

#HARD PILATES MOVES HOW TO#
So if you struggle with how to become more flexible (*raises hand*), barre class is a great choice. "Sections of class are also paired with stretching to increase overall flexibility," DiGiorgio explains.
#HARD PILATES MOVES FREE#
In some classes, you'll use just the barre (or equivalent like a countertop or chair back) and your body weight to churn out rep after rep of muscle-burning move, while others incorporate tools like resistance bands, sliders, ankle weights, free weights, exercise balls, and more. In addition to building strength, this full-body workout also develops agility and flexibility, DiGiorgio adds. "It focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements designed to strengthen your body in ways that few other workouts can." "Barre class is a workout technique inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates," says DiGiorgio. Think pulsing in a squat to target the glutes and quads, cranking out as many triceps kickbacks as possible with three-pound weights, or moving through a lively plank sequence. "The muscles in each group are fatigued via small targeted movements, high numbers of repetitions, and light weight or resistance," says DiGiorgio.

Typically, they're broken into different sections that focus on major muscle groups including the arms, legs, glutes, and core.

What To Expect In A Barre Workout ClassĮach barre class is designed to be a full-body, muscle endurance workout (as I've definitely experienced). To give you a better idea of what to expect in your first barre class, Women's Health chatted with Katelyn DiGiorgio, the VP of training and technique at Pure Barre, for the lowdown. (Don't worry, all of these studios offer online workouts.) In all, I've tried out barre studios across New York City- Physique 57, Xtend, Barre Method, Exhale–and I've always been impressed by how much each class challenges my entire body. The class focused on cardio, strength training, and stretching, rather than perfect dance technique. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to playĪnd while it was reminiscent of my ballet days of yore, it actually felt a lot more like a Pilates or sculpting workout.
