If you’re looking for a fun and somewhat unique way to lose weight and keep fit, then barre classes may be the thing for you!
Not only do ballet-inspired moves exude elegance, but they’re also fantastic for strengthening most of your core muscles and burning calories.
With all that in mind, it’s no wonder the number of people participating in barre workouts has risen to approximately 3.44 million!
Have we tempted you yet? If so, let’s dive into the top seven benefits of taking a barre exercise class.
1. It’s an Ideal Medium-Intensity Workout
If you’re looking for an exercise class that isn’t crazy tense, then barre workouts are ideal.
The movements tend to focus on all of the following:
- Achieving proper alignment of the muscles
- Improving balance
- Engaging and strengthening core muscles
As such, barre classes tend to move at a slower pace (Especially in comparison to high-energy cardio workouts). You’re far less likely to break a sweat or get the blood pumping- however; you’ll definitely feel the burn the morning after!
2. Strengthen and Tone Your Entire Body
One of the best things about barre classes is that they strengthen and tone all your primary muscles groups:
- Your core: You’ll perform several positions that focus purely on your abs.
- The legs: A barre class wouldn’t be complete without a plié or two! You also perform moves like leg lifts. These exercises are designed to strengthen all the muscles in your legs.
- Your arms: More often than not you’ll undertake movements like military presses and triceps lifts. These work wonders for toning the muscles in your arms.
- Your glutes: Usually, you’ll do something resembling a glute raise. These are a surefire way of achieving a firmer looking backside!
The only muscle group that isn’t targetted are the ones in our backs (that is, other than the muscles forming part of our core).
3. It’s Low Impact
If you’re suffering from sore and aching joints, you’ll be pleased to hear barre classes are relatively low impact. On the whole, there’s no jumping around- so it shouldn’t flare up conditions like arthritis.
Not to mention, the more you do barre-style exercises, the stronger the muscles surrounding your bones become. In the long run, this goes a long way in lessening the overall pain in you feel in your joints.
This couldn’t be truer of those recovering from back injuries. Doctors usually suggest focusing on exercises that develop your core, and barre classes certainly achieve this!
You should note: Certain moves might not be suitable for your joints (Depending on what you’re suffering with). For example, you may find turning out your legs is uncomfortable on your knees.
If any of the moves exert too much pressure on your painful joints, speak to your instructor. They can usually adapt the poses to suit your needs.
4. Improve Flexibility
If you want to improve your flexibility, barre classes are hands down the way to go. Within a few sessions, you’ll definitely feel the benefit!
These classes are fantastic for beginners, so don’t worry if you don’t boast any flexibility to start with. This will undoubtedly change as time goes on! On the whole, barre classes involve lots of stretching so; you’ll soon improve your overall range of motion.
Boosting your flexibility has numerous health benefits. For example, you’ll massively reduce the risk of suffering from a muscular injury.
It also helps to relieve any tightness in your muscles. Over time unnecessary tension can result in aches, pains, and poor posture. Luckily for you, barre workouts help to nip these issues in the bud.
In short, if you’ve noticed you’re struggling to bend over to pick things up or tie your shoes- it’s time you took a barre class!
5. Excellent for Those on a Tight Budget
Barre classes don’t cost the earth.
Just book a session at your gym or local barre studio. Alternatively, you can get to work in the comfort of your own home.
There are tons of DVDs and YouTube videos that’ll take you through ballet-inspired workout routines. All you need is enough space and a few bits of equipment such as:
- A barre
- Weights
- Resistance bands
- Balls
If you don’t want to shell out for this kind of gear, you’re better off attending a nearby class.
6. Perfect for Pregnant Women
If you’re pregnant and want to strengthen your muscles, barre classes are ideal. You can maintain a decent level of fitness and muscle tone without exerting excessive stress on yourself and baby.
You should note: As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll need to adapt some of your moves- especially if you feel unsteady on your feet. Again, ask the instructor to demonstrate how to change the pose to suit your needs. They’re usually more than happy to help!
7. Improve Your Posture
As we’ve alluded to throughout this article, barre classes work wonders for improving posture. Mainly because you’ll engage and strengthen your core muscles.
As you start taking barre classes more seriously, you’ll notice you’re able to stand taller and sit straighter- how awesome is that?
Interested in Taking a Few Barre Classes?
We hope you learned a thing or two about the benefits of taking regular barre classes!
If you enjoyed this article, you’ll be pleased to hear Get Healthy Naturally has an entire section dedicated to fitness and exercise.
Over there we discuss everything from the mental health benefits of exercising to balancing diet and exercise. Enjoy!