If you know me personally, then you would know that I absolutely LOVE working out. Running, walking, Zumba, yoga, cycling, you name it, I love all of them. One of my first jobs in high school was actually at a gym in my hometown, so I got a free gym membership, which was amazing! I was able to try so many group fitness classes that they offered. And the best part was that my mom was a member of the same gym; so I had a work out buddy!
One of the many things my mom and I have in common is that we both love group exercise classes. We used to do Zumba every Monday and Wednesday, and sometimes a cycling or Define class other days of the week.
We have tried out a ton of classes together, but one that we had never done before was barre. Mainly because this seemed to be the only class that was not offered at our gym. So, just for fun, my mom and I decided to try out a barre studio to switch up our workout!
We chose a studio called Barre Code. Barre is a 50 minute work out that focuses on isometric movements and strength training using 2 to 3 lb weights, resistance bands, and a barre ball to sculpt and tone your thighs, arms, legs, and abs.
The best part is, there are special discounts for new clients!! We actually got our first class free! 😊 If you decide to go, make sure you take advantage of that!
When we walked into the studio, we were greeted by an instructor who gave us a short tour, explained the barre classes they offer, and showed us to the dressing rooms and vanity area. The entire studio is so pretty! The make-up vanities are the cutest and have make-up remover wipes, lotion, cotton balls, and other necessities for people to use!
Usually I go to a regular gym instead of a boutique-style fitness studio, so I was really loving all the cute decor and personalized attention that Barre Code offered!
We had arrived before anyone else did for the class just so we could pick out our spot and get settled. We decided to take the regular Barre Code class (they also offer a variety of cardio, strength training, and restoration classes, as well)! For our specific class all we needed was 2-3 lb weights and a resistance band.
We started with a warm-up on the mat doing a variety of core and upper body movements. From there, we got into using our weights for a few arm exercises, and then onto the mat to focus on our core. Most of the movements were done for 8 counts, which seems short, but you can really feel the burn! We then finished with legs and thighs, where we incorporated the bar and a resistance band and stretched out for the last 5-10 minutes. (Such a great work out!)
What I loved most about this barre class was that no prior experience was necessary! All fitness levels were welcome and modifications could be made for every movement, whether it was using less weight, going at a slower pace, or doing less repetitions.
The movements were also extremely easy to follow! I sometimes have a hard time following along when I am in a group exercise class and will fall behind, but that was never the case at barre.
Another great perk is that in this particular class I wasn’t profusely sweating like I would be if I took a Zumba class or ran on the treadmill. Cardio is incorporated into the class, however I wasn’t drenched in sweat by the end of it. It’s main focus is on strengthening and toning your muscles.
At the end of the class, I could definitely feel the burn! My muscles were so sore, but in a good way. It felt like my arms, legs, and abs were already becoming toned!
I would highly recommend trying a barre class if you haven’t yet! It’s such a great work out; you will love it! If you want to get an idea of what a barre class is like before actually going to a studio, there are some great barre workouts on YouTube! They will give you an idea of what a barre class all entails!
Let me know some of your favorite ways to work out or if you have tried a barre workout before!
Thanks for reading!
XO
Cassie
