Barre classes...

molson55
molson55 Posts: 59 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So my school gym offers free classes and I was thinking about going to a barre class. I know in general what it is but I was wondering if anyone could give me some info on what I'm getting myself into? Also, any estimate on how many calories I'd burn during a bar class (its an hour long)? I only ask this out of curiosity. I generally try not to eat back many, if any, exercise calories just cause the estimates are SO OFF, but I like knowing how hard I worked :)

Replies

  • isthisolivia
    isthisolivia Posts: 37 Member
    Huge fan of barre, but can't tell you about the caloric burn. I do know that i sweat a lot. The one i do, Dailey Method, usually starts with standing arm exercises/very light weights, moves to some floor/plank stuff, then moves to barre (usually incorporating a small pilates ball), then back to floor for bridge work on the abs. What it does is isolate and target different muscles with slow tiny pulses and movements at the barre itself plus small isolated movements on the floor similar to pilates.

    Its really going to work your core, your legs, and your glutes the most; be prepared for some leg shakes. Also, it's going to really help your posture and alignment. A good teacher will adjust your technique throughout the hour long session.

    + get there early for first class; let the teacher know (she/he should place you in front).
    + be prepared to not be able to be as flexible at first, especially with the barre --- leg on barre was really hard for me as an incredibly NOT flexible runner. After a week or two, it was much easier.

    I love it. It's not a replacement for cardio or strength, but its similar to pilates as a wonderful addition. For me, it's a great burn and you should be sweating and shaking. Have fun!
  • aledba
    aledba Posts: 564 Member
    Huge fan of barre, but can't tell you about the caloric burn. I do know that i sweat a lot. The one i do, Dailey Method, usually starts with standing arm exercises/very light weights, moves to some floor/plank stuff, then moves to barre (usually incorporating a small pilates ball), then back to floor for bridge work on the abs. What it does is isolate and target different muscles with slow tiny pulses and movements at the barre itself plus small isolated movements on the floor similar to pilates.

    Its really going to work your core, your legs, and your glutes the most; be prepared for some leg shakes. Also, it's going to really help your posture and alignment. A good teacher will adjust your technique throughout the hour long session.

    + get there early for first class; let the teacher know (she/he should place you in front).
    + be prepared to not be able to be as flexible at first, especially with the barre --- leg on barre was really hard for me as an incredibly NOT flexible runner. After a week or two, it was much easier.

    I love it. It's not a replacement for cardio or strength, but its similar to pilates as a wonderful addition. For me, it's a great burn and you should be sweating and shaking. Have fun!
    Excellent description! I really found that Barre helped increase the flexibility in my feet and legs. It was always a tough workout, but seemed to be quite efficient. I can't say much about calories, but you have to think about ballerinas and the training they go through - they must be burning something to look that good.
  • molson55
    molson55 Posts: 59 Member
    Ah thank you so much everyone!!! I'm so excited to try it out!! Can't wait for my legs to shake :) haha
  • isthisolivia
    isthisolivia Posts: 37 Member
    Leg shake! Everyone shakes. If there is no shake, you are doing it wrong or not lifting your heels high enough.

    Also, ballerinas have iron cores, and for good reason: they are constantly working their core, engaging their abs in every single move. Just remember to breathe during barre. Youre going to want to hold your breath to power through; DONT. :)
  • ilfaith
    ilfaith Posts: 16,769 Member
    I recently added Barre classes to my routine and love it. The poster above pretty much described the class I took as well. If you have the opportunity to take Barre classes for free, I would jump (jeté?) at the chance, as classes at the various studio franchises are not inexpensive.

    I log my Barre classes as "Pilates" because MFP doesn't have a listing for Barre (yet). I've been doing Pilates for years and am finding Barre to be a bit more challenging (I suppose because it is something new to me and I am working muscles that haven't been targeted before.)
  • molson55
    molson55 Posts: 59 Member
    Ah you guys got me so hyped! Class is tomorrow and I'm on the edge of my seat, I honestly can't wait

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