If you are looking for a way to get sculpted and lean without doing traditional workouts like pushups and dumbbell exercises you have come to the right place. Barre workouts have consistently delivered results using nontraditional methods that are easy on your joints. If you’ve been curious about what it is like to work out with barre, read on to learn more.
What is Barre?
“Barre” refers to the horizontal bar used by ballet dancers for support in their training. These workouts are primarily a combination of ballet, Pilates, and yoga. It was created in the 1950s by a professional dancer who was recovering from an injury. These low-impact workouts are great for toning your muscles without taking a toll on your joints. It’s the perfect combination of dance and fitness!
While it may be low-impact, don’t be deceived by their elegant-looking, singular pulsing movements. These workouts will make you sweat and give you sore muscles the next day. Come to a barre workout expecting loud music and red, sweaty faces. There is nothing else that will strengthen and tone your body all over like a dynamic barre workout.
What Is It Like to Work Out With Barre?
When I tell you that barre works out your whole body, I mean your WHOLE body! While barre workouts mainly focus on your major muscle groups, the small isotonic movements will make you sore in places you didn’t know you had!
While the thighs, glutes, and core are the main muscles targeted by barre workouts, muscles in the upper body are usually the focus in the warm-up and used throughout the workouts to push, pull, and balance your body.
What are the benefits of a barre workout?
Improves Flexibility
Stretching is a large part of any barre workout- and for good reason. Adding in good stretches before and after workouts helps to alleviate some post-workout soreness and leave your muscles long and lean. Common stretches used include hamstring stretches, pigeon poses, and even doing the splits.
Corrects Posture
All barre workouts are focused on the core and being centered. For example, lower body workouts focus on standing tall and balancing the body evenly on the feet and hips. Developing a strong core enables you to stand taller and correct bad posture.
Low Impact
The low-impact nature of barre workouts makes it the perfect workout for people of all fitness levels. It is kind to your joints. Barre focuses on strengthening your joints so that you stay strong as you grow older. The risk of injury is also low in barre workouts and has even been known to rehabilitate people with physical injuries.
Strengthens and Defines All Muscles
One very obvious benefit of barre workouts is how strong and defined your muscles become. Barre focuses on contracting your muscles in small contractions. This works your muscles quicker and deeper than other types of workouts, leading to more strength in your muscles and joints.
To get the most out of a barre workout, be sure to hold the contracted position for as long as you can. When you start to shake and feel the “barre burn” you will know you are doing it right.
Be warned: barre workouts are not for the faint of heart! They have been known to bring football players to their knees. But if you get comfortable with being uncomfortable and push through those moments you want to quit, you will see your body change in ways you never thought possible.
If you want to see how I can help you reach your fitness goals, contact me!
