This workout's
for you if...

• you want to tighten up your booty, thighs and core
• you prefer a slow pace (but still need your butt kicked)
• you’re pregnant
• you like to make new friends

Barre

The Basics

When a ballerina adds dance conditioning to injury rehab, you get one of the fastest-growing workouts in the fitness world. Barre helps improve posture, muscle definition, weight loss and flexibility, focusing on the importance of small movements. Just one-inch increments promote muscle elasticity while engaging multiple muscle groups, allowing for an efficient, full-body workout.

Workouts include arm exercises and lower-body moves at the dancer’s barre, sometimes using light weights. This low-impact activity accommodates virtually any age and fitness level, even expectant mothers.

One distinguishing feature of barre is the importance of small movements; just one-inch increments measure progress and promote muscle elasticity without tearing. Most movements also engage multiple muscle groups, allowing for an efficient, full-body workout.

BONUS

Shaking is not only to be expected at a barre class, it’s a badge of honor! Holding positions contracts the muscles, and as they fatigue, muscles tremble. It’s a sign that the exercise is having the desired effect and that you’re working hard to earn it.