Barre workouts?

SmileDamnit

So my dear sister just signed me up with her for a month of classes at a Pure Barre studio. I'd like to consider myself relatively healthy in that I eat pretty well and moderately (albeit not very routinely) exercise; but I'm far from "fit" and definitely want to get in better shape before the wedding, so I appreciate her gesture. That said, I'm all sorts of nervous for this class because I may very well be thee least graceful person on the planet (and even less flexible than that!). 

Give it to me straight: am I going to die &/or make a total and complete fool of myself?

artbyallie

I've had 13 years of ballet and have been in classes with everything from total beginners (including adults) to dancers with as much experience as I have. Barre work is easy IMO (just don't grip it tightly--lightly *rest* your hand on the barre) and doesn't require flexibility so much as minimal balance, as you do have the barre there. You are very unlikely to be the least graceful, and even if you are, everyone else will be too worried about their own abilities to pay attention to you. I've never had experience with this particular class, but I highly doubt they'll expect you to just walk in and be able to do all of it on the first try.

Just relax and try and have fun. Ballet is a great workout and will also help posture and such.

jdluvr06

I've had 13 years of ballet and have been in classes with everything from total beginners (including adults) to dancers with as much experience as I have. Barre work is easy IMO (just don't grip it tightly--lightly *rest* your hand on the barre) and doesn't require flexibility so much as minimal balance, as you do have the barre there. You are very unlikely to be the least graceful, and even if you are, everyone else will be too worried about their own abilities to pay attention to you. I've never had experience with this particular class, but I highly doubt they'll expect you to just walk in and be able to do all of it on the first try.

Just relax and try and have fun. Ballet is a great workout and will also help posture and such.

This. I did ballet for years and the barre is nothing to worry about. Have fun with it.

thisismynickname2

Oh, no grace is involved in barre workout classes.  Your butt and shoulders will hate you--- it's an AWESOME workout. Enjoy! 

JCbride2015

Barre classes are NOT like ballet!  A good, true barre class will kick your ass.  It's not about being graceful, we just use the barre as a prop.

I do Physique 57: DVDs at home, and in-studio classes when I can afford it.  It's hard as hell but the results are phenomenal.  I brought a friend once and she literally felt light-headed, almost vomited, and had to leave the room.  So make sure you're hydrated and ready to burn.

I've never been to Pure Barre.  I hear it's a little easier than P57, but as far as I can tell from reviews, all barre classes are tough.  Hope you have fun!  If you're anything like me, you'll get addicted.

SmileDamnit

Phew. Good to know...thanks for easing my fears a bit, ladies!

JCBride2014 said:

Barre classes are NOT like ballet!  A good, true barre class will kick your ass.  It's not about being graceful, we just use the barre as a prop.

I do Physique 57: DVDs at home, and in-studio classes when I can afford it.  It's hard as hell but the results are phenomenal.  I brought a friend once and she literally felt light-headed, almost vomited, and had to leave the room.  So make sure you're hydrated and ready to burn.

I've never been to Pure Barre.  I hear it's a little easier than P57, but as far as I can tell from reviews, all barre classes are tough.  Hope you have fun!  If you're anything like me, you'll get addicted.

It's crazy expensive!! I wouldn't honestly fork over the money if DS wasn't paying for it, but I figured I can get a good, solid foundation down in 30 days then move to at home work outs after that. Glad to hear there are DVDs out there.

thisismynickname said:

Oh, no grace is involved in barre workout classes.  Your butt and shoulders will hate you--- it's an AWESOME workout. Enjoy! 

My butt specifically needs to hate me. Can't wait to pull a Fonda and "feel the burn"

sunset30

I did Barre classes a month before my wedding. I'm in generally good shape from long distance running and weight training, but the Barre classes were a surprisingly challenging workout. The good thing is if you do them consistently a few times a week (I did ~4 times per week) for about four weeks, they give you great results quickly. I actually had tons of people come up to me at the wedding and comment how toned I looked I love the classes - agree they are quite pricy, but totally worth it and as others have said very addictive!

blabla89

Did your sister pay for your classes? If so, that's very generous - Pure Barre classes/memberships are expensive as all get-out around here. I would love to check it out sometime but it's cost-prohibitive.

SmileDamnit

lalalaurita said:

Did your sister pay for your classes? If so, that's very generous - Pure Barre classes/memberships are expensive as all get-out around here. I would love to check it out sometime but it's cost-prohibitive.

She did! They are running a newbie promotion here - $100 for 30 days unlimited classes. Figured if I can commit to 3-4x/week then I'll get a good bang for the buck. Not sure I can justify continuing past the promo month, though, because the price goes waaaaay up

FWIW ~ this first class totally kicked my ass!!! My muscles are sore now (stairs.hurt.bad) and I can only imagine how I'll feel tomorrow. 

JCbride2015

Damn $100 for a month?  That's an AMAZING price.  This wouldn't happen to be the NYC area would it?  I'd try a new barre class for that discount.

I have a couple of classes prepaid at P57 but I keep trying to "save" them because I don't want to run out.  It's so bad.  I've been doing a combo of Pilates at NYSC and Physique DVD's at home.

SmileDamnit

JCBride2014 said:

Damn $100 for a month?  That's an AMAZING price.  This wouldn't happen to be the NYC area would it?  I'd try a new barre class for that discount.

I have a couple of classes prepaid at P57 but I keep trying to "save" them because I don't want to run out.  It's so bad.  I've been doing a combo of Pilates at NYSC and Physique DVD's at home.

Nope, not NYC @JCBride2014 - Denver. After the first month it over doubles ($250/mo), which seems a bit excessive. I'm definitely going to look for the DVDs you mention, and I think the rec center in my neighborhood offers a class once a week, too. 

And holy hell! Today brought a whole new level of sore!!