Barre Classes in Woodland Hills CA

You probably have heard of the new exercise craze; Barre by now.

Barre studios claim that it develops, long, lean muscles without bulk and that it enhances flexibility, improves balance and helps tone hard to get to muscles and is a good fit for ANYONE.  With claims like these who wouldn’t want to Plié and Pirouette their way to a leaner more toned body?

But before you start looking for Barre studios in Woodland Hills, let’s take a few minutes to understand what this Barre thing is all about and if this ballet-inspired workout can actually transform your physique.

History

Considering that the Ballet Barre is the basic equipment and many of the moves are classic ballet positions, it isn’t surprising to learn that it was developed by a German ballerina (Lotte Berk) as a way to combine dance conditioning with rehabilitative therapy following an injury.

The first Barre studio in the US opened in NYC in 1971 and has heated up in the last 5 years as it branched out from major metropolitans to cities and towns across the US.

Workout

If you are like me and have two left feet, you are probably thinking, I can’t dance, I can’t do Barre.  But experts say you don’t need any dance experience benefit from Barre.

Most classes start with a mat based warm up where you will do planks and push up, then followed by exercises that focus on arms, lower body, your thighs and glutes.  Finally you do a series of core-focused moves at the bar.

Instead, most barre classes follow the same basic structure: You’ll start with a mat-based warm-up full of planks and push-ups, do a series of arm exercises, and continue at the bar with a lower-body section to work your thighs and glutes. Finally, you’ll finish with a series of core-focused moves at the bar or a short session on the mat.

Gear

No tutu required and you wear comfortable clothing (yoga clothing) and socks or bare feet.  Some studios use hand weights, resistance bands and an exercise ball.

The exercise is a combination of Pilates, yoga and ballet.  Unlike CrossFit (another craze) builds strength through small isometric movements.

Does it work?

Yes and No.

You won’t look like the ballerina from the Nutcracker’s Swan Lake after doing a work out, but you can see the results in a leaner look.

You more than likely won’t lose a lot of weight doing Barre, instead you still need to diet and exercise, but it can help tone your muscles.

You will over time and with commitment get stronger.

Balance and core strength are good for your health and for that reason alone it is worth it.

You will feel burn through the tiny isometric movements, but you will also get a sense of well-being and serenity.

OK, enough about what Barre is?  Where can you find a Barre Studio in Woodland Hills?

Pure Barre – 21728 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Cardio Barre – 21747 Erwin St, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Pop Physique – 22941 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364