What is Barre Pilates?
Barre Pilates is a niche, up-and-coming exercise class aimed to improve strength, endurance and flexibility (to name a few…) but there are lots of questions surrounding it!
What is Barre Pilates?
How is it different to classical Pilates?
What are the benefits?
Do I need ballet shoes?
All very valid questions and we’ve got the answers!
What is Barre Pilates?
Barre Pilates is a hybrid workout class combining elements of Pilates, ballet, and strength training to give you the ultimate full-body workout.
It is distinguished from other fitness activities by its use of the physical ballet barre (a handrail-like pole used for stability and balance) and focus on small, pulsing movements. Participants practice good posture while working for specific and targeted muscle groups in exercises that require high repetitions and small ranges of motion.
With an emphasis on form, alignment and core engagement, Barre classes will develop strength, muscle tone, and flexibility in the legs, glutes, arms, and abdominals.
What to expect?
You may recognize some of the classical Pilates repertoire included in your Barre classes at The Totalcare Clinic, only with a Barre twist. The principles of ballet and Pilates go hand in hand; control, precision, flow, centering, concentration, and breath. Combining the two exercise forms and keeping these foundations at the heart of the class ensures a mindful, fun and challenging workout.
You will work through some free-standing exercises to warm up the legs such as plies, squats and curtsey lunges, before using the barre for some balance and stability work. There is often a sequence of classical mat Pilates exercises to target the glutes and abdominals as well.
Exercises can be performed with or without equipment such as light hand weights, Pilates balls, resistance bands and loop bands, but the addition of equipment is not always necessary to feel the burn.
Thanks to this mash-up of exercise styles you can achieve a well-rounded workout in just one session, a good Barre class will get your heart pumping and your muscles working, all the while improving your flexibility, mobility, and endurance.
Barre Pilates vs Classical Pilates – What’s the difference?
Although Barre is inspired by and draws on aspects from Pilates, it is a distinctly different workout method.
In a Pilates class you may work through specific exercises designed to lengthen, stretch, and balance the body, (e.g. shoulder bridge, single leg stretch or plank) often these exercises are performed slowly and rely on the breath to aid the movement.
While Barre workouts may also include these types of exercises, they are usually performed at a much quicker pace and majority of the time to the beat of the music.
As opposed to Pilates, Barre is more upbeat and music-focused with elements of cardio and dance, which you do not often find in Pilates
What are the benefits of Barre Pilates?
The benefits of Barre are simple. If you would like a leaner physique, to improve your balance, your posture and muscle definition, then Barre Pilates is for you. It is designed to tone the body without increasing bulk and create an extended and lengthened posture. Although, the USP’s are not all aesthetic, as it is higher intensity than the classical Pilates method you will be sure to get the endorphins flowing during your workout, resulting in reduced stress levels and a feel-good glow after each class. Much like Pilates, Barre has a thorough focus on deep core engagement.
You will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of your core muscles and how they work to support literally everything we do! You will increase strength in your calves, quads, glutes, and core which will help to stabilize and support joints such as hips, knees, and ankles.
Can I do Barre as a beginner?
One of the most common questions asked when starting Barre Pilates is “Can I do Barre if I’ve never done ballet?”
The good news is: YES! There is no previous ballet or dance experience required – just a love of movement and the motivation to have a good time! The classes are beginner friendly with a chance to progress and modify exercises as needed so you can really make the most of your workout and tailor it to your specific needs and abilities.
What do I need to wear/bring?
Don’t worry, you do not need to dig out a leotard, leg warmers and ballet shoes for this class. Just wear something you feel comfortable and can move freely in. Layers are always a good idea so you can keep cool in the thick of the workout and wrap up at the end while we stretch to keep those muscles warm!
Remember to bring some water to keep hydrated in the more dynamic parts of the workout and if needed, a small hand towel. You won’t need a mat, just bring yourself and get ready for a fun, feel-good workout!
About The Totalcare Clinic
The Totalcare clinic runs Yoga , Tai Chi, Pilates and Strengthening Classes from its two peaceful and relaxing studios. For a full list of the classes currently running please look at our Class Information. Call The Totalcare Clinic on on 01489 788844 or get in touch online today.