First things first - what does barre mean? The term barre is not synonymous with ballet. A barre workout is inspired by ballet movements and also incorporates elements of yoga and Pilates. It was created in London by ballerina Lotte Berk in 1959, who was recovering from a back injury and melded her ballet routines with rehabilitative exercises to introduce a new type of workout. It was then brought over to the States and gained significant popularity - especially in the last decade or so. Barre is for everyone; whether you’ve got that natural dancer’s grace or not, you can learn to work your body and its muscles in ways you never have before and get stronger while doing so.
What is barre?
A barre class is largely low impact yet high intensity, and consists of isometric exercises (static contraction of the muscles or ‘holds’) and small, miniscule repetitive movements. “I’d describe it as a training method that fuses ballet barre and Pilates together,” Jo-Leigh explains.
Both techniques are designed to lengthen and strengthen the muscles giving a long lean sculpted effect for the body.
"Think of barre as progressive overload; isolating into smaller groups with high reps in low impact movements to fatigue the muscles to increase the burn and get results.”
What are the benefits of barre?
Barre has so many amazing benefits for the body - from internal to external strength. It helps create amazing definition in your body, all while challenging you to push beyond your limits.
Physical Strength
”You’ll begin to notice results like increased muscle tone (but not bulk), internal strength and core power,” Jo-Leigh says.
Improved Health
While there are many aesthetic benefits to practicing barre, there are also internal ones. “Internal strength is so important to the body,” Jo-Leigh says. “Especially to keep our joints mobile and functioning throughout our lives and into older age. With the element of Pilates in barre, you’ll also see improved posture, balance, mobility and flexibility.”
Mind-body Connection and Stress Relief
Barre offers total mind-body connection, so from practicing consistently, you’ll likely develop a greater sense of physical awareness, increased balance, flexibility, better posture and core strength. “All of the above are so important but there’s also the mental health side of it,” Jo-Leigh says. “With its low impact training style, barre has shown to lower anxiety, reduce stress and help aid sleep.”
What to expect from a barre class?
Expect to pulse, squeeze and lengthen your body. Barre is a full body workout that will have you feeling the burn in unfamiliar and unworked muscles. “The classes are dynamic, flowing and quick, with small movements and high reps,” Jo-Leigh explains. You’ll work your core muscles, strengthening them with those tiny movements and, over time, your strong core will make all other barre movements easier. Sometimes, your instructor will incorporate light weights for the movements to challenge you further. You’ll repeatedly be encouraged not to give up or ‘drop’ your arms/legs during a movement, as persevering through the discomfort is what will give you the desired, ultra-toned results. “You will leave every class feeling amazing,” Jo-Leigh says.
How do I get started?
“Have a look around at different instructors on social media and see who you like,” Jo-Leigh advises. “If you’re feeling any barriers, reassure yourself that everyone always starts the same way as a beginner. The hardest part is booking a class and turning up; once you’re there, you’ll find that classes are always a mixture of abilities and experience. The teacher throughout will give progressions and modifications. Listen to your body and do what’s best for you.”
Looking for something to wear as you lift and lower your way through a barre class? Find something to see you through the burn here.