Today’s newsletter is a guest spot from a friend and client Anja, who is a PT I’ve known for nearly 15 years. Last year she started a Barre class in Artarmon and I was lucky enough to be involved in the opening, participated in a class and I walked away very impressed. With summer coming up and everyone wanting to get fit for the beach, I thought it would be a great time to ask Anja to write this post and explain what Barre is. So, without further ado… here’s Anja…
My name is Anja and I’m a trainer in women’s fitness classes, Pilates and Barre. If you haven’t yet discovered the delights of a Barre workout, read on…
You don’t have to be flexible, a dancer, or even have experience exercising to benefit from barre. If you put in the effort, listen to your instructor, and have fun, barre can transform your body so quickly you won’t even believe how incredible you feel within weeks!
Debating if barre should be your next sweat session? Or maybe you’re wondering if your first barre class was worth the burn?
Here are my TOP THREE (there are so many more, but I won’t keep you as I know you’re busy) reasons why you should join in on the barre craze because it’s here to stay:
1 quick strength gain
Barre is designed to exhaust—then stretch—every muscle group. This combo is a highly effective, low impact way to increase your physical strength super fast. Tired of getting tired going up flights of stairs? Take some barre classes and kiss that goodbye.
Keep in mind your body position is essential to working the right muscles, the right way. If your instructor says “Keep your knees in line with your toes” or “Pull your left hip back and right hip forward to square your hips,” DO IT. The results you’ll feel (and see) will be worth the effort.
2 injury rehab / prevention
With barre, you’re working all of your muscles, especially around your knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, and spine with no impact or shock to your joints.
By doing that, you’re giving your body the strength it needs to support you.
Strong joints are instrumental in keeping your body safe from things like, let’s say, tripping over a crack in the sidewalk, lifting heavy objects, and twisting your ankle on a dog toy in the dark. Strengthening the muscles around your injury (like I did) is essential to healing.
I can’t tell you how often I hear one of my fabulous ladies say “my back feels better after class” or “I have bad knees, so I can’t run/jump etc, but I CAN barre”
I have one particular client who doesn’t need to see her Chiropractor as much since starting barre – now that’s a win!
3 Better posture
Every movement in a barre class involves working your core (those muscles around your tummy area).
This includes your back! You know how ballerinas are known to have amazing posture? There’s a reason for this—and it’s because of the core + upper back + hip strength needed at all times. So, when you’re in barre class being told things like “Pull your belly button toward your spine” and “Lift up out of your standing hip,” you’re setting yourself up to walk out of class taller and poised than you’ve ever been!
So, go kick butt in that barre class! Plus, you haven’t lived until your muscles are numb and trembling during a workout, and you haven’t lived until you’ve given yourself a strong, healthy body you feel great living in!
I look forward to meeting you at the Barre
Anja
My contact details are PH 0403 335 950 https://goforfit.com.au/
Timetable:
6am Tuesday & Thursday
5.30pm Tuesday
6pm Thursday
7am Saturday
Plenty of off-street parking
Showers on site
Cleg Street, Artarmon
From Anthony:
I hope this inspires you to give Barre a go, It targets important stabilisation and core muscles in the body and I’ve seen some great results in my clients.