Barre, Ballerinas and the ‘burn’. I’m Zoe (PPF instructor) and I am an ex-professional ballet dancer. Barre classes hold a special place in my heart as they connect me back to my ballet roots!
Barre classes have become so popular in the past few years – and for good reason! They are fun, dynamic and challenging in ways that no other form of exercise can really compare to. ‘Barre’ originates from ballet. The barre is where the ballet class starts. It’s a time to hone in on technique and prepare the body for the centre where more balance, strength and precision is required.
Barre Pilates classes give everyone the opportunity to experience this, however the process is a little different. Barre Pilates takes inspiration from ballet but it’s not dancing. In this blog, you’ll find out the 5 most important things to know before your first barre class.
1. You’ll be moving to music!
Personally, this is the most fun aspect of a barre class! All movements are carefully choreographed to fun, energetic bops that you can sing along to whilst exercising. But don’t worry, the instructor will be there every step of the way, demonstrating and talking you through so you will never feel lost.
You’ll notice that some beats are slower to help you better focus on form and technique and some beats are faster to challenge your cardiovascular system and get a bit of a sweat on!
2. The class is constructed into 6 sections
These 6 sections include a warm up, leg section, arm section, full body section, abdominal section and cooldown/stretch section. Sometimes the sections are combined, regardless, you will experience muscles activating that you never knew you had.
The warm up section is performed in the centre of the room, without the barres. This allows more freedom of movement to slowly prepare the body of what is to come.
The leg, arm and full body sections are performed at the barre. You’ll be using the barre to hold onto, pull against, push against and sometimes use it for moral support to get you through!
The abdominal and stretch sections are usually performed on the mat, however, the barre is sometimes incorporated if the instructor feels you needed more barre time!
3. You’ll use all types of Pilates props
Barre classes are well known for their use of Pilates props! The props are used to add challenge or assist you throughout the class. Some examples of props used are Pilates balls, therabands, booty bands, hand weights, yoga blocks and magic circles (some clients call these the circles of death).
4. The barre is your friend!
This might sound silly but this applies to ballet too! If you have ever been in a ballet class, your teacher probably would have said “the barre is your friend, don’t strangle it!”. Whilst this is a slightly silly comment, it does hold some value. When holding onto the barre for balance reasons, don’t grip on for dear life! This will only tense your forearms and shoulders and shift your weight into a position it’s most likely not meant to be. There are definitely certain movements where you will need to either push or pull it (gently) but try to remember that it’s there for support – not to be punished.
5. You’ll most likely be a little sore the next few days!
As barre classes incorporates a variety of different movements, your body may never have moved that way before so you will probably be sore! But being sore is nothing to be afraid of.
The proper term for sore muscles after movement is delayed onset muscle soreness, otherwise known as DOMS. DOMS simply mean that some of the muscle fibers have slightly torn through repetitive/overloaded contractions. These tiny fibre tears are what makes the muscles feel sore or even bruised. DOMS usually last for 24-72 hours after exercising and the tears repair themselves during this time and rebuild even stronger! So, the next time you attend the class, you’ll be far less sore, and feel stronger!
I understand that barre classes can seem very intimidating and scary, however, they are all about fun and moving your body in a way that is different to your usual Pilates class. Everyone is the class will be too busy concentrating on what they are doing to even take notice of anything you might be hesitant about.
If you’ve ever thought about attending a class, this is your sign to jump in and give it a go! Who knows, it might be your new favourite way of moving your body!
So, is barre a good workout? Here at PPF we certainly think so! Check out our previous blog here.
Wanting to try a barre class a PPF? Check out our studio timetables for Camp Hill, Coorparoo and Milton! Barre classes from home... we've got you covered! Join our Online Studio for $1 per week ($52 billed annually) to try Barre and all of our other class types anywhere, anytime.
