Barre is the latest fitness trend taking the online world by storm, it takes elements of Pilates, muscle strengthening, and resistance training with ballet-inspired techniques.
Its name comes from that bar attached to the wall of dance studios that Ballerinas use to prop themselves up for support when practising.
Ever noticed how incredibly strong those professional ballet dancers are? Well, someone did – and created an entire fitness movement based on the methods ballet dancers use to strengthen their core, improve posture, and get that lean Ballet dancer physique.
@klub.studio Barre is not for the weak🤌 #barre #fitnessmotivation #barreworkout #pilatesstudio ♬ shake shake shake – averyangels5
What is Barre?
If you try a Barre class, you’ll find it’s fast-paced, usually set to music, and focuses on small, repetitive movements designed to gradually build muscle strength.
The appeal of Barre lies in its novelty. Fitness classes can sometimes feel monotonous and unexciting, for the average person who isn’t particularly fond of the gym, getting us to exercise at all is a task, so gimmicky workouts like this are often useful in keeping us easily disinterested folk happy.
Barre offers something a little more engaging than your average workout. With music, a lively atmosphere, and the chance to imagine yourself as a professional ballet dancer for an hour a week maybe – what’s not to like?
@oyf.northoshawa WOW!!! These beautiful people are putting in the hard work this morning! Come join us today (905)-439-9436! #oxygen #yogaandfitness #barreclass #fyp #foryoupage #4u ♬ Banana (feat. Shaggy) [DJ FLe – Minisiren Remix] – Conkarah
Where can you partake?
Surprisingly, there are plenty of Barre classes available in Ireland.
Many Pilates and yoga studios regularly offer specific Barre sessions. And it’s not just in Dublin, as there are also Barre classes in Cork, Limerick, Belfast, Galway, and Kilkenny. So, for anyone keen to try it out, simply search online to find your nearest class.
What should you wear?
If you’re planning to attend a Barre class soon, it’s advisable to wear grippy socks for the balancing positions, along with leggings and a fitted top—nothing that will hinder your fitness abilities, of course.
Essentially, you should dress like an off-duty ballerina for the class. In fact, there’s no need for shoes; just some sturdy socks to support those poses you’ll be holding.
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Who is Barre for?
Experts suggest that Barre is actually an excellent form of exercise for those in recovery from an injury who still seek a worthwhile workout.
Its low-impact nature makes it gentle on your joints, offering a more relaxed alternative to those intense spin classes or SoulCycle sessions you might see on TikTok, which can steer you away from the bike machine at the gym for the foreseeable future.
So, whether you’re channelling your inner prima ballerina or just looking for a more entertaining way to break a sweat, Barre might be your next fitness obsession, you never know.
Words by Cillian Murphy