As you’ve heard me mention before, I’ve been doing some cross training at Barre 3 in Georgetown and I’ve really enjoyed it. Some of you may be wondering, “what is barre?” Here’s what Barre 3 says about that:
Barre3 evolves the dancer’s workout by combining the grace of the ballet barre with the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates. Barre3 classes are set to an upbeat soundtrack and follow a vigorous pace moving through a sequence of postures designed to shape and lift the entire body.
Essentially, you’ll spend lots of time doing moves at a ballet barre. Small, controlled movements that you think are easy the first time. Then you keep doing them. Then your thighs start to shake. Then you want to die 🙂 Don’t believe me? Stand up. Stand on your toes as if you are wearing your highest high heels. Keeping your butt tucked in and your core tight lower yourself down (not all the way, about an inch). Now come back up. Rinse and repeat. Yeah, you believe you now, huh? 🙂
I’ve been luckily enough to take both my classes with my blogger buddy Cynthia over at You Signed Up for What?! I love doing fitness classes with friends and so I really enjoyed working out with Cynthia. The second class we took was in a smaller studio room, with only about 8 ladies total and I loved that. We received so much individual attention from our instructor Kerry. I loved it. Kerry mentioned that she teaches first grade during the day and I could totally tell — in a good way. She was great at offering corrections on form and encouragement. She also would show us modifications in case a particular pose hurt or caused discomfort.
I ran 3.5 miles the same day I did Kerry’s barre class and by the end my legs were absolute jelly. The next day my legs felt okay, but my arms were very sore. It turns out doing hundreds (or what felt like hundreds) of reps with 2 pound weights really works your muscles.
Photo credit: barre3 website
I love barre classes and would do more if I had an unlimited fitness budget 🙂
What’s your favorite cross training activity?
My favorite is BARRE! I’m hooked after my first few classes. Let’s go again!
Yes! I’m headed to the beach but definitely soon!!
I did buy that package of 10 visits so now I’m committed! Want to try another barre place too!
I’m totally up for barre hopping around town! Revolve Gym in VA has a spin + barre class that I’m dying to try 🙂
Lol @ barre hopping!! 🙂
Barre is my go-to cross training activity. I was a dancer in my younger years and never realized how much of a workout I was getting!
It is SUCH a great workout! As is dancing 🙂
This is great to know! If I get the chance, I’m definitely going to try out a barre class!
You absolutely should – I think you’d LOVE it!
I just spent 45 minutes searching for a barre class in my area and no luck. I danced ballet for 12 years, and know I would love barre classes as crosstraining to my running. Since that is not an option right now, I would say indoor cycling is my fave!
Ah man that’s too bad…spin is awesome though!
I definitely want to give Barre a try! A new studio is opening near my house soon!
Karen @karenlovestorun
I signed up to go here Tuesday but couldn’t find the studio!!! Was so mad. I’m on vacation now but will try again next week. Dying to try it!
Can’t wait to see what you think!