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. The word ‘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 center where more balance, strength, and precision is required.

Barre Pilates classes give everyone the opportunity to experience this, but the process is a little different. Barre Pilates takes inspiration from ballet, but it’s not dancing. In this blog, you’ll find out what a Barre class at PPF looks, sounds, and feels like.

A Barre class at PPF is performed to upbeat music so that the movements are done in time to the beat. This is for many reasons:

1. Moving to music is shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain, therefore, you’ll be having a blast!

2. Keeping in theme with dancing, movements are performed to the music. This will challenge your cardiovascular system, muscle control and ensure you are moving at the correct tempo. Some movements start nice and slow to build form and awareness and then gradually move up in tempo to challenge the form.

3. There is usually one track for each set of exercises, just like in a dance class. The instructor plans the exercises to set music so that it’s the correct tempo and vibe for the specific exercise. It’s honestly such an art, and your instructor puts a lot of time and effort into planning these classes, so you know it’s going to be awesome!

In terms of what kind of movements you’ll be doing – as mentioned previously, Barre classes take inspiration from ballet (and sometimes other styles of dance) so it’s guaranteed that you’ll be using the barre throughout the class. The ‘barre’ is a wooden handrail that is attached to the walls around waist height. There are endless ways to use the barre, but some common ways that you’ll interact with it are:

1. Holding on with one hand (mostly for balance and moral support)

2. Using it to hang off (counterbalancing body weight)

3. Bands and props to pull or push against the barre (resistance work)

Here at PPF, our Barre classes are done in standing postures, working through all muscle groups. There will be a warm-up, which is done standing away from the barre, getting a little taste of what’s to come and gradually increasing joint range of movement and mind to muscle connection. You will then find your spot at the Barre and work through several exercises that target the major muscle groups (glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, arms, and back work). It is very common for exercises to work several muscle groups at a time! You’ll then be handed a mat and finish with some more isolated abdominal work, and of course, a delicious big stretch at the end!

Some other things to note:

1. Your instructor will use props throughout the class – these will challenge you and add extra resistance or weight.

2. Your instructor may use some ballet terminology to explain certain ballet related positions. But don’t worry, they will demonstrate the movement so you will know exactly what to do.

3. Barre classes are challenging! There is a focus on repetition, pacing, and pulses like you’ve never experienced before! However, your instructor will always give modifications and there will be dedicated breaks throughout the class.

4. As most of the class is performing in standing postures, there is a lot of bending of the knees – so if you have any major/chronic knee, ankle, or hip injuries, Barre is most likely not for you.

5. Barre is fun! It is hard, but it’s fun! If you haven’t danced before or moved to music before, it might take a session or two to fully understand the coordination of the movements with the music. However, I’ve never met a client who didn’t enjoy themselves regardless!

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The instructors will be moving along with you and guiding you through every second. If you are interested in learning more about Barre then check out Four Tips to Maximise Barre Workouts and Is Barre a Good Workout?

If you’ve been thinking about trying a Barre class at PPF in Brisbane, you now know what to expect so book yourself in, or try our Online Studio!

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