What I Thought About Barre

While out on break for Christmas I thought it would be good to change up my workout routine and do something a little different than what I normally do so I tried barre.

Barre workouts are all the rage now and have recently been added to the Peloton app.  Here's what I thought about the in-person barre class I attended which worked my core and total body.  #pelotonbarre #barre #pilates #ballet #ballerina #barreworkout #barreworkoutforwomen #stretch #lengthenmuscles #tonemuscles #tonezone #ballerina #dance #elongate (2)

I typically either run outdoors with my running boo’s or am in boot camp OR working out with my personal trainer Heather.  This time around I wanted to switch it up and challenge my body in a different way so I decided to finally show up and try barre class in my area.

I have been wanting to try this for well over a year but procrastinated the entire time.  Don’t ask me why but I did.  This time I was determined to get there the day after Christmas.  What is barre you ask?  It is a workout which combines pilates, ballet, yoga and isometric movements to help tone your body and lengthen your muscles.

How I scheduled my class

I went to the barre. website to schedule my class.  I actually think that may be the only way you can schedule a class with them if you aren’t a regular.  Their pricing I believe is in line with other similar offerings.

It cost $20 to drop into their basic barre class which is what I was going for because I did not know what was in store.  I text my ride or die Adrienne to see if she would go with me.  She was GAME so she met me there.

We signed up for the 7:15 am class which was a good time.  Not too early and not too late.  I have a hard time working out in mid to late morning time frames.  Don’t ask me why.  LOL.

What I wore

I dressed appropriately, for the most part, because I went to their site to check out the type of apparel to wear.  Basically close fitting and comfortable clothing like capris and tank tops.

I pulled this collection together to give you an idea of what to wear when you go.

We go inside and the receptionist hands us papers to sign plus we sign in to the sign up sheet.  Again, I went to their website to read about how to dress for the class but I was still ill-prepared so I bought a pair of their sticky bottom socks for the class for about $11.

I initially thought you could go in barefoot but that was a no go, you must wear socks, non-slip was preferred.

Barre sticky-bottom socks #socks #pilatessocks

We were then immediately greeted by the instructor for the class that morning, Marni.  She was smiling, bubbly, very friendly and welcomed us to class.  I was immediately excited to get started because her energy was infectious.

She introduced us to the person who would show us where to place our personal belongings before class.  We found our lockers, stuffed everything in there (coats, gym bags and running shoes), put on our sticky socks (Adrienne had sticky socks she came more prepared) and then we bounced into class.

Class time

Our positions on the floor already had everything we would need which was a blessing because we got to class about 1 to 2 minutes late.  They were already starting the warm up.

We started off slow with push ups and small movement squats, etc. and I was like “I can do this”.  We did some stretches and that’s when it happened – I got a CRAMP in my right foot.  It’s ok it happens OFTEN (even when I try on shoes) but Marni noticed it right away and placed one of the small blue balls under my foot which quickly eased the cramp.

I was able to pay attention again.  We then flowed into another segment where the music changed but we continued to do exercises on the floor.

My first barre class #barre #powerbarre #megabarre

Then we segued into another segment of the class (this class was scheduled for one hour) and that’s when I was like “What did I just sign up for”.  The moves weren’t extreme or required a lot of dynamic power per see but it did require endurance and stamina.

The burn

Who knew small one-inch pulses with a stretch band could have your shoulders burning?  We then went to the actual bars which is why I suppose this form of exercise is called barre in the first place and we started working legs.   We had to hold that little 2 lb ball behind our knee while doing a series of exercises that worked the GLUTES.

My little ball kept falling out.  Ha!

And even though I enjoyed all of Marni’s music, I could not WAIT for this to end.  Saying I had to take a few breaks during this exercise was putting it lightly.  I mean I work out.

I sprint, run, do weights, how am I about to burn out already and we aren’t doing any of those things?

Working muscles you normally don’t work will do that to you.  Marni was very patient with me.

The help

She came over several times to check on me and Adrienne to see how we were feeling and to correct my form.  LOL.  She corrected my form frequently.

My grade in her class was definitely a D but I persevered.   I wore my Adidas miCoach Fit Smart to track my calories and even though the calorie count was off, the Fit Smart lights up as I change heart rate zones and it was doing up from white (rest) to blue (light activity) to green (medium activity).

I was sweating and was ready to just lay out on the floor and take a nap.

Barre class equipment #barre #barreclass

Once we finished with the barre work we went back to the floor and continued with some hip and glute exercises and then it was time to cool down and stretch it on out before we went home.

I savored that part of the class.

I surprised myself, I had to take more gulps of my water than I thought and when I wasn’t sure of how to do something I simply looked at one of the other helpful ladies around me and they kindly helped me out.

The afterburn

The class ended and we followed everyone else to know where to put the equipment (we can’t expect them to clean up after us too now can we?).  Adrienne and I debriefed in the locker room where we met some other ladies who have been going there for over 3 years and they had the bodies to prove it.

Slim, toned, taut and tight!  I’m a believer.  These ladies told us Marni is one of the BEST if not THE best and her basic barre class is like someone else’s MegaBarre (which I am told is a faster version of what we just did).

Barre class equipment #barre #barreclass

Adrienne and I met Marni in the hallway and thanked her for her instruction and attention.  She gave us a warm thanks for attending and hoped we would return.  Adrienne and I checked out the lobby and debriefed.

Satisfied we were.

We chatted outside for about 30 minutes and then decided to head over to the all-natural market to pick up some salad and then to Starbucks to get a shot of caffeine.

We then sat there for another 20 minutes to talk about life, the class, our future plans to return, etc.

That was the perfect workout after Christmas day of opening presents, eating, indulging in sweets and treats and needing to stretch and challenge the body.  I definitely plan to go again and Adrienne said she would attend with  me once we figure out a schedule.

I’m thinking Saturday mornings since we both are morning people.  She agreed.

I totally enjoyed this class, don’t know what took me so long, I plan to go again and if you are in the Baltimore area I definitely recommend BARRE..

Smiling faces after Barre class #barreclass #barre

Have you ever taken barre?  

How long have you been doing it?  

What do you like most about it?  

What type of results have you seen from it?

What I Thought About Barre. #barreclass #powerbarre #megabarre #barrepilates

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31 Replies to "What I Thought About Barre"

  • comment-avatar
    Running Hutch
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (10:45 am)

    I’ve done quite a few barre classes now. To be honest, I don’t like them. Not because they aren’t effective or good classes. They are! I’m just at a point in my life where I like bigger, more explosive movements. I want to run or lift weights. I believe that barre was originally developed to help condition dancers and keep them in shape if they weren’t performing or if they were recovering from an injury. It’s brilliant, and I do every once in a while for variety, but not my normal routine.
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Elle
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (10:50 am)

    I haven’t tried one but I think I would love it. I am happy about the no-bare-feet thing. I am so afraid of picking up warts, etc. from other people’s bare feet as that happened to me years ago in a ‘health’ spa and I refuse to do bare feet. Even in a NIA class where they try to insist on it. Glad you liked it and got a great workout.
    o

    • comment-avatar
      Diatta
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2015 (11:52 am)

      Wow warts?

  • comment-avatar
    Lynda
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (10:53 am)

    Diatta, I love love Pure Barre. I started going when they first opened a studio here in my town, gave it about 8 months. Took a few months off and am recently back again since holidays. I see a huge difference in my body when sticking with the routine about 5 to 6 days a week. I am much leaner and my abs are so toned. The bootie is amazing from doing Barre and I plan on sticking with it as I incorporate running a few days a week. 🙂
    o

    • comment-avatar
      Diatta
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2015 (11:51 am)

      Oh nice Lynda. I was sore the next day wnd found it challenging in a different way.

  • comment-avatar
    Deborah
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (10:58 am)

    I tried it a few months back and didn’t think it did anything. I need to sweat and have my heart rate up to feel like I worked out. It’s not me I think but lots of my friends love it.
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Mar
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (11:32 am)

    I’ve gone to Barre a few times and really want to like it but haven’t been able to get into the groove. Consistency is probably key with it but I’m so into lifting/Body Pump that I don’t try it often. Glad you enjoyed it!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Erica G
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (11:58 am)

    I have never had an interest to try Barre but it sounds like a great workout and sometimes following someone else’s plan can be motivating. Great job!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Carrie A Groff
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (11:59 am)

    I love Barre workouts. I’ve only ever done them from home (never been to a class) but they are great for working those smaller muscle groups! Glad you liked the class! I love adding Barre workouts in during the week to change up my workout routines.
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Lori
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (2:43 pm)

    What a thorough review! I have done Barre3 on line which is a great way to fit a workout in and have enjoyed it. Those “little” movements burn! I hope to go to a class sometime soon.

  • comment-avatar
    Stephanie
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (4:21 pm)

    I have been meaning to go to a barre class but like you I have been putting it off. There aren’t that many in my area but I will definitely find one to try soon.
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Kerri Olkjer
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (4:50 pm)

    I’ve only tried a barre DVD. I think I’d like an in-person class better!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    MCM Mama
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (7:12 pm)

    I really enjoy the classes I’ve gone to, but I just can’t justify the expense. I definitely got stronger the one month that I did the unlimited classes. Glad you finally got a chance to try it.
    o

    • comment-avatar
      Diatta
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2015 (7:51 pm)

      Mine was $20 drop in.

  • comment-avatar
    Janice - The Fitness Cheerleader
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (7:45 pm)

    Great Post Diatta! I was very as to what barre was because I’ve seen so many other bloggers talk about it but I was afraid to ask what the class was about for fear of sounding old 🙂
    o

    • comment-avatar
      Diatta
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2015 (7:51 pm)

      Janice – I heard a lot about it especially from my personal trainer who is a professional ballerina. She highly recommended it and I was not disappointed. Don’t be afraid to ask.

  • comment-avatar
    Farrah
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (9:46 pm)

    Ahhh! I’ve been wanting to do this for ages, because I love dancing, so I feel like it’d be good for me! 😛 I haven’t had the chance yet to try it out though! That’s awesome that they were so attentive, and it sounds like a lot of fun (aside from the burn, haha)! I definitely don’t doubt you that it burns like no other! (Toe cramps are the bane of my existence.)
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Sandra Laflamme
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (10:05 pm)

    I am so intrigued by Barre but I live in the middle of nowhere NH and have yet to locate a class. This sounds like a tough workout. Sometimes it is the small movements that can be the hardest. Great review!
    o

    • comment-avatar
      Diatta
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2015 (10:14 pm)

      Thanks Sandra!

  • comment-avatar
    Coco
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (10:19 pm)

    It sounds like you had a better experience than I did! I didn’t really feel challenged so I probably wasn’t doing it right, but the instructors didn’t help me!
    o

    • comment-avatar
      Diatta
      Twitter:
      January 19, 2015 (10:20 pm)

      Marni was fantastic and I defintely felt it the next day.

  • comment-avatar
    Kate
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (10:28 pm)

    LOVE this super-thorough review!! I like to always be prepared and it sounds like Barre is a booty-kicker!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    steph
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 (10:30 pm)

    I’ve never taken a barre class but it sounds tough and awesome! I’d probably have lost the blue ball a lot too 😉
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Kristen
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 (1:21 am)

    I love barre classes! I used to do Barre3 like 4 times a week and loved it – and I was definitely more toned too! We don’t have that where I live now and I miss it. I hope you keep going, it’s such a good workout!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    RFC
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 (8:31 am)

    Thank you for this! I’ve always been curious about Barre. To be quite honest with you, I’ve always felt my attention span wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’m a go-go-go kind of girl, which is why things like Zumba and kick boxing always work well for me, haha. But this does sound…hard!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Janelle
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 (10:35 am)

    I love barre! I’ve done a few classes, you can sometimes find a deal on Groupon for a bunch of classes. It is intense but fun–the barre work for me is the best–once you’re shaking, you know you’re doing it right!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    The Frugal Exerciser
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 (3:25 pm)

    My little sis wants to take a barre class but they are non in her area so she has been doing them via DVD’s. She love the class and it will work the muscles especially the tiny one we tend to neglect.
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Courtney
    Twitter:
    January 23, 2015 (8:34 am)

    you know I was so happy to read this! Barre is TOUGH but such a great class and I’m so glad you tried it. I’ve never heard of this particular studio but I’m glad you liked it!!!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Markita
    Twitter:
    February 13, 2015 (1:33 pm)

    $11 sticky socks?! Ok I think that is completely a strategy for them to make extra money. Yes those socks help but you can make due with regular socks.

    I also liked barre when I attended but I agree with someone earlier that said they like more bigger, explosive movements so tend to shy away from going back. Also don’t be surprised by a lower heart rate and calories burned – classes like this, Pilates, and yoga don’t have a lot of cardio so don’t burn as many calories. But you are still working super hard and building muscle!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Jenn
    Twitter:
    February 14, 2015 (10:27 am)

    I love dance, but have been focusing mostly on HIIT and weight training lately. I rarely have time to go to studios and don’t belong to a gym. For sure, Barre is on my YouTube playlist for the future! It builds a great core
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Debra February 14, 2015 (2:25 pm)

    I enjoy barre work. I haven’t gone to a live class, I do dvd workouts. Barre is deceptively challenging and I do enjoy it. Happy to read that you had a good time. Enjoy the weekend!
    o