Why Barre Might Be Worth a Try

Barre mixes bits of ballet, Pilates and strength training. You hold onto a bar, the ballet barre that gives it its name, and do small, slow movements, usually a lot of them in a row. It’s low-impact, which people sometimes hear as easy. Give it about ten minutes.

Strength and flexibility

Most of the work is slow and controlled, and it goes after your core, glutes, legs and arms. You build strength without heavy weights or jumping around. There’s plenty of stretching in it too. More flexibility and range of motion can help keep you from getting hurt, in class and the rest of the time.

It’s good for your head, too

Because the moves are so small and exact, you have to pay attention to your body and your breathing. For a lot of people that’s a welcome break from whatever’s going around in their head, and it can help with stress.

Almost anyone can do it

Barre adapts well. A beginner and someone who has trained for years can be in the same class working at different levels. Most moves can be modified if you have an injury or something else that limits you. If that’s you, tell your instructor before class so they can give you options.

And it can be fun, which matters more than people admit. If you dread a workout, you’ll find reasons not to go. If you’re burned out on fast, high-intensity classes, barre is a nice change of pace.