Have you ever tried a barre class?
Some people may find it “girly” or “easy” while others may find it “too intimidating” to start. Let me assure you that it is an AMAZING total body workout for any fitness level … guys, cross fitters, etc. I’m talking to you too!
My fitness goal/philosophy is to be able to complete any fitness class/workout/move. Maybe not to be the best at it, but I want to be strong, fast, flexible, functional, etc. Barre definitely has a place in accomplishing all of those things.
Before your first class …
Start by googling “barre classes”. There are several different types/styles/locations you can take a barre class. At a regular gym, YMCA, or a boutique studio like PureBarre. It is important to note that Pure Barre is a chain so your class experience will be similar in all other Pure Barre studios where it may be different from another Barre class you’ve taken.
Sign up for a class and bring a towel, water bottle and sticky socks to class with you. Sticky socks aren’t a “must” but they will make your experience better by preventing you from slipping. You can buy them online, borrow them at the studio (sometimes) or purchase them at a studio. They come in many different styles so try one before investing in several pairs. One could probably do the trick and skyzone (trampoline park) jumping socks also do the trick!
Dress in something comfortable that you can move in. Longer shorts, capris or pants and a stretchy shirt would be best. Probably leave the sweats at home for barre class.
Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early to get set up with the equipment you need for class.
What to expect in class … equipment and format
Dumbbells, ankle weights, bands, balls, mats and platform boxes are all things you may encounter in a Pure Barre class. Be sure to ask the instructor what you need and how you should set up your space in the room. Know that Barre classes in general move VERY quickly. You will only be doing a particular sequence for a minute or so and you will move between standing, sitting, facing different directions, etc. every few minutes. It may feel a little overwhelming at first, but go with the flow. The instructors will help you transition between the different moves and equipment. The good news is that the time flies by! It is also important to know that you will likely do some moves incorrectly. The instructors will come around and help you tweak your form to get the most out of each movement. Don’t get frustrated by it … the instructor came to me at least 5 times during each of my classes. Enjoy the personal attention!
Pure Foundations
This class left me feeling toned all over. My legs were literally shaking like Jell-O during the squat sequences and my gluten and hamstrings were nearly cramping up from all of the isolation moves. I felt so silly because I can easily squat 150lbs but it was clearly working my body in a different way. I definitely felt the burn in a VERY good way!
Here is what Pure Barre has to say:
- “If you’re new to Pure Barre, or even barre, this is a great place to start! Our small group class setting will introduce you to the basic movements of Pure Barre and build confidence as you discover how our technique works and all the benefits it has to offer.”
Pure Empower
This class left me feeling strong and invigorated. I appreciated the cardio aspects that this class incorporated and wide variety of both upper and lower body exercises.
Here is what Pure Barre has to say:
- “Cross Training For Your Body. Perform multi-directional, dynamic movements while using ankle weights and a plyometric platform to target different muscle groups simultaneously – at an invigorating pace.
- Cross Training For Your Brain. Science has proven that changing the way you move improves brain performance. Mix it up – and enjoy a total body and mental workout that’s also fun.
- Change how you move. Change the results. Sign up for this high-intensity, low-impact interval workout and elevate your heart rate, build strength, and rev up your metabolism to push beyond your goals.
Lets Talk Weights
Barre sometimes incorporates hand weights and/or ankle weights that usually come in 1, 3 and 5 lbs … and thats it. No, you didn’t read that wrong. Barre uses super light weights but has you lift them at very high reps. Even the strongest of strong will feel the challenge – I promise you!
Bottom Line
Pure Barre studios are professional, clean, and have experienced and knowledgeable instructors. I burned 376 calories during the Pure Empower class. and around 315 during the Pure Foundations class.
I don’t think I could or anyone should ‘survive’ on Barre alone, but it is definitely worth incorporating into your fitness routine! It will work your entire body, challenge your mental toughness, humble you, and make you work muscles you didn’t even know you had. Go try a class! Many studios offer your first class or first week FREE! #NOEXCUSES
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