Yahoo Lifestyle Back to the barre: why it's time to revisit this ballet-inspired workout
Before Reformer Pilates and spinning bikes became the boutique workouts du jour, barre was the favoured fitness activity beloved by celebrities and high-flying women alike. Fans flocked to it not only for its promise of lean muscles and improved strength, but there was also an undeniably pleasing aesthetic to barre. It taps into the graceful world of ballet with its use of the barre and balletic movements, and (at least for this editor), the idea of swapping gym kits for pastel skorts lends extra appeal to the idea of working out (although it must be said that barre can be done in any comfortable clothing).
While the popularity of barre hasn't waned, it has flown under the radar in recent years. But if you're looking for regular movement that incorporates weight training, low-impact cardio, full-body work and intense moves that are still gentle on the joints, it's time to book in for a barre class.
What is barre?
This low-impact, full-body workout aims to tone, lengthen and strengthen muscles.
"Barre has its roots in traditional ballet training, where strength and technique is learnt at the barre – think pliés, tendus and rond de jambes," says Pip Black, the owner and co-founder of Frame. "Over time, these more traditional ballet moves have been blended with Pilates-style exercises, so most barre classes that you’ll find outside of a ballet school won’t feel like a dance class, rather an exercise class that takes its influence from ballet."
"It uses a combination of body weight, resistance and light weights," says Gareth Moran, a master trainer at Barrecore. "Originally developed for rehabilitation, barre is gentle on the joints and focuses on finding that 'burn and shake' in the muscles by working them to exhaustion." This means small, controlled, repetitive and precise movements that deliver noticeable results over time.
What a barre class looks like
A barre session often involves additional props such as resistance bands, Pilates balls, light hand weights and ankle weights. Use of the props is always optional, and you are recommended to do what feels best for your body and ability.
Most classes start with a soft cardio warm-up to get the body moving, before going into movements that target the arms, legs, glutes and core. The style of a barre class varies with each studio. Some are more resistance-intensive while others tend to lean more into ballet-inspired movements. There are studios that offer variations of barre too, whether you're looking for something more cardio-focused or one that helps with flexibility.
The fundamentals of barre
"The key element of barre that keeps it different from other classes is that it is low-impact and low-resistance but features high reps," says Black. At London's Frame studios, you’ll do the exercise slowly to start, perfecting your technique, before speeding up, and then always finishing with a pulse to really burn out that muscle group.
"What's different from a lot of strength workouts is that barre targets specific, smaller supporting muscle groups that lifting weights won’t reach, but that are just as important for a strong and supple body," Black explains.
Barre is truly for everyone
Anyone can reap the benefits of barre, whether you're completely new to working out or a seasoned fitness fanatic. A great barre instructor will always tailor the movements to your ability and needs. Plus, the best barre classes provide a welcoming ambiance that allows you to push yourself as much as you can but equally take it easy if you need to.
Moran agrees. "Whether you’re pre- or post-natal, a functional fitness enthusiast, recovering from an injury, or managing acute limitations, barre offers modifications and variations to suit almost every need," he tells Bazaar. "The adaptability of barre makes it a safe and effective workout for people at all stages of their fitness journey.
It's also a relatively easy workout to maintain consistently, even if you can't get to a studio. "It is perfect as an ‘at home’ workout because it requires very little equipment, and your kitchen chair can make a brilliant barre," says Black.
The benefits of barre
Aside from being a workout that's both fun and functional, these are the main benefits of barre:
Improved posture: better alignment and spinal health.
Core strength: stronger, more engaged abdominal muscles.
Muscle tone: regular sessions will help build leaner, stronger muscles.
Enhanced flexibility and mobility: greater range of motion and joint health.
Mind-body connection: increased awareness and control of movement.
Should you combine barre with other workouts?
You don't have to, but if you prefer to keep your fitness routine varied, barre is a brilliant addition. "As mentioned earlier, it strengthens the smaller, stabilising muscles and these support larger compound movements, making barre ideal for gym-goers, runners, rowers, tennis players and hybrid athletes," says Moran. It's also a great option for balancing high-impact workouts such as weight training and cardio as it remains challenging despite its lower-impact modalities.
Alo Pivot Barre Socks
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Varley FreeSoft™ Emmie Bralette
Before you start...
The biggest myth about barre is that it requires having a dance background and/or good flexibility. This simply isn't the case: barre is suitable for any age, fitness and flexibility level. Most barre classes will require socks or grip socks.
Best barre classes in London and beyond
Barrecore (nationwide and virtual)
As the name suggests, Barrecore focuses primarily on barre workouts. Here, you can pick from seven different types of barre classes to suit beginner, intermediate and advance levels. BarreSignature combines all the key elements of the practice; BarreSculpt uses resistance bands for muscle definition; BarreSweat is dynamic with more intense cardio elements; BarreForm pays extra attention to your technique (the team recommends it for pregnant clients and newbies); BarreRestore works on flexibility and mobility; BarreGlide helps with balance and core; BarreAdvanced is designed for fitness pros; and finally, the Barre Pre-Natal Modification is a private session for pregnant clients to discover the barre adaptations to suit their bodies.
Available in London, Leeds, Cheshire, Manchester.
Frame (London and virtual)
Expect an upbeat, energetic vibe. At Frame, barre classes are equal parts dynamic and approachable thanks to warm instructors and useful modifications to suit all abilities. Classes incorporate light hand weights, ankle weights and resistance bands, which are optional to use. The structure and sequences are focused to deliver that 'barre burn' in a fun environment.
Psycle (London and virtual)
This ultra-modern boutique gym is best known for its spin classes, but don't miss the barre offerings. There are four variations to choose from: Signature 55, which works the entire body through strength training and cardio; Abs & Arms, which focuses on those two areas specifically; Glide & Sculpt for an intense burn; and Deep Burn for the high-level barre and fitness enthusiast.
Barre Beautiful (Brighton and Hove)
With a background in dance, instructor Georgina Rose weaves classic ballet moves in her upbeat sessions. Each hour-long class works hard on the muscles, but her friendly approach and energising soundtrack means you leave feeling re-invigorated.
The Method (London)
Opening this February, this wellbeing studio in Westbourne Grove feels more like a plush, elevated wellness retreat than a sweaty fitness gym. That said, the classes are top notch. Its Ballet Boost class will have you channelling you inner ballerina while working on your stamina and strength.
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