Barre Intensity

Service Description

Barre is a low-impact workout that builds strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and body awareness while being accessible to a wide range of fitness levels with no dance experience required. This class is taught barefoot or with grip socks. The movements are low-impact, isometric exercises suitable for all fitness levels. Breaks and modifications are encouraged, and students can re-enter exercises at any time. As with many barre classes, proper form is emphasized—the better the form, the more challenging the exercises become. The vibe is athletic and fitness-focused. Barre can vary significantly from studio to studio; the style this instructor practices most is more heavily influenced by Pilates and functional fitness than traditional ballet. Choreography is minimal. Students do not need any dance experience or the ability to memorize routines. Barre is a full-body workout that targets muscles that are often underutilized in traditional strength training. Particular emphasis is placed on the core, glutes, quadriceps, calves, posture, balance, and muscular endurance. Barre was originally developed by dancer Lotte Berk as a way to rehabilitate injuries while maintaining strength and conditioning. It later gained widespread popularity in the United States during the fitness boom, with Jane Fonda helping bring group fitness into the mainstream.