7 Burning questions about Barre
If you are looking for a fitness routine that not only challenges your body, but also provides holistic benefit – barre might just be the workout you're seeking. With so many benefits to your overall fitness, strength, and flexibility, barre has so much to offer. It’s not just for those that already do Pilates, or yoga, but for anyone who’s looking to tone, strengthen or just move their body more. In this blog, we’re exploring the top questions we always get asked about barre, so you can determine if it’s right for you.
Soooo, what actually is a barre class?
Barre classes combine elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga to create a low-impact, but highly effective workout. These sessions typically involve a series of movements focusing on isometric strength training, using the ballet barre as a prop to support balance while performing exercises that target a specific group of muscles, before moving onto the next. Barre classes offer a fantastic full-body workout, and are a great additional form of exercise to add in alongside your regular cardio or gym workout.
Why are barre classes good for you?
Call us biassed, but we believe barre workouts are one of the best forms of exercise around – thanks to the numerous benefits barre classes have to offer. After attending barre for a number of weeks, you’ll start to notice improved posture, enhanced flexibility, and increased muscular endurance. The isometric holds and small, precise movements help strengthen muscles, particularly in the core, arms, thighs, and glutes, promoting lean muscle development and overall toning. Additionally, the emphasis on controlled movements can aid in injury prevention and rehabilitation.
How often should you do a barre workout to see results?
As with every form of exercise, the answer to this is ‘it’s different for everybody’. That being said, consistency is key in reaping the benefits of barre and seeing results not only in your abilities to perform each move better, but to notice changes in your strength, posture and flexibility. Aiming for at least three to four sessions per week is recommended, or two if you’re going to barre alongside Pilates or yoga. However, listening to your body and allowing for rest days is equally important in preventing burnout or overexertion.
Is barre like ballet?
While barre incorporates elements inspired by ballet, you don't need any dance experience to participate. The focus is on improving your fitness rather than formal technique. Although most of the class will be performed at the ballet barre, there are also elements of Pilates, yoga and strength training mixed in to keep things interesting. And yes, we know you’re wondering if men can do barre too. Of course! Barre is great for all fitness levels, and is a great workout to incorporate alongside other forms of movement. We talk all about that over here.
Is barre suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Barre classes are designed to accommodate all fitness levels. Instructors often offer modifications for exercises, allowing beginners to progress at their own pace while still experiencing the benefits of the workout. Our welcoming studio environment encourages newcomers to feel comfortable and confident in their practice – plus, it feels pretty luxe, if we do say so ourselves.
If it’s your first time joining us in the studio, here are a few tips for making the most of your class:
Book in a time that you know you can commit too – there’s nothing more defeating than getting all prepped to try something new, only for a calendar-clash to get in the way.
Read our blog post on the amazing benefits you can expect from adding barre into your workout routine.
Wear comfy workout clothes, bring a water bottle, and a sweat towel if you like – we provide the rest.
Let your teacher know on arrival that it’s your first class, so we know to take special care of you and give guidance if needed. This is also a great opportunity to let them know if you have any specific niggles, or injuries, so they can provide you with modifications to help you get the best out of your workout.
Go on, book that first class – we’ll wait!
How much are barre classes?
The cost of barre classes can vary depending on the location, studio, and package deals offered. Our barre classes are offered at our Cornerstone Studio, conveniently located on the Gold Coast highway in Tugun. All group classes are $25 per class at Cornerstone. Or if you want the most barre for your buck, try our introductory offer of 5 classes for just $50! You won’t find a cheaper barre class on the Gold Coast! If you love it as much as we believe you will, you can sign up for a multi-class pass, which gives you bigger discounts the more you buy, or join us for a membership, giving you unlimited access to our entire group class schedule at Cornerstone for just $44/week.
How long do barre classes go for?
Typically, barre classes last around 45 to 60 minutes, and trust us when we say, that’s plenty-enough to have you breaking a sweat. Here at our Gold Coast barre studio, we offer two class-length options: our Barre Express, which is 45-minutes of booty-burning beats or our one-hour Barre class, for those of you who like a little extra dose of punishment…we mean, workout-time! Both classes allow plenty of time for warm-up and cool-down, and a comprehensive workout that targets various muscle groups in between.
Barre is a versatile and rewarding workout suitable for individuals of all fitness levels. Its unique blend of strength, flexibility, and balance training, coupled with its accessibility, makes it a fantastic choice for those looking to enhance their fitness journey. Remember, the most crucial aspect of any fitness routine is finding something you enjoy and can commit to regularly. Barre might just be the workout that brings both joy and results to your fitness journey! We’d love to see you in the studio soon. Book in for a one-off class here, or grab our 5-class pass offer, for just $50.