If you’ve been to the club recently, you’ve no doubt heard the buzz about Yoga and Barre.  The classes are so popular, we are adding on! Not only are we bringing on new instructors and adding more classes & timeslots to the schedule, but we are also expanding our space!  Click here to learn more about this expansion. 

Barre is a workout inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates that focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements which are designed to strengthen your body in ways that few other workouts can. So, I decided I needed to see what all the hub-bub was about. First, I took Sandy’s Barre class, which is held on Wednesdays at 10:30 am.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a huge variety of ages and fitness levels in Sandy’s class. Young 20 something girls, older, more distinguished gentlemen and everyone in between. First and foremost – Barre is so deceiving! There is music, but it’s not loud music with thumping bass, the instructor isn’t shouting at you to do mountain climbers or burpees, and there’s not much sweating . . . but holy cow!  My arms and legs were shaking and burning like crazy.  Sandy incorporated tools like resistance bands, free weights, exercise balls, and more. Those itty-bitty weights that seem so miniscule at first, start to feel like 2 ton weights by the time you’re done. 

Sandy, broke the class down in to warm up, upper body, legs, glutes, and abs – and of course a much-needed stretch at the end. Every minute of the class was challenging but in a good way. I kept looking around to see if I was the only one shaking and needing to take a break. My fellow members are strong!!! They hung in there. Even though I had to take a few shake-breaks, as I call them, I didn’t feel ashamed. In fact, it encouraged me to come back and do better next time. 

So, next, I decided to try Kate’s Barre Sculpt. This class is held on Tuesdays at 9:00 am. Kate holds her class in the CLM main Group Exercise studio, where she live streams the class for members who prefer to participate virtually. A Barre Sculpt class is a little bit different than a traditional Barre class. It’s a ballet inspired workout for non-dancers. Kate also used bands, small weights, balls and the barre just like Sandy did. And just like in Sandy’s class my limbs were shaking and my muscles were burning through the entire hour! But Kate’s class reminded me more of a traditional fitness-type class with lunges and squats, so if you’re not into arabesques and assemblés, then this class is for you. Personally, I like pretending like a ballerina so both formats work for me! 

If you haven’t taken Barre at CLM, you really need to try. Barre classes are low-impact forms of exercise and gentle on your joints, which makes them suitable for all ages. Both instructors did an amazing job offering modifications and made me feel very welcomed in the class. I really enjoyed both classes and can’t wait to come back for more! Why don’t you join me? Not a member? Click here for a free 14-Day pass to try all the classes we offer at CLM!