As most of you know, last month I added in some Barre classes to my workout schedule. It was a completely different workout than my body was used to and I really enjoyed the change of pace.

There is a mind & body focus about the barre workout that connects you to each muscle you are working on. I could really feel my strength improving with each class that I took just from focusing on different muscles at a time.

Unfortunately I had to finish my 1 month of classes a week early due to a minor injury with my hip, but I was able to experience a lot!

With just recently having a baby, my core was definitely an area that needed to be strengthened. Each movement in the barre workout is based around your core and I loved that. It really helped me to tighten my lower abdominal region.

If you have never taken a Barre class before, here are a few things to help you get started:

Arrive to your first class a few minutes early… introduce yourself to the instructor and they can show you what equipment you will need. You can also let them know if you have any injuries so they can help you to modify movements.

Hydrate before class.. also bring a water! I am always thirsty and it helped to keep one handy.

Ease into your first workout… if you have never done a Barre, Pilates, or Ballet class before make sure to ease into the exercises and not to over stretch your muscles.

No sneakers & shoes allowed… you just wear your socks! I loved this, it is so fun to workout in your socks.

Get familiar with the moves & listen to the instructors tips.. I learned something new from each instructor that helped me improve all of my movements. Sure at first I was intimidated by some of the exercises, but as I gained strength and learned what I was doing it got easier!

For more information check out the Pure Barre website!

Today in class I loved the thigh work. We pressed the ball with our thighs while on our tippy toes and lightly holding the bar. I felt a lot stronger doing this movement this week  

Barre class has challenged my body in a totally different way and I like the results I am seeing. My core is tighter, my butt has a little more lift and my flexibility has improved! I love seeing improvement in my flexibility. I know that tight muscles don’t work to their full potential so stretching and having good flexibility is that much more important.

The challenge my muscles get from the Barre workout are more muscle endurance compared to muscle strength which I get from all of my other workouts. I push my body in a totally different way… “Go down an inch, up and inch” this is one of the instructors favorite phrases and that is how small the movements are… but believe me, that doesn’t mean it is easy. Try doing that for a minute straight and I’m sure your muscles will be screaming.

Pure Barre Greenwich is now offering a “Ying Yang” Package which allows people to take as many as 8 classes in a month for $110. It’s great for people who are busy during this time of year and people who love taking a variety of classes (crossfit, soul cycle, running). I dare you to try it!

For more information email greenwich@purebarre.com 

If you are looking to try a BARRE class be ready for a workout that will push your body to the limit. Most of the workout was body weight training that focused on leaning out the muscles, however we did use light free weights and a ball. The workout is done in your socks which is fun too

I have done SO many different classes before but nothing like a Barre class. With such tiny movements throughout the class I questioned how my muscles would get fatigued but it didn’t take long before I got a burn! There were moments when my thighs were screaming and I couldn’t wait for the countdown from 10 to be over! I don’t know if my Quads were sore from teaching Group Power the night before but wow were they on fire yesterday.

Some of the weight bearing lower body exercises were challenging, but in a good way. I loved holding a squat on my tippy toes, it was a move I’ve never done before and my legs were shaking just from holding that position for minute straight!

I noticed throughout the workout that my legs were more challenged then my upper body but I’m sure that will change the next time I take a class. I highly recommend this class to anyone who is looking for a low-impact workout, it is easy on the joints but tough on the muscles! As you can see my heart rate didn’t get too high, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a great workout.

My first Barre experience was fun! There were a few technical points I need to work on, like “tucking my hip” and keeping my lower back from arching, but for my first day I think I did okay.

I’m looking forward to seeing what my second workout brings. Check out the Pure Barre schedule and give it a try!

***Disclosure: The following post is sponsored by Pure Barre in Greenwich, CT. All thoughts and Opinions are my own however I am compensated with a free month of classes***