So, what IS a barre class, anyway?
Well, it’s a fusion of Pilates, dance, and yoga and the moves are choreographed to funky music. You use the ballet barre and exercise equipment like mini-balls and small hand weights to sculpt, slim and stretch your entire body.
My first reaction was… Are you freakin’ kidding me?
But here’s the thing…
Apparently, barre classes are “functional” workouts.
Funny. While watching a class, I couldn’t help but notice most of the women in this class were clinging to the barre, crouching halfway down, lean back, and do pelvic tilts until their thighs were burning with exhaustion.
There’s nothing functional about that…
To push through the final set of thigh squeezes, the instructor reminded the women that this series would make their legs look hot in six-inch heels.
Oh goody… You know how many foot, knee, and back problems are caused by high heels?
The other problem is that they stretched for a few seconds, supposedly to “elongate” muscles. This is another activity that is not supported by solid research.
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but muscles have fixed origins and insertions, so their length does not change.
But here’s the kicker…
The workout is basically designed to exhaust isolated muscle groups with endless reps and minimal resistance. You already know exercises like crunches don’t reshape the fat around your belly. Same goes for doing a gazillion tricep extensions and leg lifts.
Research shows this is not effective for building lean muscle and fat loss!
No bueno.
Apparently, strength and cardio conditioning are possible in a barre class, but by no means a priority. In fact, the heaviest dumbbells I could see were 5 lbs!
This question often comes up about barre classes…
“Does it get you results?”
It depends. I haven’t met any curvy women who had success, since their body doesn’t dig the “long and lean” look.
Does it work for other women? Perhaps.
But here’s the point today…
It all depends on how YOU define success. With a specific type of exercise, and healthy eating, you may find your own version of perfection.
Yet a workout designed to “sculpt” everyone into ONE singular body type will most likely leave some clients feeling like a failure.
But hey… if it makes you happy, awesome. Keep doing it.
I strongly believe that if you’re not happy with your performance in the gym, your strength or your body, there’s a far better ways to achieve your goals than in a barre class.
You can get better results in just two hours a week thanks to my SHASHIDO fat burning system, that employs H.I.I.T. short burst principles, and will have you burning fat for hours afterwards, even while resting.
Personally, I’d rather work on becoming more connected, whole and powerful.
There is beauty in strength – no sculpting required.
Give me a call to discuss your needs, and book a FREE CONSULTATION.
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