What Barre Classes Can Do For You

There’s been a lot of hype recently surrounding Barre classes. They’ve been around for a few years now, and their popularity hasn’t waned much, thanks to the fast results most people experience after taking them and celebrity endorsements from many celebrities, including Kelly Ripa, Anna Paquin, and even Madonna. It’s easy to envision participants spread across a mirrored room, mimicking ballet moves against a bar, but what do Barre classes really do for you?

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Muscle Pulses

The classes are focused on small, tight muscle movements that deeply work the core and lower body, though some classes are focused on the upper body as well. There’s a big emphasis on form and alignment to make sure you’re getting the most out of your moves. The repeated, deep muscle movements can have you sore in just a few classes, but the intense soreness can also lead to great (and relatively fast) results. It may seem silly to make such small movements, but Barre classes really do prove that how far you move matters much less than how you do it. If you’re attending a Barre class for the first time, make sure your instructor knows that you’re new, so the instructor can keep an eye on your form. It’s best to get it right before you form bad habits.

Mind-Body Connection

Like Yoga classes, Barre focuses on mind-body connection and creating a space where your mind and your body work together. Deep breathing exercises are part of the moves, which may help alleviate some of the intensity and ensure that oxygen is flowing properly to your muscles. Many of the moves are adapted from dance, so if you are a dancer or have been in the past, you may love the connection your mind makes with your memories.

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Body Sculpting

You’ve seen the graceful, lithe bodies of ballerinas. While not everyone has the genetic makeup to achieve their graceful muscles, Barre classes will likely get you as close to that as Mother Nature will allow. Though some of the movements can feel intense in the moment, it’s those very movements that will help you achieve the body you want. Your abs, butt, and thighs will probably be most affected, but those areas are target areas for the majority of gym rats anyway. Focus in on them and quickly get the results you want with Barre classes at Pilates X. You can view our schedule HERE.