What are barre classes? A beginner's guide to barre workouts

Barre classes are inspired by a combination of pilates, ballet and strength training techniques. Despite the increase in popularity over the years, many beginners will still ask: ‘what is barre fitness and how does a barre class actually work?’. Keep reading to find out what is a barre workout, how the ballet barre is incorporated and what to wear to your first class to feel comfortable and confident. 

What is barre fitness? 

Ballet barre is a combination of ballet movements, pilates exercises and strength training. Despite barre classes being inspired by ballet, you do not need any ballet experience to enjoy a barre class. Ballet barre workouts include exercises that target specific muscle groups, which focus on small and controlled movements. Often these exercises are performed with high repetitions and light resistance, helping to build muscular strength and endurance whilst improving overall body alignment. Ballet barre classes are perfect for those who want to tone with a low-intensity workout. 

What does a barre class consist of? 

So, what is barre workout training actually like? A barre class usually lasts around 45-60 minutes and will include: 

• Warm up: light cardio and mobility exercises
• Ballet barre work: exercises targeting legs and glutes with small pulses 
• Strength exercises: movements that typically incorporate weights to strengthen arms 
• Mat work: pilates-style abdominal exercises 
• Cool down: focusing on recovery and stretching the muscles 

To intensify the movements, ballet barre instructors will often use equipment such as resistance bands, light weights and exercise balls. In summary, a barre class is slow and steady movements that focus on toning the muscles. 

How is the ballet barre used? 

The ballet barre is traditionally used in ballet training to help dancers with balance and support while performing foundational exercises. In barre fitness, the ballet barre serves a similar purpose. Helping you with stability whilst doing movements such as leg lifts, squats and pulses, calf raises and balance exercises. 

The barre allows participants in a barre fitness class to maintain the correct posture and alignment whilst working the muscles deeply and safely. 

Benefits of barre class 

There are many physical benefits that come with doing regular barre workouts such as: 

Improved posture - ballet barre exercises strengthen the core muscles, which promotes good alignment in the spine 

Increased muscle tone - small repetitive movements target your deep muscles, which helps create long, lean muscle tone. 

Better flexibility - stretching exercises lengthen the muscles, helping increase range of motion 

Stronger core - many exercises in barre class focus on core engagement, improving stability, balance, strength and posture. 

What to wear to a barre class 

Comfort is key when it comes to what to wear to a barre class. However, a key tip is to avoid really loose clothing that may get in the way during movements at the ballet barre. 

Most studios recommend: 

• Leggings or fitted flares, we recommend our Raya High Waist Leggings! They are super comfortable and allow for a full range of motion. 
• Fitted tank top or sports bras, the Misha Cross Back Crop Top features a bra shelf lining to give that extra support whilst still being super flattering. 
• Grip socks provide traction on the floor and prevent slipping.
• Ballet wraps are a great warm-up to wear during the warm up and cool down. The Move Dance Remi Knit Ballet Wrap is a perfect, super soft skin friendly knit, perfect as an extra layer. 

Barre fitness is an excellent option if you are looking for a workout that builds strength, improves posture and enhances flexibility. You don’t need to be a professional to join a barre class, whether you’re a dancer or a complete beginner. A ballet barre class offers a challenging workout to strengthen your entire body as well as developing balance and body awareness. 

See you at the barre! 

The Move Dance Team