This post is part of my 2017 New Year’s Resolution to try every group fitness class offered at my gym, The Equinox in Chestnut Hill.
Martin Luther King Day
Celebrating his life today by reading some of his famous quotations to our children, and reflecting on what it means to live peacefully and be a voice for what’s right.
And… my next class in my Equinox challenge.
I went to True Barre today. I’ve taken barre classes before, so thought it’d be a safer one to try the day before a swim session than something I’ve never encountered. (I totally hurt too much the day after Firestarter to work out).
I’m half wondering if this is the craziest idea ever because I’ll never repeat classes enough times to get better, so I’ll just stress my body out in a hundred different ways without actually improving.
But no, core work in one way this week and another way next week… it will all add up, right?!
Here’s what I did today.
Class: Barre
Description from the Equinox: Barre at its most authentic, done the Equinox way. Combine ballet movements with conditioning, core work and stretches for that dancer’s physique.
Class length: 55 Minutes
My Experience
Feels more similar to pilates than to ballet. Loosely inspired in the sense that we did do some exercises at the barre, but none of the exercises were any I remembered doing in the ballet classes I took in high school. Former ballet enthusiasts waiting for tendu and grande plié sequences won’t find them here.
The class incorporated:
- push-ups
- planks
- repetitive arm lifts with very light weights
- use of a ball in between thighs during elevated pliés to work thighs
- bridges and bicycles on a mat
Verdict
I actually would have enjoyed having it more closely ballet-inspired.
I left class feeling like I had worked a lot of different muscle groups in isolation. Each movement was extremely targeted; you knew which muscles should be shaking and burning.
Overall, it was a challenging and efficient way to work out a lot of different muscle groups.
Will I be back?
I could see myself going back. It seems like it could be a good way to work in some strength training and core work, both of which are valuable for swimming, biking and running. It said online that it was equal parts strength, cardio and flexibility but I thought it was much more strength than the other two.
Know before you go
Most people wore socks. No shoes. Some people were barefoot.
There was a large age diversity in the class, but no men (at least today).
Finding a spot at the barre in front of the mirror is very helpful so you can see what you’re supposed to be doing and what you are doing.
Class was crowded, and sometimes you need distance to extend your leg behind you at the barre. Try to arrive in time to put your mat down next to the barre and get the accessories (weights, ball, class dependent ask the instructor or watch everyone else setting up) you’ll need.
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