BARRE - can be a slow burner

Endurance | Perseverance | Not an immediate sense of accomplishment for those who crave a sudden rush of adrenaline....But...hear me out...

''I workout loads but I have not burnt this many calories and I am not even tired...''

These were the words of a client who took my class this morning. I explained to her that she may not have been recruiting the finer muscles before. That, in a barre class we target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. The isometric contractions and small controlled moves in barre, engage muscles for an extended time leading to a constant break and repair cycle causing muscles to fatigue which result in higher calorie burn during the workout.

When it comes to fitness trends, barre has been turning heads. This unique workout technique combines elements of Ballet (dance), Pilates, Yoga and strength training to sculpt and tone the body. However, it's important to note that while barre can provide incredible benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. For those willing to invest time and effort, barre has the potential to become an exercise routine they truly adore.

Bear with me

Barre workouts can be demanding, requiring a combination of strength, balance, flexibility, endurance and co-ordination #multitasking. The classes often incorporate small, repetitive movements and isometric holds, targeting specific muscle groups, music and tricky combinations. While this can be highly effective for building lean muscles and improving overall fitness, it may not resonate with everyone's preferences or physical abilities.

Some individuals who are accustomed to heavy weight lifting and low-intensity, high-impact workouts may initially feel resistance towards barre. The fast-paced, dynamic movements and lighter weights used in barre classes may not provide the same immediate sense of challenge or satisfaction that they are used to. The absence of heavy weights and high-intensity exercises can make barre seem less appealing to those seeking an adrenaline rush during their workouts.

Lets switch things up

It's crucial to understand that no single exercise genre can meet all fitness needs. While heavy weight lifting and high-intensity workouts have their amazing benefits, incorporating variety into your fitness routine can enhance overall physical fitness and prevent burnout. Barre offers a unique way to sculpt the body in a different ways, focusing on muscle endurance, stability, and flexibility.

By adding barre to your routine, you can complement your heavy weight lifting or high-intensity workouts with a low-impact, full-body conditioning experience. Barre can target smaller, stabilizing muscles that may be overlooked in other forms of exercise, improving overall muscle balance and reducing the risk of imbalances and injuries.

The added bonus of Mind-Body connection

One aspect that sets barre apart from heavy weight lifting and high-impact workouts is its emphasis on the mind-body connection. Barre classes often incorporate elements of mindfulness (yoga), encouraging participants to focus on proper form, alignment, and breathing whilst staying to the beat or flowing through the music. I can see why this might be too much too soon... While heavy lifting and intense workouts can be exhilarating, they may lack the mindfulness component that barre offers.

Barre allows you to speed up but also to slow down, concentrate on controlled movements, and develop body awareness. This mindful approach can help reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall well-being. By embracing this mind-body connection, individuals accustomed to heavy weight lifting or high-impact workouts may find a new dimension to their fitness journey.

Lets just say...

Barre may not initially appeal to individuals who are accustomed to heavy weight lifting and low-intensity, high-impact workouts. The absence of heavy weights and high-intensity exercises can create resistance towards trying barre. However, incorporating barre into your fitness routine can provide a unique and complementary workout experience, targeting smaller muscles, improving stability, and enhancing the mind to body connection.

By exploring different forms of exercise, such as barre, individuals can diversify their fitness routines, prevent burnout, and enjoy a well-rounded approach to physical fitness. Remember, fitness is a personal journey, and finding the right mix of workouts that resonate with you is crucial. Give barre a chance. Try in a few times before ghosting it after the first time. You may discover a new art form that brings joy, strength, and balance to your fitness journey.

XoXo

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