (it will burn you out!) but the classes are suitable for everyone.

What a barre class is like

Unlike the Ballet Fit method sessions, which are entirely dance-based, there is no choreography in barre classes , which makes them very easy for everyone to follow. In addition, they are done with super motivating music, which is also a plus.

A typical barre class usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, begins with a warm-up with gentle movements to activate the body, continues with barre work ( leg and buttock exercises using the bar as a support), arm work with dumbbells or your own body weight, floor work (mainly focused on core and buttocks), and stretching to improve flexibility, stretch and relax the muscles worked.

Of course, since there is no established methodology or choreography, the quality of the classes depends entirely on the experience, training and creativity of the instructor, so it is important to look for classes in which you can ensure a good technical execution. 

What do you need for the class? The ideal is to wear comfortable fitness clothes: with leggings and a top you will be perfect, plus a pro sweatshirt if you are cold at the beginning or at the end of the practice. It is normal to do the class barefoot or with non-slip socks. Discover the Born Living Yoga packs for barre at the gym or at home.

Why choose barre as a training method?

If you're looking for a complete, effective workout that motivates you to be consistent, barre has a lot to offer. One of its great advantages is that it combines the best of several disciplines (strength, flexibility, control and endurance) in a single session. You work the whole body in a balanced way,especially key areas such as abdomen, buttocks and legs, without subjecting the joints to aggressive impacts.

But beyond the physical benefits, barre has something that is not always easy to find in training: it engages from the first session. The classes are fun, varied and are done to the rhythm of a super motivating music, which makes them pass very quickly. Andthe results are quickly seen in the body: more tone, more strength and more definition.

In addition, barre has become a real social plan. Many people not only go to train, but also to disconnect, share and feel part of a community. Whether in boutique studios or online classes, it creates a close and fun atmosphere that invites you to come back. It is that time of the day that not only takes care of your body, but also your mind.

Choosing barre is betting on a workout that not only improves your body and posture, but also makes you have a good time training. It is suitable for all fitness levels, helps you disconnect and fills you with energy. can you ask for more?