Use your common sense - make your life a little easier in your barre class:)

Why do we need to use our peripheral view in a barre class?

Have you ever gone to see a ballet production or any theater show and wondered to yourself how do these people do it? How do they stay in line? How are they are so in sync? It goes without saying PRACTICE but they also use a very common sense called their 'peripheral vision". Its a term I think I made up...but read on it will make sense...

Enhanced balance and body awareness

Peripheral vision allows you to see your surroundings without directly focusing on them. By expanding your field of vision, you can maintain a better sense of balance and spatial orientation. This is particularly helpful during barre or any movement based classes that require you to shift your weight, extend your limbs, or perform intricate movements. Peripheral vision helps you stay aware of your body's alignment in relation to the barre, the mirror, and other participants, reducing the risk of stumbling or colliding with others.

Improved coordination

Barre classes often involve complex movements that require coordinating different parts of your body simultaneously. Peripheral vision enables you to perceive your arms, legs, and torso in your peripheral field while maintaining focus on specific movements or positions. This allows you to synchronize your actions more effectively and execute exercises with greater precision and control.

Increased safety

In a crowded barre class, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions or accidental contact with other participants. Utilizing peripheral vision helps you monitor the proximity of others without constantly turning your head or relying solely on direct vision. You can better anticipate the movements of people nearby, creating a safer environment for everyone.

Mind-body connection

Peripheral vision can help you cultivate a stronger mind-body connection during your barre practice. By expanding your visual awareness, you become more attuned to the overall flow of the class, the instructor's cues, and the movements of fellow participants. This heightened sense of presence and connection can enhance your overall experience and help you better engage with the exercises.

In my barre classes most of my sequences are set to exact counts but often we do movements that don't match the beat of the song that comes up next and I would instruct my clients to move through the music but to also find internal rhythm. For some this is a struggle because the choreography could be intricate so I often I say that without looking they should try to sync their movements with the person next to to...and it goes a long way...

To utilize your peripheral vision effectively in a barre class, try to soften your gaze and avoid fixating on a single point. Instead, allow your eyes to take in a broader range of information. With practice, you can develop better peripheral awareness, leading to improved performance, safety, and overall enjoyment in your barre workouts.