One of the hottest exercise trends around is ballet-inspired fitness classes known as “barre” workouts.  The word “barre” is a French term referring to the rail used in ballet classes.  Their rise in popularity most likely has been fueled by us wanting to achieve the look of a dancer’s body - super long, lean, and strong, just like a ballerina.  Last year in 2016, the Sports and Fitness Industry Association stated that more than 700,000 people regularly participated in barre programs in the U.S. 

Many individuals may hesitate or be intimidated to try a barre workout especially if they never have taken a dance class in their life.  But that should not stop anyone.  There is no fancy footwork required and no one is wearing leotards or ballet shoes – going barefoot is the norm.  Besides using a barre, the classes also incorporate other dance techniques such as yoga, Pilates, aerobic moves, jumping activities and the use of elastic resistance bands, fitness balls and light hand weights. 

 A typical class will consist of doing a variety of postures and positions targeting specific muscles.  The barre work itself generally focuses on the lower body, especially the thighs, glutes, and calves. 

So what makes working out at a “barre” so effective?  The typical response from those who have gone to barre classes state they love the positive feelings afterwards plus the results they get in improvements in their body.  Even if you never perform on stage as a professional ballerina, anyone can and will see the benefits of barre extend out into other areas of their life.  Here’s why:

·      Endurance

Many different types of movement using isometric contractions and small isotonic movements are included in each barre class.  These small but subtle movements may not seem that effective but whenever you are tightening or contracting muscles holding them in that position for a certain length of time, good things are happening.  Just like when you do a plank pose where you hold completely still but your body begins to quiver and shake – that’s a good thing as those contractions are engaging slow-twitch muscle fibers increasing stamina and improving your endurance.

·      Strength and definition

A barre workout will certainly make you strong and defined.  From your thighs, butt, abdominals, arms and back, each muscle group is thoroughly addressed helping to strengthen and tone muscles that are often underused and underdeveloped.

·      Posture

Have you ever seen a ballerina with poor posture?  Neither have I.  One set of muscles to help achieve great posture are the core muscles.  Engaging core muscles throughout the workout helps strengthen this part of your body that often becomes weak from hours spent sitting at a computer.  Strong muscles mean you will sit and stand taller with less stress and tension on your lower back all day.

·      Flexibility

Being naturally flexible is not required when starting a barre class but over the weeks and months of training, you will find your overall range of motion improving while reducing your risk of injury.  Stretching out muscles is perfect for relieving stress while decreasing tension and tightness that can lead to back pain and poor posture.  As you gradually become a little more flexible, suddenly small things like bending over to tie your shoes has become much easier.

·      Mind-body connection

Practicing movements in a barre class force you to focus your thoughts on performing the motions of the workout. This provides a perfect opportunity to keep your mind from straying thinking of your to-do list and instead makes you more aware of the challenge of having that mind-body connection of really being present in the moment.