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Plié please!


Barre classes have long been a favourite for good reason: its DNA is firmly steeped in ballet. The long, lean and ultra toned bodies of ballerinas are after all, one of the most sought-after physiques. If you’ve ever attempted a proper pirouette or plié, you’d know it’s much harder than it looks — ballerinas have done thousands. The good news is that you don’t have to squeeze yourself into a leotard and a tutu to get the same results.


Named after the barre in most dance studios, Barre workouts incorporate a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other disciplines such as Pilates and Yoga. Fundamentally focused around isometric strength training, the moves typically require you to hold your body still while contracting a specific set of muscles.


So what can you expect from a barre class? A typical session will take you through a dynamic full-body sequence that involves both body and props. The ballet barre is then used as support as you work your legs and glutes. Your core should be engaged the entire class. Following with a core floor workout. Cooling down is equally important — the series of stretches help increase flexibility and hasten muscle recovery after.


If you’re rhythmically challenged and still have flashbacks of that school dance back in the day, you don’t have to worry as no fancy footwork is required. For those who’re used to HIIT or Crossfit, this might seem like another one of those fad workouts that are expensive but useless. Give it a go and you’ll realise just how efficient and effective it is.


If you’re still not convinced, here are five reasons why you need to pirouette on down to a Barre class.


1

Lengthens and tones

Unlike typical strength training which involves concentric movements (when muscles lengthen and shorten), the bulk of barre focuses on isometric ones which fire up muscles without changing its length. These tiny one-inch pulses isolate specific muscles, strengthening them without straining tendons or ligaments. The higher-rep, low-weight combination also target slow-twitch muscles, which help increase endurance.

2

Multi-tasking

If holding, pulsing and stretching simultaneously sounds tiring to you, that’s because it is. The highly efficient exercise often incorporates two to four movements in each move, which engages muscles you never knew you had. Even though it doesn’t look like you’re doing much, we guarantee your heart rate will prove otherwise.

3

Improves posture

Because achieving proper alignment of your hips, spine, shoulders and heart is crucial in many barre movements, your posture will inevitably see an improvement over time. A stronger core will also help keep your back straight even when you’re not at class, so you’ll be standing a little taller and prouder.

4

Low impact

If creaky joints are your excuse, then barre is one of the few activities that won’t leave you aching after. Unlike running , the gentle exercise doesn’t require breaks for muscle and joint rehabilitation. Its low-impact nature means that expectant mothers can also participate. Post-partum is also a great time to start as it helps heal and repair muscles while reshaping the body.

5

Stronger mind-body connection

Besides going through the motions of the movement, barre takes things one step further by forcing you to focus your thoughts on each of the muscle you’re working. Alignment is key here, so you’ll always be thinking of keeping a straight posture while regulating your breathing too. With better posture, you’ll stand tall and also feel more positive overall.


Barre helps strengthen and tone your muscles without increasing bulk, and it improves your posture. It also increases cardiovascular endurance and metabolism, which helps to quickly burn calories. Regular barre workouts can increase your bone density, which can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.


Barre fitness is a super-energizing whole-body workout that's great for everyone from beginners to pros. See you are the Barre for a plié or two....

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