Fitness Focus – Barre Workout

Today’s workout is going to focus on stretching and full body sculpting.

Some of the benefits of Barre workouts are:

1. IMPROVES POSTURE

“There’s a big focus on strengthening the muscles through the chest and shoulders in barre practice, which in turn prevents us from slouching,” Willoughby says. After just a few sessions, you’ll feel yourself standing taller with a sense of elongation throughout your body.

2. STRENGTHENS GLUTES

Sure, this extra toning is a win for us in the peachy rear department, but Willoughby explains that there’s more to it than a tightened bum. “More importantly, working on your glutes helps to strengthen all the muscles that stabilize the pelvis. This helps to alleviate pressure on the back, hips, and knees,” she says.

3. TONES STOMACH MUSCLES

Because barre focuses heavily on balance and strength, your core is an integral part of the training. “As you use the abdominals to hold the body in a correct alignment, barre classes will give you a heavy core workout—perfect for keeping toned tummies in check,” says Willoughby. This can be especially helpful for postpartum mothers looking to bounce back.

4. INCREASES FLEXIBILITY

The combination of stretching and the focus on posture allows your flexibility to be pushed to the limit. This means fewer potential injuries and improved physical performance. By no means do you need to be the most graceful, swan-like prima ballerina at the barre (the movements are easy to adapt for all levels). Give yourself a few weeks and you’ll be surprised at how your flexibility increases.

5. REDUCES STRESS

We all know that exercise, in general, helps to reduce stress,2 but whereas yoga quiets the mind and HIIT gets it all out, barre sits somewhere in between. Barre is a mental challenge, as each movement requires a level of mindfulness to stay engaged. It’s almost like a form of meditation, as your brain remains intensely focused on each small movement. You’ll leave each class feeling lifted and calm.

6. BETTER MENTAL FOCUS

You might find yourself being quick on your feet when it comes to thinking and problem solving after your barre session. Like stress, an exercise in general releases endorphins that keep your mind sharp. Research has shown the combination of Pilates and yoga specifically (which is ultimately what barre is) may improve mental clarity and keep you thinking positively.3

7. INCREASES OVERALL STRENGTH

Not feeling like lifting heavy weights, but want to improve your strength? No problem. With barre, you’re often using only small hand weights (or none at all), resistance bands, and stability balls. You also don’t have to worry about what day of the week leg day lands on. Barre exercises are full-body workouts, strengthening your arms, legs, and core all in one session.

8. IMPROVES ENDURANCE

Endurance is more than improving your stamina for future workouts; it also impacts essential organs. The American Heart Association states that your heart, lungs, and circulatory system stay healthy when endurance activity, like barre, is incorporated into your routine. When you stay consistent with these exercises, you can reduce the risk of developing diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.