So what is barre and why should you try it?

Barre is a form of exercise that combines ballet-inspired movements with elements of Pilates, yoga, and strength training. The music is typically high energy to keep you motivated and engaged throughout class. Classes are either 45 minutes or 60 minutes long at our studio.  Here are some reasons why barre can be a great form of exercise for women of all ages:

Low-impact: Barre classes are typically low-impact, which means they are gentle on the joints and can be a good option for women who may be dealing with joint pain or recovering from other injuries. Talk to the instructor beforehand about any of your specific injuries to create a plan for proper modifications throughout class.

Builds strength: Barre exercises use bodyweight, resistance and small movements to target specific muscles, which can help build strength, tone muscles, and improve posture. Barre workouts focus on doing lots of repetitions with low weights. In our classes we do exercises with no weights, 2lb weights and 6lb weights while also utilizing resistance bands and Pilates balls.

Improves balance and flexibility: Barre exercises often involve balancing on one leg, or in a ballet position called relevé which is when you rise up from flat feet (heels on the floor) to a demi point (heels lifted off the floor).  You also may be holding positions for an extended period, which can also improve balance and stability. Additionally, the stretching component of barre can improve flexibility and overall range of motion.

Supports bone health: Because barre exercises are weight-bearing, they can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.

Boosts cardiovascular fitness: While barre is not typically considered a high-intensity cardiovascular workout, the continuous movement and elevated heart rate can still provide cardiovascular benefits.  A Cardio Barre class will absolutely boost your cardiovascular health as you practice interval training by incorporating cardio exercises in between regular barre exercises getting the heart rate lifted.

Suitable for all fitness levels: Barre exercises can be modified to suit different fitness levels and abilities, making it a great option for women of all ages and fitness backgrounds. It meets you where you are, meaning that it is designed in a way to allow for modifications as well as challenges for each exercise throughout the class.

Studio Atmosphere: For many former dancers, a barre class feels like home.  They are familiar with the ballet terminology and studio culture.  It can feel like home for those who grew up in studios and maybe haven’t had that studio experience in years.  In general, it is a very supportive and empowering environment at The Vitality Place where everyone can feel welcome and like they belong.

Overall, barre can be a great form of exercise for women of all ages, providing a low-impact, full-body workout that can help build strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness.