Wednesday Workout: Barre 101

Happy Wednesday! And Happy Workout! A fun, refreshing Energy Flow Barre workout is just what you need to get you through the mid-week slump. This weeks video is short and sweet. In under 15 minutes, you’ll tone and lengthen the lower body, and since its barre, the core and arms will be working all along the way to support you. 

I often get asked alot of questions about Barre classes:

What exactly is a Barre class?

Is it similar to Yoga or Pilates?

I hear it’s just very easy stretches

Can I wear my shoes?

Barre is easy right?

Why do we use small weights?

Do I need to hold onto the barre? 

And many, many more. 

 

Here is what I think about these.

Barre is similar to yoga and Pilates in that is lengthens as you tone. You also work so hard and have to concentrate fully on the deep and subtle connections of the body, which make it a mind-body fitness class, like yoga or Pilates. 

Barre is not ballet, but it is inspired by ballet. It combines yoga, Pilates, ballet, and regular old sports conditioning and free-weights for a total body workout – and total mind workout 🙂

Barre is done with small weights because the amount of repetitions and the angles of the arms are much different that na usual weight lifting class. Larger wights would likely cause you to tense up the neck/back/shoulders to help lift and cause strain. Shoes are not worn (unless you have an injury or something) because you want to work the full rang of motion in the feet. Shoes help protect and support our feet, but they also limit the range of motion and the amount of muscles used in the feet. By going barefoot, we can tone all the muscles in the feet and legs. The hands rest of the barre, even when you could do the move with your hand off the barre, because this allows you to take it deeper. 

One thing to know – BArre is not easy and it is not simple stretching. But is its accessible to anyone. I have several women in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and even a 90-year-old take my Barre class! They are some of the best inspirations around! Barre works deep into the muscles and deep tissues of the body. The moves are small and subtle, but hey will cause you to shake in the arms, legs,a nd core, which mean you are firing up the smaller stabilizing muscles that often go ignored. And while it is not just a simple stretch, you will lengthen as you tone and stretching in between segments nad at the end of class is very much incorporated. 

If you have any questions about barre classes, leave a comment below! What is your favorite barre move or your favorite type of workout? I’d love to hear from you! And remember to check out this weeks workout on YouTube or Pinterest.

Peace and Love, 

Jessi