How Barre Has Helped Me Slow Down

Over the years I have practiced online and in-studio Barre workouts, it has drastically impacted the way I view fitness. Since I was a young girl I played many rigorous sports. Each season brought a new one starting with volleyball, then basketball, softball, (which later turned to tennis) and in between all of that- self conditioning.

All I really knew was cardio- working your body to the edge of exhaustion- type of cardio. It wasn’t until my later high school years that I found a set fitness routine and implemented body weight exercises, weights, and more rigorous training.

While these are still all a part of my fitness routine today, my motivation has changed towards them. I no longer find that I need to push myself to the point of exhaustion- but rather push myself to find long lasting energy.

I started Barre about four years ago and since then I have found an inner strength and edge I never thought possible. Before I dive any further, here are a few key basics you need to know about Barre.

What is Barre?

Barre is a “science-backed signature approach” which “combines sustained holds, muscle-burning micro-movements, and heart-pumping cardio bursts that deliver remarkable results from the inside out.” –Barre3

Where Can I Find Barre?

While there are different types of Barre, the concept remains the same anywhere you go. I personally have followed Barre3 online, but occasionally attend in-studio classes at Pure Barre. Both have their differences but also have many striking similarities that focus on the overall mind-body connection. There are also many privately owned studios all around the country- just do a simple google search to find one near you.

Why Barre and Not Yoga or Pilates?

Although I still implement Yoga in to my fitness routine, and have attended Pilates classes in the past, they are not for everyone. Barre is all about “finding your edge” and “pushing past plateaus” to strengthen your body and mind, while Yoga focuses on healing. The main goal of Yoga is to relieve stress, bring mental clarity, and (for me) incorporate a deep stretch while still offering difficult postures.

Pilates is similar to Barre in a way that focuses on physical and mental exercise. They use reformers as a great way to build strength and flexibility throughout the body. The “precise movements focus on technique and control over repetition” and “there is a focus on the core in every Pilates class.” –Club Pilates

Barre uses the concepts of Yoga and Pilates and transforms them in to a unique workout designed to suit everyone’s needs. Different from Yoga and Pilates, every Barre workout combines strength conditioning, cardio, holds, and mindfulness. They offer modifications and full expressions for every move to fit what you need.

How it Has Helped Me

After years of running and pushing my body to extremes, Barre has slowed me down mentally and physically. The workout eases my mind and I no longer find the desire to race through cardio focused workouts like I did in the past.

I have a very “busy” personality as some would say, which admit-idly results to burn out quite easily. If it wasn’t for finding Barre I’m not quite sure where I would be at in my fitness regimen, or personal life goals.

Because of this workout, I find long lasting energy all day, my posture has improved dramatically, and I am intentional with my workouts inside (and outside) of Barre.

I take my goals one step at a time instead of tackling everything at once. My productivity has increased, and the self doubt of not being in good-enough shape has over time disintegrated…

I know that with Barre I can always set my intention for the day to tackle something new, stay motivated, and be in the present moment- in real life and fitness.