I’m so excited to link up for Lisa’s first ever Fit Tip Tuesday party!
We all know I’m a fan of barre classes, and one of the reasons why is because it has taught me a completely new way to workout. Pure Barre is a ballet-based barre workout that incorporates moves from yoga and pilates as well. This is a workout for everyone of all levels, not just for those with a dance background. If you can hold onto a barre, you can do it! Barre workouts are inspired by ballet, but there is actually no dancing involved. It incorporates the coordination and stability associated with ballet, but you are not prancing around to classical music. Don’t come to class expecting tutus and pirouttes.
My goal with this post was to help you get the most out of your barre workouts. When I started correcting my form and doing it the right way, I was able to really see the results. This will also be helpful for those who have never taken a barre class. Knowing more about the technique will make it less intimidating, so you can get the most out of the class.
1. Use light weights
In pure barre, you will use really light weights (2-3 lbs) in class. I know, you’re thinking that won’t get you anywhere. Well, take one class and you will know that’s not the case. I normally use 2 lb weights for the warmup and can barely make it through with those. In the warmup you work your arm muscles to fatigue, so you don’t want very heavy weights or you will end up ditching them altogether. I cringe on the days when I get to class late and I’m stuck with 3 lb weights because all the 2 lb ones are gone. Yes, it makes that much of a difference.
2. Think very small movements
In pure barre they emphasize to “use muscle not momentum” when doing reps. Using small movements with light weights allows you to isolate the muscle and take the swing out of the motion. It took me a long time to master this, believe me. The more classes I took, the more I was able to observe the technique and the more the instructors were able to correct my form. The people in class who look like they’re barely moving are doing it right. You should literally only be moving in inches, especially when they tell you to “pulse” at the end. Don’t just bounce. Take the swing out of it and use muscle, not momentum. (For a better reference, check out this video)
3. Focus on something else
The easiest classes for me are the ones where I zone out or listen to the music to keep with the rhythm. I think this is the best kind of workout because I can be totally out of it, but the instructor will que us to change positions. This is one of those tips that comes with time. Your first few classes you won’t be able to focus on anything other than how much your muscles hurt. After you learn proper form and technique, it won’t be as hard to get through class.
4. Always remember to tuck your hips
When the teacher says “tuck you hips” this literally means to contract your abdominals and tuck your pelvis under. This will help improve your posture and allows you to isolate the muscle that is being targeted. The tuck also helps protect your back by taking the arch out of it.
5. When standing, keep a slight bend in your knee
You will often hear the instructor in class say “It’s not about the height of the leg, it’s about proper form“, which is true. When doing standing positions, keep a slight bend in your knee to protect your back and allow you to get more of a full body workout. Additionally, you want to keep the leg you’re working as straight as possible to really fatigue the muscle. This will not be for every standing position, but listen to the ques the teacher gives to make sure you are doing it properly. (For example, this video gives a good example of one of the exercises I’m talking about).
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