What is Barre?
Barre is a ballet inspired class, using the fundamentals of ballet for fitness.
✅ What are the benefits of Barre?
1️⃣ Body control. Every movement requires attention on the body to move in a precise and controlled way – you will be cued throughout the class.
2️⃣ The class is also fantastic for strength and conditioning; working with your body weight and repetition of movement. The HIIT style workouts are designed to build lean muscle tone with and specific focus on the legs, thighs and glutes.
3️⃣ Another benefit is balance, with regular practice you should notice improvement with this.
👯♀️ Do I need to be a ballet dancer?
Absolutely not. The fundamental movements are taught in class. However, if you are a Ballet dancer, this would be great!
👯♀️ …But you’ve done ballet Lianne?
Until I undertook my training to become a Barre Fitness Instructor, I hadn’t done any Ballet!
During my training, I took it upon myself to supplement the course by attending lessons through the lockdown. A lot of my knowledge is reading, reading, reading, research, videos, and self-learning. Please don’t be under an illusions that I am dancer, I am not!
👯♀️ So, Is it a dance class?
No, this class uses ballet positions and movements in a HIIT style workout.
👯♀️ Is it an advanced class?
In terms of ballet movements, no. Do be aware that this is a high intensity class. Your heart rate will be elevated with the HIIT cardio aspect to this class. You will be sweating.
👯♀️ Is it just ballet movements?
No, there will be a mix of core exercises, some yoga postures.
👯♀️ What equipment do you use in Barre?
We will use the Barre in the studio, and in addition we have 3 static barres. Depending on the theme of the class, you might use a mat, 1KG dumbbells and resistance bands.
👯♀️ Is there a set sequence of exercises to learn?
I like to keep things mixed up and plan something new for most classes. I will group exercises together, for example a group of plié-based exercises. I will lead, cue and count each step as we go through the class.
➡️ If there is anything that you would like to know about Barre, please do come and have a chat with me any time.
➡️ I would say to anyone who still isn’t sure…come along and give it a go! It’s a fun way to exercise and a class that I want to share with you all.
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