Barre workouts have become popular for individuals looking for a dynamic, low-impact workout. Offering a unique fusion of Pilates, ballet, rehabilitation exercises, and strength training, this workout uses small, controlled movements to build endurance, sculpt lean muscle, and improve flexibility. (And don’t worry—a dance background isn’t required!)
The best part? You don’t need a studio to experience the benefits. With a few simple adjustments and the right exercise equipment, you can try barre at home, reaping all the benefits with added convenience. Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about barre workouts at home, from the essential equipment needed to how to replicate a class.
What Is a Barre Workout?
Barre was created in London in 1959 by Lotte Berk, a ballet dancer. After Berk suffered a back injury, she combined her rehabilitation exercises with her dance training to create a new workout routine. Barre focuses on small movements, accompanied by a stationary horizontal barre, to strengthen muscles and encourage grace and flexibility with the ballet movements.
These small movements are performed in high repetitions, targeting the legs, arms, core, and glutes. While the moves may seem simple, they deeply engage muscles to build strength and endurance. Barre classes incorporate use of a ballet barre for support as well as other equipment, like weights, resistance bands, and stability balls. These workouts can easily be adjusted to effectively perform barre at home.
Advantages of Barre Workouts
While there are many different kinds of workouts available, barre comes with a variety of benefits including:
- Increased flexibility and mobility: Barre incorporates ballet-inspired moves as well as plenty of stretching which can improve your flexibility, especially in your hips.
- Improved endurance: Many barre moves require you to hold a position for long periods of time or target muscles with exhaust reps, leading to improved endurance.
- Opportunities for cross training: Barre doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many athletes can benefit from a few barre classes to maintain their strength and promote overall fitness.
- Gentle on joints: Barre is a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints, making it perfect for those dealing with an injury or pre- and post-natal women.
Equipment Needed for Barre Workouts at Home
While barre requires very little equipment compared to some workouts, there are a few things you may need at home:
- Ballet barre: A small, mounted barre or portable barre are great options for a barre workout at home. However, in a pinch, a sturdy chair, countertop, or couch can also be used for stability.
- Barre weights: Light dumbbells, between 1 to 3 pounds, can help strengthen your muscles while you perform barre movements. Resistance bands can also be used.
- Exercise mat: An exercise mat can provide necessary cushioning while working out your core or stretching on the floor.
- Extra equipment: To further enhance your barre experience, extra equipment like yoga blocks, ankle weights, and non-slip socks can make your workouts more effective.
How to Replicate a Barre Workout Class at Home
Ready to try a barre workout at home? Setting it up is easier than you may think. Here’s how to have an effective fitness routine from the comfort of your own home:
- Create a designated workout space: With the necessary equipment listed above, clear a dedicated space to begin your workout. Lay down your mat and grab your portable bar (or sturdy chair) for support.
- Start warming up: Every effective workout needs a good warmup. Spend time doing gentle movements, like pliés and arm circles, to get your blood flowing.
- Work your legs and glutes: Classic barre moves like pliés, arabesques, and leg lifts will target your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Make sure to work out your right and left sides evenly.
- Tone your upper body: Grab your barre weights and use bicep curls, shoulder pulses, and more to tone your upper body. You can also do bodyweight exercises like pushups and tricep dips to target your arms and shoulders.
- Strengthen your core: Next, it’s time to target your core. Grab your mat and focus on abdominal exercises, such as planks, oblique twists, and leg raises.
- Cool down and stretch: Before you end your workout, make sure to cool down with some deep stretches. This will help you improve your flexibility and prevent unnecessary soreness.
If you’re still feeling lost, check out online videos or apps for barre routines to guide you and help you stay motivated.
Begin Your Home Barre Journey
There’s a reason barre has become so popular—it’s a fun and effective way to build strength, tone muscles, and improve flexibility. With just a few simple adjustments and the right equipment, you can replicate barre workouts from the comfort of your own home, reaping all the benefits with the added convenience of not having to head into a studio.
Ready to raise the barre on your fitness routine? Set up your space, grab your barre weights, and start your home workout today!
