Sharing a new barre workout video that was designed for my beginner friends. I break down some classic barre moves and this is a great intro if you’re just trying out barre for the first time or if you’re a fitness beginner. As always, talk with a doctor before making any fitness changes. Honor your body and modify as needed. 

Hi friends! How’s the day going? I hope you’re having a good morning so far. We’re back in town after Liv’s last dance competition of the season and officially welcoming summer with open arms. 🙂

For today, I have a new barre workout video and this is for my beginner or barre newbie friends! Even as a dancer and someone who had been in the fitness world for years before I tried barre, during my first class, I was like WHAT IS THIS AND WHAT IS HAPPENING. Barre can be a little bit intimidating if you don’t know the terms or don’t know what to expect, so I wanted use this morning’s post to break down some of the basics.

Barre workout for beginners {video}

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Tips for beginners or newbies in barre classes

Go with an open mind and the confidence that you’ll become more comfortable over time. Each studio has different formats and flows to their class design, but you can usually expect a standing sequence at the barre, stretches, a strength segment using light hand weights, and a floor section (usually glutes and core focused). You may use other tools like resistance bands, resistance loops, or gliders. They’ll constantly switch up the exercises – it keeps things fun and exciting!- but you’ll likely do a combination of full-range movements, tiny pulses (to really get that muscular fatigue, burn, and shaky feeling) and isometric holds.

Modify or progress as you see *fit* and take breaks as needed. One of the beautiful things about barre is that you can fire up movements to make it spicier or modify to make things more low-key, depending on your fitness level and how you feel that day. No shame in modifying or taking a short break to recharge during sets.

Some basic barre form cues:

– Watch out for your posture. Keep your spine long and tall and keep your ribs down to engage your core.

– Squats are a little different! Instead of traditional squats, you’ll do pulsing plie type movements (up and down an inch or two) with your hips in line with your torso (not sticking out behind you).

– Pay attention to foot position. Your instructor should cue you on whether your feet will be parallel (toes point straight forward), 1st position (heels together, toes out), second position (wide stance with toes out), or if your feet should be flexed or pointed.

What to wear and bring to barre class:

I would definitely wear pants or fitted shorts, a comfortable tank or sports bra, and sticky socks. Some studies allow you to be barefoot, while others recommend sticky socks. It usually depends on the floor of the studio: carpet is generally with sticky socks, hardwood floors are usually bare feet or optional socks. Check with your studio to be sure!

If you’re a barre newbie or a beginner, get ready for the addiction to set in. 😉 Many years later, it’s still one of my very favorite workouts and nothing challenges me like a barre class. It’s hard every single time! It’s also nice to get in a challenging workout without joint pounding or a ton of sweat, if you’re not in the mood for that or don’t want to have to take a shower afterwards.

Are you a barre fan? If so, what’s your favorite style or studio?

If you try this video, please let me know how you like it!

xo

Gina

For more, try combining this workout with this barre core video