Jumping into a new workout style can be intimidating, and barre — a combination of Pilates, ballet, and yoga — is no exception. But rest assured, barre can easily accommodate anyone, regardless of fitness level or dance background (or lack thereof).
“It’s a low-impact workout that’s not overly aerobic, so it doesn’t overstress the heart,” says Elizabeth Matzkin, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and the chief of women’s sports medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “And because it can be easily modified, it’s a good option for most people.”
In fact, many find that barre is more beginner-friendly than yoga and Pilates, as the basic poses are very simple, notes the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Ready to hit the barre? Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Barre classes vary by instructor and studio. However, they generally last 60 minutes and follow a similar pattern: a warm-up involving dynamic (moving) stretches, a workout at the barre and on the mat that consists of poses and small movements that focus on specific muscle groups, and a cooldown focused on stretching and yoga poses, according to the ISSA.
It’s best to choose a beginner in-person barre class when you’re starting out. The instructor will explain barre terminology and demonstrate foundational movements, giving you the opportunity to learn proper form before progressing, per the ISSA.
Once you feel comfortable with the terminology and positions, you can take intermediate barre classes online or in person. “Online classes offer a convenient way to take barre, while in-person classes offer direct teaching from the instructor and the fun, invigorating energy from being in a group setting,” says Dara Driessea, a personal trainer certified by the American Sports and Fitness Association and a barre instructor with FlexIt in Barnegat, New Jersey.
Source: everydayhealth.
