If you read the MHS Facebook page, you know I went to my first ever Barre class the other day. It was at my usual gym, Lifetime Fitness, which kind of surprised me since I thought I’d have to go to a barre studio for this kind of class.
As we waited for class to begin, I noticed a wide range of women, all women: college girls all the way up to seniors. Some in shoes, most in socks, some barefoot and some with a flesh-toned wrap/thong around the balls of their feet. Maybe a dancer thing??
I grew a tad uneasy when the instructor walked in. She looked like a close relative of Richard Simmons with a sequined gym bag and lots of bedazzling on her clothes. Full face of heavy makeup complete with blue eye shadow. I fought a slight urge to scram and take refuge in the cycle studio then reprimanded myself for judging a book by its cover.
We collected a mat, handweights and a ball and set up shop at a spot on the barre. There were lots of newbies in the class so I was right at home. Maybe this is a newer class at Lifetime?? The instructor told us we’d get the most out of the class if we were barefoot…
…yet she kept her shoes on. Hip hop shoes, yes?
The workout was challenging but doable. It can be modified to be as hard or easy as you want and there’s something for every body part. While the legwork accentuated just how petrified my runner’s hamstrings are, I am thrilled and relieved to say I managed not to go all Mary Katherine Gallagher in there and injure myself like I did in yoga (hamstring rupture) and salsa funk (rotator cuff) classes.
The verdict: I loved this class. The instructor was knowledgeable, fun and overall fantastic. I’m mildly sore (mabe sore isn’t even the word for it) today. I feel like my booty got a good workout, especially that ornery high hamstring area. I’m going to keep it in the rotation at least until NYCM training starts, then we’ll see if I can work it into the schedule. The only drawback to this class is it gets a little tight because there are only so many spots at the barre.
I’m linking up with Jill today for Fitness Friday. Join us!
Have you tried a Barre class or other workout that takes you out of your comfort zone?
I haven’t tried a Barre class, but this is timely because my Bolder Boulder entry came with a free one. Maybe I’ll try it! I too have stiff hamstrings (and calves), but this might be just what the doctor ordered. Hope you’re well, Ms. M!
I am a huge fan of barre classes! After my first one, I thought I would die. The instructor is so tough. But now, I have become pretty close with her since I am there every week and I love the challenge. Every time it starts to feel easy she finds a way to toughen us up again! I take them once a week (would more if I could afford it) and really notice a difference in how toned I have become. It is such a great way to keep in shape and a nice change from the usual workouts! Glad you loved it!
I did a mini-barre class last summer and it was definitely a good workout. I’m glad you found a good one. And it helped the HHT, you say?!
Yes, toe undies! They are a dancer thing. My daughter has a pair. They use them for lyrical dancing and sometimes ballet if they don’t feel like wearing their slippers (or if they aren’t on pointe). I would love to try a barre class.
I’ve never taken a barre class, but I know a lot of people who love them. Glad you didn’t hurt yourself!
I took ballet for 20+ years does that count as barre class 😉 I think spin class was my first workout totally out of my comfort zone.
Haven’t tried one but would like to if I could fit into the schedule. Great title for the post BTW
I’ve been hitting a weekly Pilates Barre combo class for the past month or so and am hooked! BTW I don’t know what that foot thong thingy was?!
I’ve never taken a Barre class, was yours ballet-infused?
Linda, there was a touch of ballet but not much. She’d call out positions (1st, 2nd, etc) occasionally but nothing beyond that.
The weirdest classes I’ve ever done were a slide class and a funk class. The slide class was on a mat. We wore booties and had to channel our inner ice skater. It was fun but by the afternoon I couldn’t walk. The funk class was just bad. I learned that I have absolutely no funk in me. Zero.
I have not tried but want to BUT anything that costs extra money is out of the question right now.. 🙂
I haven’t tried barre yet, but I have been wanting to for a while.
I haven’t tried a barre class yet. We have a barre studio fairly close to my work but the prices seem high. Of course, I’m the cheapest person in the world so it could be the going rate for all I know. I have never seen those toe thong things before. Interesting.
Girl, you know how I feel about barre classes! It’s crazy how popular they have become over the past few years. They definitely range in format, difficulty, etc. too. Glad you enjoyed it – I am such a huge fan, especially in addition to running!
I’ve never gone to a true class but I’ve done Cathe Frederich’s Barre DVD – hard!!
So what is the class like? Dancy? Stretchy? Enquiring minds want to know!
I’ve been wanting to try barre forever. I prefer a class but since I don’t have a gym membership maybe a DVD. Something new and different.
I love my classes at The Dailey Method– it’s been a wonderful balance for my running!!!
I haven’t done a barre class per se, but I did take ballet for a few years and there was lots of barre work there. I loved it. So good for the legs and butt!
I really want to try a barre class! Do you think you’ll keep going?
I’ve never tried a Barre class. How funny that the instructor kept her shoes on. 🙂
I love Booty Barre, but it is soooo hard! My legs/hips don’t want to do what I’m telling them to do 😉 But I know it’s good for me and that’s why I love it!
I am so behind the times.
I am relieved to read in the comments that you can get it on DVD. I guess all I need is a bar in my living room! That will go great with 3 boys. ;D
This is all still very mysterious to me. I should peek in on a class. It sounds like a good strengthening workout.
I LOVE barre! I started out doing a class at lifetime fitness and then started at Pure Barre. I am addicted!! My goal is to keep this up at least 3 x week. I too am training for the NYCM (my 3rd)! I am so much stronger from barre than I ever have been…I think it’s even contributed to my speed.
I have several friends who swear by Barre classes…reading this made it sound like I would not die if I tried it, so I would be willing to give it a go! Although, if my teacher tells me to take off my shoes and then leaves hers on…well, that would annoy me! ;)-Ashley
i LOVE going to barre…but struggle finding time to get it in my schedule, too. I try and go at least once a week if not more.