Barre Workout – A Fun Way To Stay In Shape

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What is it?

Barre is a form of exercise that looks very much like ballet. But this is not ballet though it is ballet inspired and was developed by a ballerina long back in the early of 19^thcentury. This energized work out uses mix element of pilates, yoga and dance. You do not need to have a dancing experience in order to go for this workout.

Though it is a combination of ballet, dance, pirouettes and yoga, but no such experience is required in all those skills for starting the barre work out classes. It brings speedy changes in the body after attending only few classes. Age and weight is not a bar here rather all can go for this workout. The only main difference between barre workout and the traditional strength training is that, barre workout involves small movements just 1 inch up and down whereas the strength training involves various large and compound movements.

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The key exercises and how do you do it?

Barre workout is much easier than other exercise forms while it is able to perfectly fire up the muscles by making them elastic. The main key exercises and way to do them are explained here.

Warm-up

Sumo cats/ cows:

This is a great warm up for the spine, core and lower body part. Here what you are required to do is stand at the feet by keeping them bit apart while the toes should be pointed at the 11 and 1 o clock. Now draw your hips behind and put the body weight on the heels. Look forward. Now scoop your core and make it round through the spine when you exhale. Come back to the previous position as you inhale.

Simple toe taps:

This step warm ups the muscles all through the body. Stand straight on feet wide. Now bend the knees, ensures that the spine is long, hips come to the square position while the feet should be stayed at floor. Straight the legs, lean on the right while tapping the left toe. Again bend the knees in the centre and this time lean to the left while straightening the legs.

Crescent lunch

This is another step to heats up the lower body while stretching the upper body and hips. Keep the right foot behind and bend the left knee. Make sure the ankle stays on the heel while bending the left knee. Now stretch the right leg more and lift the arms. Interlace the palms over head. Now bend the right knee and round the upper back while pushing up the palms down and forward as you exhale. Come back to the previous position as you inhale.

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Work-outs

Sumo squat

Here the seat muscles, front legs and hamstrings are targeted. Stand on wide feet and draw the hips behind. Spine should be long with wide shoulders. Hold the breath for 5 minutes.

Now bring the palms in the centre, lean back on heels and lower it 1 inch. Again press on heels and lift 1 inch.

Next press on the feet to stand straight, brings the palms side and get back to the squat position again.

Narrow V

This workout is intended to shape the entire legs, the inner and outer thigh.

Stand on feet and they should be 4 inches apart to give an exact ‘V’ shape. Now bend the knees slightly while pressing on the heels. The heels will be hovered a bit off the floor. You can use a chair for support or else have the two hands in prayer position. Just narrow the pile 1 inch and then lift 1 inch. Later increase the motion and seat at the heels, after which lift up fully for squeezing the inner thighs together.

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