What is BARRE?
A Les Mills workout class
What is a BARRE exercise class?
A Les Mills BARRE class is a modern take of classic ballet training, but don’t worry – no previous dance experience is necessary!
BARRE is a full-body workout that focuses on cardio and strength training. It’s designed to shape and tone postural muscles, build core strength, and let you move mindfully through low-impact exercises and small range-of-motion movements. Expect a blend of ballet exercises paired with current music you’ll know and love, in classes usually lasting around 30 – 40 minutes.
Many BARRE classes are held in a group setting, with the class being led by one of our talented instructors who will support you along the way!
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Benefits of BARRE
There are several benefits you can expect from a BARRE workout:
- Improved flexibility and posture: Les Mills BARRE exercises focus on strengthening and lengthening the muscles in the chest, shoulders, hips, and back (postural muscles), which can better support stronger posture and flexibility.
- Strengthening mind-body connection: As you’ll be strengthening specific muscle groups, you’ll become more aware of your body’s position and posture. In BARRE, you can expect to focus on breath control and breathing with movements too.
- Injury prevention: Les Mills BARRE classes focus on low-impact exercises, as opposed to a workout influenced by high-intensity interval training (HIIT). You’ll still be working hard during the class, but it should be a little easier on the joints!
BARRE for beginners
Thanks to the low-impact nature of BARRE, the class provides a good introduction to improving strength and stamina, which can then be built on as you become more confident. You can start with no equipment at all, then take things up a notch by adding some light weights to a barre workout.
The BARRE class doesn’t involve a typical ballet barre either, which LES MILLS BARRE creator, Diana Archer Mills, says makes the training more accessible for everyone. Without the assistance of a barre, the muscles are encouraged to work harder while supporting your body’s stability.
Like many of the classes we offer, we see People of all ages and abilities coming through the door, and Les Mills BARRE is no different. Whether it’s your first class or your fiftieth, you’ve got a place with us.
Don’t forget that with a Premium membership you get a discounted rate on Les Mills+, an online workout platform full of Les Mills workouts like BARRE. If you can’t make it to one of our studios, you can give BARRE a try wherever, whenever!
What do I need for a BARRE class?
BARRE exercises encourage you to use your full range of movement, so wearing stretchy gym clothes will provide some extra comfort. You’ll need to take off your shoes for a Les Mills BARRE class, so you may find that wearing a pair of grip socks will help to keep you steady as you move too.
As with any workout class, make sure you bring plenty of water to the class so that you can stay hydrated throughout.
Don’t worry about equipment either, we’ve got you covered! Depending on your centre and the instructor, there’s a variation of equipment that will be provided for you to use in the class, such as mats and free weights.
Ready to get started? Use our centre finder below to book a Les Mills BARRE class at a place near you! The full list of memberships and timetables available at each centre are on the centre homepage.
Sources: Learn the moves: simple steps towards a barre body (Les Mills) | Les Mills Barre: Workout at home (Les Mills) | Five surprising facts about ballet-based training (Les Mills) | Behind Barre: What It Is and How To Make It Work For You (Cleveland Clinic)
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