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Ready to learn all the benefits of barre classes?
Meet the Experts
Heres everything you should know about barre classes and the benefits of the ballet-inspired workout.
Getty Images / Design by Camden Dechert
What Are Barre Workouts?
Barre fitness is a super-energizing, whole-body workout thats great for everyone, from beginners to pros.
Each class is meant to build alignment, strengthen yourcore, and tone and elongate muscles.
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Think of it as offering all the body benefits of a ballet dancerwithout attempting a pirouette.
The movements might be small, but trust usyoull feel the burn.
What is a Barre Class Like?
Mostbarre classeswill start with a short warmup, some using small weights and others starting at the barre.
Byrdie Tip
More than likely, it will be suggested to take your shoes off for your barre class.
To prevent yourself from slipping, be sure to wear socks that have grips on the bottom.
The Benefits of Barre Workouts
1.
More importantly, working on yourgluteshelps to strengthen all the muscles that stabilize the pelvis.
This helps to alleviate pressure on the back, hips, and knees, she says.
This might be especially helpful forpostpartummothers looking to bounce back.
Increases flexibility
The combination of stretching and the focus on posture should allow yourflexibilityto be pushed to the limit.
Give yourself a few weeks and you might be surprised at how your flexibility increases.
Barre is a mental challenge, as each movement requires a level of mindfulness to stay engaged.
Its almost like a form of meditation, as your brain remains intensely focused on each small movement.
You may leave each class feeling lifted and calm.
Increases overall strength
Not feeling like lifting heavy weights, but want to improve your strength?
You also don’t have to worry about what day of the week leg day lands on.
If you’re a newbie, try the class without weights for the first go-around.
Improves endurance
Endurance is more than improving your stamina for future workouts; it also impacts essential organs.
Barre Workouts vs.
Your muscles will feel toned, your limbs will look longer, and youll be standing taller.
Pilates, on the other hand, does minimal repetitions and follows a certain structure.
Unlike Pilates, barre exercises tend to skip the props and use only bodyweight.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Take Barre Classes?
How Long Will It Take To See Results from Barre Classes?
Erickson notes that it may take a few weeks to see results (hello, looser-fitting jeans).
You don’t have to join a barre studio to reap the benefits of a barre class.
2019;15(4):553-559. doi:10.12965/jer.1938280.140
American Heart Association.Endurance exercise (aerobic).
Updated April 18, 2018.
