Barre exercise classes

[happinessischocolate]

Does anyone do barre exercise classes, i quite fancy trying it but don't know what to expect, apparently it's based on ballet?

I did a lot of online barre classes over the pandemic (I'm a personal trainer and pilates instructor). I've always loved it but became addicted and bought a barre to work out on.

You'll probably find a big difference between classes, some will be relatively gentle and some will make you shake like crazy, some will be more fitness based. To me, it doesn't resemble ballet that much at all, it's just another form of exercise.

Maybe have a look at a few classes online? My favourite instructor is Tracey Mallet. She has a website and I'm sure you can get a free trial on it.

If anyone is looking for online classes I can recommend the one I did during lockdown, Ballet Fusion. I have now gone back to real life classes only (had enough of screens) but they are really good.

P.s. I never had a barre. I just used a normal dining chair

I started doing ballet floor barres, barre and (when I'm brave) a bit of centre practice with a couple of Youtubers - Lazy Dancer with Alessia and Kathryn Morgan - during the first lockdown. Both are ballet dancers, moved to teaching, and focus on proper alignment, posture and technique. While also being fun and relaxed! I have taken part in the occasional online live class with Alessia but mostly I just do these at home, anything from 15 minutes to an hour. The stretching ones to prepare for splits I often do in front of the telly with the volume down on the laptop.

I'm in the best shape of my life and lots of the niggles I used to have - tendonitis, plantar fascitis, dodgy hip, dodgy knee, pinched femural nerve - have vanished. Ankles, calves, core, glutes are stronger and my balance and posture is much better. You really get to know where your body is stronger/weaker and notice how effectively (or not) your muscles fire up together and how to get less-used ones, like hamstrings, to contribute their fair share.

So if you want to try for free, start with YouTube, is my advice, and then maybe progress to an actual ballet class for beginner adults?

Just to reassure posters - Being able to do the splits is NOT a pre-requisite - or even a requirement - for studying ballet!! A good proper ballet class for adults will help you work on your mobility (flexibility + strength) with correct alignment and control, in order to use whatever flexibility you have to help achieve the graceful & smooth lines & movements of ballet.

I've watched Kathryn Morgan's YouTube classes & they are safe & excellent technically for ballet, but you can't "teach yourself" ballet.

I did 1.5 hours of ballet daily for a year when I was 15. That ain't like ballet.

Hope it's ok to bump this up.

I first heard about 'barre' on a recent thread (thanks again to that poster who explained it) and it's really Pilates with use made of a barre or chairs for part of the class, but also floor. Don't go in thinking it's like ballet class, as it's not and you don't wear ballet shoes!

I tried two classes and have another, different place, still to try. I thought it was great and had aching abs and glutes afterwards - and I've never had that after a ballet class.

Expensive though! Starts at £20 for 45 minutes.

My proper ballet classes cost between £7 and £12 for 60 to 90 minutes and if I’m working hard and correctly I feel it afterwards.

Oh, I do work hard and correctly (my technique isn't bad as I've danced from a very young age with some good teachers) in my ballet classes, and can do several classes a week if I'm in the mood.

Ballet is my first and main love, but I've always supplemented it with Pilates and other exercise.

Yes, the ballet classes are cheaper and longer.

I do a barre class 2-3 times a week at a Central London studio. I won’t lie, it’s both very tough and very expensive. But I loooooove it 😍