Barre classes are becoming more popular because you can improve your strength, posture and flexibility all at the same. Plus, the low-impact routines minimize strain on the joints and potential for injury. But can you do a Barre workout at home?
I say yes! Not to mention, you can set up your own Barre home gym for under $100…
As you can see from the diagram above, you can train many parts of the body using the Barre method. In fact, WebMD says that you can strengthen all areas of the body, including your arms, legs, core, back and glutes.
If you have never tried a Ballet Barre Method class, you might not know that they provide numerous health benefits. Although you typically don’t get the intense cardio or muscle-building compound movements of those in a HIIT Crossfit workout, they can help you build a stronger and more toned body.
Note: Cardio Barre actually offers a barre + cardio “combo workout” that gives you a lean physique as well as the cardio benefits.
Health Benefits of Barre Workouts:
For example, many of the exercise movements strengthen your core, thereby improving your posture as well. In fact, Pure Barre claims that straighter posture can help boost confidence as well. Those of us who sit at desk jobs all day long, have long commutes or hunch over when we sit will feel a world of difference with better posture!
In addition, Barre incorporates stretching into their routines. This helps stretch out your muscles, but it also aids in proper muscle movement and alignment. Greater flexibility also helps your body move better throughout the day. Plus, it can prevent aches and pains due to tight tendons and ligaments.
For this reason, Dr Josh Axe says that Barre workouts can help with cross training. For example, runners can strengthen core, quads and glutes that can benefit their running.
Finally, the low impact advantage pays off if you plan on working out several times a week. High impact movements like running an jumping can work well at strengthening our bones. However, if our joints hurt or we have an injury, the benefits may not outweigh the drawbacks.
What Equipment Do You Need for a Barre Home Workout?
Honestly, you don’t really need to buy any equipment at all. That said, Sisyama makes a portable freestanding dance bar that dancers or barre enthusiasts can use for their workouts.
No need to drill holes in your walls or dedicate an entire room in your house to your dancing workouts.
Move this home gym equipment anywhere you need it, and then conveniently fold it for storage when you’re done. The width across measures 44″, and you can adjust the height from 30.75″ to 46″ tall.
40-Minute Barre Workout at Home:
Watch a free follow-along Barre video for yourself. Learn the best exercises to do for a total body workout. (Great for beginners!)
Barre Home Workout Without Equipment:
Online videos like this enable you to exercise at home without having to buy gym equipment. I mean, maybe you’d prefer to spend you money on dumbbells, resistance bands, an Xtend Barre online class membership or the Booty Barre 4-Workout DVD.
By the way, if you like the idea of doing a barre workout at home, you might also like the TRX suspension trainer. These straps allow you to both strengthen and stretch during your workouts, plus they provide low-impact exercise movements.