Trying A Barre Class For The First Time
27th March 2024 - New Experience Number 10.
Fitness classes come in all shapes and sizes and many are inspired by different types of dances. Barre stems from ballet, but rather than learning ballet moves, a barre class is more like the training that a ballet dancer might do. Focusing on a series of small repetitive exercises, it’s a great way to support strength and suppleness.
With a vague idea that a barre class had something to do with ballet, and even less of an idea of what a class actually involved, I signed up to a session to give it a go as one of my 52 new things for 2024.
What Is Barre?
Barre is a type of exercise that usually combines a few yoga poses, a sprinkle of pilates and a whole lot of leg work.
Whilst its roots stem back to ballet, you definitely don’t need to be on pointe or able to pirouette to take part in a barre class. Instead, you’ll find yourself repeating moves to target muscles that don’t always get much attention, stretching in ways that support mobility and building strength using your own body weight.
It’s tough, but it’s really effective.
Why Is It Called A Barre Class?
Barre is the name of the static handrail that’s usually found in front of a mirror in a dance studio, and ballerinas will often use it during their practice sessions.
Barre fitness classes don’t often use actual barre’s during the session, (although some may use a chair), instead it’s more about learning the movements and techniques that the dancers use to stay strong and agile in their routines.
My Experience Of Trying A Barre Class
I found an empty mat in the middle of the group of roughly 20 other participants, and settled in as the instructor introduced herself. We got straight to it with some stretches to warm us up. It was a lovely way to start the session.
Lulled into a false sense of ease, my body soon wondered why it was being punished as the music picked up pace and we moved into the bulk of the session.
Nimbly introducing moves, our instructor made them look ever so easy as she demonstrated each set.
Despite seeming to relish our ‘suffering’ our instructor was really good; she was friendly, clearly knew her stuff, and wandered around the class to offer individual pointers.
Even though I’d found it hard going, it was really good! You know when you get that achy feeling that you’ve done something different and used muscles you’ve not used in a while? It was definitely that!
The Workout
Kneeling with hands placed towards the front of the mat in a table top position, we worked on the right leg. Lifting, bending and stretching the limb was not too challenging at first, but after just a few repetitions I could feel the burn as muscles I’d forgotten about made themselves known.
Once we’d completed the reps on the right side, we did exactly the same thing on the left. Knowing what was to come didn’t make it any easier, and I’m sure I let out some overly loud exhalations as I determinedly powered on through.
In addition to the variety of moves on the mat, we used a chair to support us for some standing moves which also brought in an element of balance.
Using a block for the last set of exercises, the focus was on the core. My abs felt like they were on fire as I gritted my teeth and made it to the final repetition.
Wrapping up the 45 minute session with some relaxing music, we stretched our weary bodies to some relaxing music, basking in the post-workout glow and feeling grateful for the cool down.
I Loved Trying A Barre Class
The class was great. It was inclusive and not in the slightest bit intimidating. All of the moves were easy to pick up and follow, although repeating them multiple times was hard. It was challenging (but in a good way), and I am super proud I managed to complete it.
I don’t know if you’re the same, but I love that feeling when you know you’ve done something tough but good for your body. The gentle ache that lasted into the next day served as a knowing reminder that I’d worked out, and I’d worked hard.
Why You Should Try A Barre Class
- It’s very low impact making it a friendly workout for your joints.
- It isolates different parts of your body to give them a really good workout.
- Barre is brilliant if you’re looking for something to help you to build up strength.
- Whatever your level of fitness, you can give barre a go.
- You will quickly see progress. If you keep up with barre, you’ll soon notice your strength and mobility improving.
- You’ll get a real sense of achievement at completing the workout.
Want To Try It Yourself?
- To try the same barre class that I took in York, have a look at the Ossie website, and follow Ossie on instagram for their latest updates.
- There are lots of barre classes up and down the country and there’s bound to be one not too far from you.
- This list of over 25 places to find new things to try may help you to find a barre class that you can try near you.
- If you’re looking for other low impact fitness classes, have you considered aquafit or live DJ yoga?
Cost Of Experience
- The particular class I joined cost £7 for a 45 minute session in 2024.
- Prices will differ between classes, instructors and locations.
Recommendations
- If you don’t have a mat, or a block, check with the instructor before hand. Some fitness studios will have the equipment for you to borrow, and some instructors may have a couple of spares.
- Wear something that is comfortable and easy to move in.
- Take some water with you.
- It can get really hot as you work out, wear layers so you can regulate your temperature.
- If you need to take a breather – take a breather and join back in when you can.
- Fold your yoga mat over if you find you need a little extra padding for your knees when you’re doing any of the floor work.
- Remember not to worry what other people in the class are up to, comparison is the thief of joy after all!
- Have fun, and relish in the knowledge you’ve done something good for yourself!