Barre Workouts

Barre is the perfect workout for anyone who likes studio classes and at-home exercise. The ballet-inspired regimen combines aspects of yoga, pilates, ballet barre training and high reps of small range-of-motion movements for a core-focused total-body workout. Typical classes last one hour. Benefits include improved posture, increased muscle definition and more flexibility. The combination of strength training and cardio burn fat and build muscles simultaneously. Women of all fitness levels are able to participate. Barre is even possible for pregnant women as the workout is low impact.

While each instructor and class will be different, here’s what you can expect from a standard class:

• Warm up including upper body exercises (push ups, planks, free weights)
• Moves with or without a small exercise ball and bands to target arms, chest and back muscles
• Incorporate the ballet barre with your own body weight focusing on thigh and seat muscles
• Your core muscles are engaged for the entire class and receive special attention at the end
• Cool down with a series of stretches to allow your muscles to recover

Now for the best part: Most of the work done at a barre class can be implemented on your own time in your own space. Don’t have free weights? Grab two water bottles. Barre apps are available for your devices so you can take barre on the road.