What is "Barre" and who is it even for?
Is 2024 Barre Year?
Learn more about barre and virtual classes with Leavell Up fitness
In 2023, Pilates REALLY had a moment. I know it has been around forever, but it seemed like new people were getting into it, especially Black women. I have been a Pilates fan for years, but like barre, Pilates tends to be pretty exclusive, pretty white, and pretty expensive. I am lucky enough to be connected to people like Sonja Herbert, of Black Girl Pilates, who has done so much work around diversifying the practice. There were so many posts about folks taking their first Pilates classes and how different the workout was from what many of us are used to. The buzz was everywhere and Pilates was THAT GIRL!
But it’s 2024 now and I think we should give barre a little hype too! Yes, I am personally invested in this one but I think barre needs a little revival and redemption so it can reach a wider audience.
Before you can love barre, you have to know barre. So let's get into a little more about barre, what it is, who it is for, and why you should consider trying a class at some point this year!
What is a Barre class?
The amount of times I have mentioned barre class and people assume I am mixing drinks or studying to be an attorney. Alcohol is not really my thing and I have no intention of becoming a lawyer (this year at least).
A barre class is a fitness class that combines ballet-inspired moves with elements of Pilates, dance, yoga and strength training. It focuses on small, controlled movements to engage and strengthen the muscles. Like Pilates, barre can be considered lower impact, although it depends on the class, the instructor, and your personal definition of low impact. Typically, barre doesn’t include bigger movements or any explosive jumps.
Lotte Berk is said to be the founder of barre and she was apparently a bit of a freak (this tracks). Classes were originally exclusively for women and men were not allowed to know what went on in class. If you want to learn more about the history of barre and hear some silly banter between friends, check out my podcast interview on Fit Literate.
Who is barre for?
My barre classes are open to anyone, regardless of gender, body size, age, etc. Most barre classes do have standing elements and work on the floor, so these are things to consider. However, there are plenty of people, like Natalie Sanders, who offer chair barre regularly! Barre workouts can be very customizable and can allow for a lot of flexibility when it comes to intensity. Most classes (with the right instructors) can be adapted for different abilities and energy levels.
Barre is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and people. Here are some examples:
Beginners - Barre provides a gentle introduction to ballet-inspired training. There is no need to have prior dance or ballet experience. The controlled movements tend to be easier to follow than other types of dance adjacent classes. Barre can help build core strength and flexibility from the ground up.
Experienced dancers - If you do have dance experience, barre can still be a great workout. It complements dance training by working on technique, posture, balance and core strength. The isometric small movements enhance muscle activation.
Athletes/Runners - A lot of people who workout with me, do other forms of movement. Barre can be a great form of cross-training, especially for runners or folks who do a lot of flowy type yoga. Barre can help improve mobility, stability and muscle tone to enhance athletic performance and prevent injury. The focus on alignment can help with muscle imbalances.
Pregnant & Postpartum People - Barre can be a supportive workout for pregnancy and after. Because it is typically low impact and the standing moves are supported by the barre (or chair or counter etc.) there is additional stability available. Additionally, the focus on breath and full body engagement can be helpful postpartum.
Post-rehab - Barre can gently help people regain mobility and strength after an injury. The minimal equipment allows it to complement physical therapy.
Seniors - Barre’s low-impact standing exercises improve strength, balance and bone density without stressing joints. The modifications and variations can allow for a wide range of people to join.
Why try Leavell Up Barre?
When I started teaching barre, making it more accessible and more comfortable for people was my goal. I got certified with that in mind. I wanted to see more diversity in barre classes and I wanted people to try this form of movement because I loved it. A lot of barre classes cost $35 each and contain rooms full of thin women in their 20’s or 30’s wearing black lululemon leggings. I am absolutely not mad at that, it is just not my scene and I did not see my community reflected.
After almost 4 years of teaching online, I have had the privilege of working with so many amazing clients from all over the world who come together (virtually) to move their bodies. It has been a dream come true!
While I do consider myself to be a great instructor, I often think of myself as a guide. In my barre classes, there is space to move your body in ways that feel good for you. There is no pressure to perform movement in the exact way that I am, because we all have different bodies and needs.
Class always starts with a warm up, moves to upper body work with light weights (I call them baby weights and mine are 2 lbs or about 1 kg), standing barre moves, floor work, and then a stretch. Leavell Up classes are about 50 minutes and you are allowed to do as much or as little as you want.
Want to come to class?
Our next Open Barre Class is Sunday, January 14th, 2024. It will be the first drop in class of the year and I would love to have you there!
You can also join the Leavell Up Membership at any time. You will get access to live and on demand classes and there is no contract!