What is Barre?

One of the most common questions people ask when I’m teaching is “Sabina, what is Barre?”. After living and breathing it for the past few years, I admit I’m guilty of sometimes taking for granted that people might not know exactly what I’m going on about! But with so many good things Barre can do for you and your body, I think it’s really important you guys understand what it is, and some of the benefits you might get so we’re all on the same page here.

Barre basically takes all the best bits from Pilates and Yoga and shakes them up with a ballerina inspired twist. Using postures inspired by ballet, the exercises really help you to focus on strengthening your core muscles in a way you might not be used to. The aim is to try and hold yourself still in specific poses whilst also adding in a few reps here and there of small movements. The exercises can sometimes use a bar for support – but can be done without as part of a Pilates routine for example.

Now, before those of you who think you’re not agile click away – hear me out – no one will be standing on their toes or bending over backwards (only if you really want to or it is advisable). The exercises focus on the lower body areas like the calves, knees, thighs, and those all-important glutes that we’ve come to know and love. Because you’re holding the muscles in these areas for long times, this can lead to a little bit of shaking as the posture gets harder to keep up. For anyone who hasn’t ever had this – it’s not painful don’t worry – and for those who have and think it’s because they’re unfit or not strong, this isn’t the case at all! If anything, a little wobble is reassurance that you’re working hard and doing the posture correctly.

When I teach, I like to vary the kinds of apparatus we use to keep classes fun and accessible for everyone no matter their skill set. So sometimes we might use a bar for support, sometimes not, and sometimes (if you’re ready to bring your a-game) we might use things like resistance bands or small weights to make sure you really feel each rep!

So now you know the basics, you might be wondering if Barre is really for you. Obviously I’m a little biased, so I asked a couple of people what got them started, inspired, and engaged in the practice. Like Pilates and Yoga, I find people often take up Barre because it helps them become the best version of themselves that they can be, it makes them feel that little bit happier, and helps them if they just want to be healthier in the long run. The excitement of trying something new and a little bit different seems to have made Barre increasingly popular in the past few years. Because many of the classes can be combined with Pilates too, you don’t have to jump into a completely new way of moving and working out – you already know the basics!

So, if you’re ever stuck for something to do on a rainy day or need some you-time, Barre is a fantastic exercise to try out. It’s perfect for anyone with an interest in bettering themselves, no matter how fit or how much experience they have and I highly recommend for anyone to just give it a go.

Meet me at the barre!!

Sabina :)

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