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You might be wondering what kind of workout is barre?? Today we are sharing a article with you about Barre plus how it can be beneficial for bad joints too!

I have been sharing some instagram stories about my Barre class recently, and I have had many questions about it!

We have some Barre instructors from The Fit Lounge to share some information with you and answer a few questions.

What Kind of Workout Is Barre? Plus How It’s Good for Bad Joints!

All of our readers know I have rheumatoid arthritis. I love sharing tips about diet and fitness for anyone who might have bad joints. When it comes to exercise, there are many different forms that can be impossible for those who have health problems or injuries.

My favorite workout is Pilates. I shared this post a few months ago about how beneficial Pilates can be for those who can’t move around very well. It has been so amazing for my bad joints and arthritic pain!

I have never done Barre exercises before, but I was always intrigued by them. It looked like an amazing workout! I was worried it might be to difficult with my bad knees, but my Pilates instructor, Taylor, said it was still a low impact workout.

After attending the classes for awhile now, I am LOVING it! It is such a great workout, but doesn’t hurt my joints at all. We have some great answers to some FAQs from all of the Barre teachers at the The Fit Lounge.

What kind of workout is Barre?

Melyssa from The Fit Lounge explains that Barre is a full body workout that was created originally for dancers. Its methodologies pull from ballet, yoga, and Pilates It focuses on small and specific movements targeting certain muscle groups that provide safe and effective results. Exercises done in Barre are adaptable to those with injury or movement limitations because of its low impact on the body. If you are looking for a workout that balances strength and flexibility while improving posture, body awareness, and core strength then look no further.

Is Barre good for bad knees or hips?

This was a big thing for me to learn since I have RA in my knees. I wanted to make sure this exercise wouldn’t aggravate my knee pain. Michelle from The Fit Lounge has some very important tips on doing bar with bad knees.

“Keeping your knees safe is something you must be mindful of for any workout. In barre, it’s imperative to engage your core each time you bend your knees to help keep stress off of the knees. Keeping your knees over your toes will also aid in this as well. If going up on demi-pointe is required, don’t stay in that position long (ie. demi-pointe pulses). Make sure to take a break from that position every so often. Maintaining a straight spine is also important. For the hips keeping a neutral pelvis is key and during the mat sequence, it’s helpful to sit on risers. ”

Can you do Barre at home?

Taylor has some great tips for Barre at home. “Barre at home can be done using the back of your chair or couch! Using the chair for slight balance, many barre exercises can be done safely. Simply tune into YouTube or go back to some exercises you’ve learned in class. Don’t have handweights? No problem. Grab some soup cans or large water bottles. You don’t need much to feel the burn. ”

Do you recommend any standing Barre exercises for readers to try out?

I have had readers asking me about standing Barre, so I asked Taylor was she suggested. She said, “Try some simple heel raises. These target the calves but also into the deep 6 muscles of the booty. You can change the spacing and direction of your feet to get a pretty good leg work out just with heel raises. I suggest doing 16 at a time with a brief rest and then repeat 3 times.”

Can Barre work for all ages?

Kim, Barre Instructor from The Fit Lounge, says : “Absolutely!”

Barre is ideal at any age and any level for both men and women. You don’t have to be a ballerina or have dance experience to take a Barre class. Classes will improve your balance, build strength, make you more flexible, burn calories and improve stability through core work.

Barre is also gentle on the joints. If you have arthritis, or joint issues, Barre is a great choice. Building stronger muscles will help support joints and lessen pain.

As you become more comfortable, you can increase the intensity by adding weights and more challenging moves. And if you are looking for a change in your routine, barre classes are a great option.

How Does Barre compare to Pilates?

The only real comparison between Barre and Reformer Pilates is the ease on the joints. Otherwise, they are quite different. Different equipment is used and different ways to target muscle groups. BOTH are fantastic work outs for those that are looking to go easy on the joints such as ankles, knees, hips and spine.

Is Barre Good for Arthritis?

As Kim said above, Barre is gentle on the joints! I can say that it has been very simple on my bad joints. In fact, I don’t feel any pain at all while I am doing Barre exercises!

For those of you who want to try it out, I think you will enjoy it! You can find beginner classes online or in person that will start slow, making sure you get the hang of it. As Michelle stated above, if you have knee issues, there are some easy tips to make sure you keep your knees safe while doing these movements. If you find a good instructor, they can help you!

If you live locally (South Fort Worth/Granbury), go to The Fit Lounge! They have great instructors and classes 🙂 Plus, you can do all these great workouts in one place!

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