Does anyone do Barre workouts?

marlanaperry

I am considering starting to do Barre workouts. I like the flexibility that comes from yoga, but want something a little more intense. I've heard that Barre workout classes may be a good match, but I was wondering if anyone else could tell me a little bit more about the workout. Is it a good medium-intensity workout? Does it help with flexibility/muscle building? Will I look better in my bikini this summer if I do barre? And most importantly, is it worth $150 a month to take the classes?

KingsGirl4

I've done barre before and it's very intense cardio-wise. I would consider it HIIT as you change exercises every 30-60 seconds the entire class (no stopping!). I would definitely suggest taking a trial class before committing to a plan - most studios will give you a free class or discounted class to do this.

Also from my experience after 10 barre classes, I was a bit bored of the workout and started taking different classes.

The workout itself incorporates ballet exercises at a fast-pace (i.e. plie, arabesque, rond-de-jambe). There is usually a floor section near the end which I loved that works your abs and legs. Search youtube for some videos which would give you a better idea. Definitely try it!

erinelizabeth882

I don't know that much about barre because I just took my first class last week, but I did enjoy it! Good burn for the legs, hips, thighs, and butt. They work arms and core in there too. It's not a sweatfest, because there's not much cardio involved, but I think it's a good resistance workout.

More importantly, $150 a month seems ridiculous! I have no idea what your gym situation is like in your area, but considering joining a gym that includes classes. I go to the Y (where I am able to get a reduced membership due to the fact that I'm a student and working very little) and I can take all the classes I want for free! Except the little kids ballet and karate classes, but you see what I mean.

All in all, barre is a good class for me to mix into my routine, but I would never spend $150 for a month of their classes since it's not a perfect mix of cardio and strength and targeting all areas of the body. Consider doing youtube barre classes if you can't join a gym with classes included; you don't need tons of equipment for them.

gabella0603

I've been going to a barre class 3x/week since mid-November and it's helped me immensely with flexibility. Even when I did yoga, I was never this flexible. Also, my core strength has greatly improved. My ribcage expanded with my first pregnancy and hadn't gone back all the way and now I'm smaller in the ribcage than I was before child #1. It's not because of weight-loss either, because I lost all the baby weight after each pregnancy.

I also like the attentiveness of the instructors where I go. They walk around and will help you fix your form or help you get deeper into a stretch. They focus on spinal alignment and I am finding I sit straighter/walk taller now. I also find the workout intensity depends on how much I put into it, and I'm able to do more as time has gone on.

I'm a believer!

isthisolivia

I am a big barre fan. I like to balance it out with some HIIT and some running. Barre was incredible for my posture and flexibility. I saw my body change pretty quickly by going to barre 4-5 times a week when i first signed up for a month special. I had a membership to Dailey here in SF but after awhile i just transferred that knowledge to home barre workouts via videos to save some money. Its helpful to go to class to get the positions down so you don't hurt yourself but once it becomes ingrained, its easy to do it at home. Love it --- and i do occasionally do drop in classes here and there just to be around the awesome instructors.