What is a barre workout? Find out everything you need to know about this popular workout, and how it can strengthen and tone specific muscle groups.

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The barre workout is inspired by a combination of ballet, yoga and pilates movements, with an aim to tone and sculpt the body. A ballet barre is used throughout the class for support, while doing a range of strength building exercises that work the entire body. A typical barre workout will involve a variety of low-impact, isometric exercises that require holding specific poses while repeating pulsating movements.

If barre sounds easy, don’t be fooled! This popular workout is an effective way to build strength and flexibility, and targets muscles you might not be accustomed to using. If you’re taking a barre class for the first time, expect a workout that may include props like hand weights and resistance bands. Barre exercises are designed for adaptability at your own pace, and can give you some of the following benefits.

Who it’s for

Barre is for all ages and skill level
Those seeking to target specific muscle groups
Anyone looking to build core strength
Anyone looking for a low-impact workout
People recovering from injury

Who it’s not for

Anyone looking for an intense, cardio-building exercise
Anyone seeking to build muscle mass

How it will help you

Builds core strength
Increases flexibility
Targets specific muscle groups
Improves posture
Tones and aligns using low-impact exercises

How it will not help you

Anyone looking for an intense, cardio-building exercise
Anyone seeking to build muscle mass

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Questions about {{name}}

What is a ballet barre?

A ballet barre is a stationary, rounded rail used as support in dance and fitness classes. Often seen in ballet and other dance classrooms, this horizontal bar is also a fixture of the popular barre workout. Most ballet barres are wooden and attached to the wall about 40” to 42” inches above the ground.

Can I do the barre workout at home?

The barre workout is an easy class to take at home, because it requires minimal props and very little space in your house. You can find barre instructors online, or simply do a few exercises in your living room.

Do you need a bar for barre workout?

Even though it’s a common prop for a typical barre class, the barre bar isn’t used in every exercise. And if you’re doing a barre workout at home and you don’t have a ballet barre available, you can use a chair, table, couch, or any other heavy object to stabilize yourself.

What is barre yoga?

Barre is a workout that is based on movements found in ballet, yoga and pilates. While a typical barre class will include poses that are inspired by yoga, depending on the instructor you can also find barre yoga classes that are more heavily favored toward yoga-like poses.