how I became a barre babe

first steps

Back in 2015 I started doing barre in a small studio in Hackney and I fell instantly in love. At the time, I was practicing ballet at Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden and it was a different kind of physical challenge, one that I never experienced before. All those little movement are pretty hard to do if you want to look effortless and graceful. You realise that the much desired smoothness comes with practice, practice, practice. Even though I loved ballet, I am a fitness girl at heart (with a background in step aerobics but that’s a different story). I was looking for a ballet based fitness workout that would include ballet moves but also make me sweat and work hard. Something that makes me feel graceful even though I don’t nail actual ballet like a pro. Barre was a revelation to me and I’m still so glad I found it. 

super hard but so much fun

At first I was struggling so much, I could barely life my leg. My teacher had her leg all the way up, perfectly in line with her hips and I couldn’t reach half that height, let alone do multiple repetitions of it. The burn was intense. Needless to say I was super sore the next day, which rarely happens. But I was instantly addicted. Next thing I knew I went to barre class as often as it was on offer, so roughly 4x a week. Going to barre was easy, it was so much fun, the music was great and I loved how it shaped my body in a way I haven’t seen before doing other workouts. Every time after barre class, I came back home and started cooking dinner on tippy toes, occasionally lifting that straight leg just for fun ’cause it feels so good! I guess deep down I wanted to be a ballerina as a young girl, but as they say, those who can’t, teach. After two years of regular practice, I got quite good at it. Inspired by my teacher, I decided to go ahead and teach the joys of barre to others. 

promotes that hour glass shape

What is so unique about barre is that it covers all those tiny muscle groups you have probably never felt before and it is exactly those muscles, that make for a lovely hourglass shape. With regular practice, you will see your hips getting rounder, your waist smaller and your thighs slimmer. It is designed to strengthen, shape and lengthen all those muscles that make for this elegant shape. On top of that, and the part I love the most, it improves your coordination and your overall everyday movements become so much smoother.

common misconceptions

We tend to think that in order to build muscles, we need to lift weights. Studies have shown however, that doing many reps with no weights have the same results. What (Floor) Barre does is promoting muscular endurance. Thus barre is also limiting the risk of injuries and the movements are super accessible. Most of them are pregnancy safe. All you need is a kitchen counter, table, chair, anything to hold on to. The fatigue and burn you feel during class is a good sign that the muscles are activated and working. Especially when the leg is shaking, don’t worry. It is a good sign: Your muscles are getting stronger. 

flexibility and pelvic floor

Next to flexibility, Barre also focusses on the pelvic floor; a muscles group that is often neglected. Strengthening the pelvic muscles does not only promote better sex, it also helps to supports your bladder, bowel and uterus, so it’s specifically good for women to do this. When you sign up to my classes, you will see that I have classes dedicated especially to that area.

I hope you find this post informative and inspirational As always, feel free to send me a message and ask away if you have any q’s! Happy barre-ing!

Love, Ari x