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.
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.
[Tweet “I finally attended a #barre class and have some pretty strong feelings about my experience. #barreclass #barreworkout”]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.
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.
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.
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).
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..
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?
