Although Barre takes its name from the stationary ballet barre, used for strength and flexibility exercises in classical ballet, it is not a dance class! Barre Sculpt is a hybrid workout class - combining the grace and discipline of ballet and Pilates with the power of strength and conditioning, it's the perfect way to build muscle while increasing your flexibility and mobility.
But the real difference between barre and other workouts are the isometric movements you usually perform - you'll find yourself doing lots of moves that involve pulses and holds. Barre focuses on engaging specific muscles until they reach fatigue, followed by stretching to create lithe, toned muscles. Think moves like planks, squat holds, plié holds and supermans.
My 1 hour class begins with a warm up at the barre, to focus on legs and your glutes. Then we use resistance bands and light hand weights to build upper body strength and to help build lean muscle. Then end on the mat to target your core, before a stretch to cool-down.
Who Created the Barre Class?
The Barre Method was started in London in 1959 by German ballerina Lotte Berk. After suffering a back injury, Berk came up with the idea to combine her dance conditioning with her rehabilitation exercises to create a unique fitness class. Her approach aimed to strengthen muscles while maintaining the grace and flexibility of ballet.
She opened up her first studio in a West End basement where, rumour has it, she taught the likes of Joan Collins and Barbara Streisand. The method quickly gained popularity, and over the years, it evolved into what we now know as Barre fitness.
I qualified as a BarreConcept® Instructor in 2013 due to the high demand for such classes on an international level and inspired by their high celebrity following and endorsement. In 2019, I added BootyBarre to my qualifications to expand my Barre repertoire and update my training.
What are the benefits of the barre method?
- Full-Body Toning: The isometric movements help sculpt and tone muscles throughout the body, leading to defined muscles.
- Improved Flexibility: The stretching incorporated into each class enhances flexibility and promotes better range of motion in your joints.
- Increased Strength: By engaging in regular Barre workouts, you can expect improved muscular strength, especially in the core, arms, thighs, and glutes.
- Builds muscular endurance: Since barre counts involves lots of reps at no or a low weight, you'll improve your fitness in that you'll be able to keep contracting your muscles to exert force against resistance, repeatedly.
- Accessible: Barre provides an efficient high-intensity yet low-impact full-body workout, meaning that it works you hard but is gentle on your joints, making it accessible to individuals of all fitness levels and ages.
- Mind-Body Connection: Barre heightens your sense of control, balance and your coordination, that mind-muscle connection. These skills can be transferred to other modalities of training as well as day to day life.
- Stress Relief: Like any physical activity, taking a Barre class can reduce stress and promote a positive mood.
Who is a Barre Sculpt class best for?
One of the beauties of Barre is that it’s suitable for anybody. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, the low-impact nature allows people of all fitness levels, body types, and ages to participate. Barre workouts are also a good cross-training option to pair with other exercise like running, weight lifting or cycling, because they strengthen the muscles needed for these exercises.
Barre is also the workout of choice for many people recovering from injury because it provides an effective strength-building workout without placing additional stress on your body. I am trained in modifications to help you safely perform the movements during class. Speak to me before class with any concerns you may have.
Is Barre the same as Pilates?
Barre and Pilates share some similarities, but they are distinct exercise methods with different origins and focuses. Both workouts emphasize core strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. However, Pilates often involves specialized equipment like the Reformer while Barre primarily utilizes the barre and hand weights and is musically-driven!
How Can I Join Your Barre Sculpt Class?
My Barre Sculpt classes are Thursdays at 8:15pm in the Redeemer Family Resource Centre, Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk. If you're interested, please join my waitlist. You'll either receive the registration link in the welcome email or you'll be given first option when registration opens if I'm between courses when you add your details.
