Posted on July 06, 2016 by Kate Halsall
Barre is an up and coming fitness class based on ballet inspired exercises. Not sure if it’s for you? Well, if you want something to strengthen and tone those legs, glutes and abs; or if core stability, flexibility and balance are your goals – you may want to think again! Don’t worry you don’t need to don your leotard or tutu just yet… but kick off those shoes and socks and give this Barre Inspired Workout a whirl!
You don’t need any equipment but you may need something to hold on to (a wall, or the back of a chair) if your balance isn’t great. There are only 3 exercises – perform the exercises for the specified time or reps as a circuit with minimum rest between each exercise and repeat the circuit 3 times. Make sure you warm up those legs and ankles first!
- Parallel Plie – Stand with your feet and knees together. Come up onto the balls of your feet. Keeping your back nice and straight, slowly lower into a squat for a count of 2 (just so the hips are above the knees) and then for the same count, slowly rise – DON’T PUT THOSE HEELS DOWN UNTIL YOU COMPLETE 20 REPS!!
- Curtsy Lunge – Stand with your feet and knees together. Take your right leg behind and across your body bending both of your knees into a deep lunge as you do so. As your back leg goes back, reach down towards the floor with your right hand. Complete 15 with your right leg and 15 with your left
- Wide Plie Pulse & Rise – Get those feet out nice and wide with both your toes and your knees facing out. Bend those knees so that you bring your thighs parallel to the floor. Keeping your feet flat on the floor, your spine straight and core braced, start to slowly pulse up and down whilst in the squat position (you do not straighten the legs). Repeat this 20 times then hold the position for 20 seconds. Come up to the balls of your feet and repeat the pulses.
How are those legs feeling after this Barre inspired workout?!
Picture: https://pixabay.com/en/ballet-shoes-ballerina-dance-999807/
More Information on Barre: https://www.wellbridge.com/fit-like-that/10-benefits-of-the-barre