Have you tried barre exercises? These classes all combine elements of ballet, conditioning, pilates, and yoga, but each studio tends to have its own unique spin. I teach Pure Barre and I absolutely love it! What I find most rewarding about teaching Pure Barre is the same as for writing–connecting with people and sharing with them. It’s totally worth it helping people achieve their goals and leave the class looking fulfilled and happy. There are some things to remember to get the most out of each class that I’d love for all my students–new and experienced–to know. Here are some Pure Barre tips for the best lift, tone, and burn experience. 😉
1. Come to class with leggings and socks.
This feels like a no-brainer but it really does matter! Please come dressed to workout with leggings (at least capri length) and socks, comfortable sports bra and top.
2. Less weight, more resistance.
In Pure Barre, you use lighter weights and smaller, precise movements until you exhaust the muscles. 2 or 3 lb weights will feel plenty challenging after a while, especially if you are in the correct form. I always like to remind that you should feel resistance going both directions–meaning, if you are curling in the dumbbell with control, you should also feel resistance extending your arm out.
3. “Heavy tailbone”
Heavy tailbone means engaging your navel to the spine as you roll your tailbone directly to the floor. Your back is straight and perpendicular to the floor. Often this is accompanied by the softening of the knees.
Heavy tailbone on your toes; notice the tailbone is directly underneath the shoulders.
Incorrect form: tailbone is sticking far out from the shoulders
4. “Tuck your hips under”
This means engaging and contracting your ab muscles as your roll your pelvis under.
Tucking in your pelvis as your round the back and contract the abdominal muscles. Chin is tucked lightly under to avoid straining the neck.
Incorrect form: pelvis is not tucked, which strains the back (and chin is lifted, straining the neck)
Both hips are facing forward and tucked under, creating resistance where the top of the thigh meets the seat
Right hip is not tucked under, opening up to the side and losing the resistance at the seat
5. “Hips facing forward”
Often your instructor will say, “hips facing forward,” and that means both hip points are facing directly front like headlights in a car.
Both hips squared and facing front
Incorrect form: right hip is opening up so that the knee is open to the side instead of pointing to the floor; hip is untucked
6. Smaller, and more controlled, the better.
In Pure Barre the focus isn’t on creating large movements, but getting to the most challenging position and working just an inch or two from there. For example, rather than lifting your leg 6″, it will be keeping your leg at the highest level (while still in the correct form), and then lifting just an inch higher from there. The more precise your movements are, the more effective the toning is.
Do you have any questions about Pure Barre classes? Let me know!
Also see: Happy Weight – On Losing Weight Without Trying
The Bar Method Challenge – Weeks 1-2
What Your Yoga Teachers Wishes You Knew – Getting the Most out of Class
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Photo: Peaceful Dumpling
