barre CLASS WORKOUT
“No Dance Experience Required”
By Lisa R. Mele
B
arre class workouts are fast becoming one of the most hyped up and popular fitness classes to hit the gyms in recent years. Barre classes vary in ages from seventeen to seventy years old and offer all levels from beginner through advanced. The best part of the barre class workout is this - no dance experience is required! Barre class workouts may differ from club to club along with the set up in the aerobic room or studio. Some studios may have a ballet bar and other studios may substitute ballet bars with sturdy chairs for the members to use during class. Barre classes can be a fusion of Ballet, Mat Pilates and Yoga. While other Barre classes are more athletic and may require many different tools to use in class like tubing, balls, hand weights and more. Andi Fraass, Director, Group Fitness and Staff Continuing Education at Echelon Health & Fitness further explains, “Barre is an all encompassing workout that is low on impact and high on benefits. There are many benefits to a Barre workout; it will lengthen
18 | September 2018
and strengthen all of your muscles, lift your derriere, improve balance, endurance, posture and flexibility all while connecting the mind and body.” Fraass also adds, “It is a multi-level workout which means you can take it at your own pace, so whether you’re a ballerina or just love the feel of your body as it flows through the moves. Barre is definitely one of the most popular classes at our health club.” Every Barre Instructor brings a different style and flavor to teaching Barre class to their members, which includes their different dance styles and athletic background. For instance, Regional Group Exercise Manager for Edge Fitness Clubs, Karen Ryan remarks, “My Barre class is a mix of athletic and ballet. I was a trained dancer and a gymnast. I like to give the best of both worlds and challenge participants no matter what ones age.” Ryan also adds, “I do fuse classic Barre and Pilates together. They are so very different yet compliment each other. This creates discipline to know and be able to perform two different philosophies.” Also, Sommer Bayard, Group Exercise and Barre Instructor at Virtua Center for Health Fitness adds, “I truly enjoy teaching fitness and dance and this class is a mix of both. My biggest asset is trying to make it fun for the attendees by playing the most popular music that most enjoy. Bayards also adds, “I try to make everyone feel welcomed and have a great experience so they come back.” Casey Rosario, Group Fitness Director for Future Fitness Centers and Kennedy Fitness and Wellness, loves the gracefulness and movement of Ballet dance. Rosario adds, “I enjoy teaching Standing Pilates and incorporating strengthening and lengthening exercises in a group environment. I feel most participants can benefit from this type of exercise and it also feels good on the joints and muscles.” Although instructors have different techniques and goals, Andi Fraass sums up Barre class workouts, “Regardless of the class name and the equipment used, attending Barre class will inspire you as you work towards your health and wellness goals, so attitude and arabesque your way to a healthier mind and body.” Since 2011, Lisa R. Mele has been a featured PhillyFIT Magazine Workout-a-thon Instructor and in 2012 became the Stage Manager for the event. Lisa is also a certified AAAI/ISMA Personal Fitness Trainer and a certified Fitour Group Exercise Instructor who teaches a variety of classes for several different fitness centers in South Jersey. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys writing for PhillyFIT Magazine, taking jazz dance classes at Marcia Hyland Dance Center and spending quality time with all of her family members on the weekends.
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