Fresh ways to get fit for spring - head to the barre!

No, this is NOT a workout you can do combined with a cocktail! It is, however, just one of the newest trends in training that we'll be reviewing to help you get inspired to get in shape this spring and summer.

The fitness industry is constantly creating new ways to workout to motivate people to start and stay moving. On the flipside, many new programs market their method as being the ultimate workout with exaggerated expectations or guarantees to finally help you push through that frustrating plateau! It can be confusing to know what to choose, believe and expect.

So here are some of the basics on the hot new trend of barre training.

Barre classes were initially conceive by injured ballerina, Lotte Berk, who combined her dance with rehab exercises. She opened her first studio in 1959 and attracted clients including Joan Collins and Barbara Streisand. One of her students brought it to the U.S. in 1971. From there, instructors started to create their own versions and variations. Classes started in dance and specialty studios but have now exploded in popularity and can be found in most mainstream fitness clubs.

Most barre classes follow the same basic structure and use a lot of ballet basics including plies, demi squats and leg lifts along with a lot of focus on posture and core.

The fitness benefits of barre classes:

  • Cardiovascular - light to moderate
  • Strength - moderate
  • Flexibility - high
  • Balance - high

If you're rhythmically challenged or have two left feet, you can still benefit and enjoy barre classes. As programs evolve, there are always a variety of styles and hybrids that emerge. As a result, there really is a barre for everyone with styles falling into about three main categories - dance, Pilates and athletic formats. Here are just a few samples to help you find the program that best fits you.

Dance-style programs

You often find these right in dance studios with participants bellying up to the ballet bars along the walls. There are also portable ballet bars that have been designed to be portable and to move people away from the walls. These classes are very based in ballet movements and coordination patterns.

Sample programs:

Barre with Yoga and Pilates

The core and posture focus has been a natural fit with Yoga and Pilates training so many of these programs and certifications have branched off into barre. Not surprising, these classes blend a lot of Pilates and/or Yoga principles and incorporate a lot of their existing equipment and exercises into workouts.

Sample programs

Athletic Style

These deviate from the ballet style the most but I love these versions as they help to bring the benefits of the core and posture training from barre to a broader audience. It can be a great balance and inclusion with a lot of the high intensity training that is so prevalent in fitness.

Sample programs

The bottom line on barre - if you find it fun and motivating it's a great workout. And, as we so often say, if you enjoy an activity, it's easier to stick with it. Two of my favourite features of barre workouts are posture and balance which can be beneficial to almost everyone. It does miss out on elements of cardiovascular training, functional movement and building strength so for best results, mix it up with some additional cardio and strength.

What else is new for the summer of 2015? We're going to be starting a NEW FITNESS CHALLENGE. We've had so many people still express interest in my 50th birthday 50-50-50 Challenge so we're revising and to provide you with the resources, tips and support to help YOU feel energized and inspired.

If you'd like to sign up to get more information and updates, visit www.libbynorris.com.