*Pronounced like ‘Bar’…but we swap the Pina Colada for Plies!*

Barre is a low-impact (which means we rarely jump) Full Body Workout. I’m a certified instructor for The BarreConcept Method®- this is the only Globally Accredited Barre Workout, and the reason it’s the UK’s number 1!

BarreConcept is a 60 minute workout set to high energy music, that will reward you with a stunning physique. It combines the precision of Pilates, with the alignment of Yoga and the grace and technique of Ballet. The classes are designed to tone the thighs, lift the bottom, sculpt the arms and flatten the abs, all while having a giggle! Barre also:

• Burns fat
• Increases muscle tone
• Improves your posture
• Increases your flexibility
• Decreases stress
• Improves your stamina

No previous dance experience is required as the exercise positions we use are very basic. It’s how we control and maintain our body in these simple positions, whilst making small movements, that makes it challenging. We sweat, shake and sculpt without ‘bulking’.

All our major muscle groups are targeted but the emphasis is on the areas of the body that women most want to define. Full range muscular contractions are performed, followed by end range isometric contractions and then a static hold in order to fatigue the muscles. We follow directly afterwards with stretches to elongate the muscles and create that long, lean physique.

Equipment such as balls, weights and bands can be added to the class to challenge the body further.

To see a BarreConcept class in action see below video

What should I expect from the class?

Warm Up: We always start with a warm up that is performed in the centre of the room, away from the barre. This warms up the body, mobilises the joints and increases our heart rate and cardiovascular efficiency.

Barre Work: The main part of the class is spent at the ballet barre. This is where we really feel that famous “BarreBurn!”. We sculpt the legs, tone the thighs and get that peachy bottom. This is also where we perform arm and upper body exercises. (Small hand weights are used for some classes)

Floor Work: We move down onto the mat where we focus on our core. We tighten and tone using a series of pilates-based exercises that work through the waistline. Using mind-muscle connection, we sculpt the lower and upper abs and obliques.

Stretch: One of the most integral parts of creating a long, lean physique is stretching and elongating the muscles. We perform flexibility exercises to ensure you leave the studio feeling sculpted, toned and stretched.

Will I lose Weight? 

Yes! BarreConcept® exercises require a certain amount of stamina, which will help improve your cardiovascular fitness and therefore your ability to burn calories. The intention of a barre class is to increase muscle tone which also improves your rate and ability to burn fat.