Barre Class: A Beginners Guide

Barre class can be a super-fun way to stay in shape. You get a little bit of yoga, a touch of dance, and even some Pilates as you work with a ballet barre to create a firmer, trimmer, and healthier body. It’s almost like three different exercises rolled into one!

But, if you’re new to barre, it can also be more than a little intimidating.  Cast those jitters aside though, because you’re about to learn everything you need to know before you even step into your first class.

What to Wear

What you wear to barre, or any exercise class, definitely matters.  You want to choose clothes that are comfortable for working out in, but because you’re going to be doing a lot of movements that involve bending over, you want a shirt or tank that is form fitting with a sports bra underneath to "keep the girls in.”

Also, capris, leggings, or pants are usually better options in lieu of shorts simply due to  to the positions your body will be in. Also, given that resistance bands are often used, you don’t necessarily want them resting against your skin because they can slide or pull. Ouch!

Another must have: socks with the anti-slide grips on the bottom. This can keep you from sliding around because shoes aren’t allowed.

What to Take With You

While the studio will have the barre and any other equipment that they choose to implement in their exercise sessions, you do want to take a bottle of water so you can keep yourself hydrated. Additionally, if you tend to sweat a lot, a towel will be your best friend as well.

A word of advice: leave your cellphone in the car. There’s nothing worse than being mid-exercise and having a ringing phone distracting you, your class, and your barre instructor.  If you feel totally lost without it, at least put it on silent so that it doesn’t disrupt your “flow.”

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Show Up Early

If you want to make your first barre class feel less scary, it helps to go a little bit early and meet your instructor. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions or share any concerns - like an injury or medical condition that makes modifications necessary or may require more attention during the class.

Showing up with a few minutes to spare also lets you look at the room and the equipment you’ll be using. By taking the unknown out of the process, you’ll feel more comfortable about the barre and what you’ll be doing during your workout.

Don’t Worry About Being a Pro

Finally, don’t show up to your first barre class worrying about trying to master it. You’ll likely feel slightly confused at first, just as you do whenever you’re learning something new, so that’s to be expected. The key is to not let it stress you out (this is supposed to be fun!) and to simply focus on what the instructor says to do, performing the moves as best you can.

Remember: You’re doing this to get healthier and maybe lose a little weight (perhaps you’re a college student trying to lose that freshman 15, a new mom working off that baby weight or just someone who wants to feel good again).  The more you look forward to achieving these types of goals, the easier the process becomes.

So, go to your first barre class and make it fun. Then go back again—you’ll feel amazing when you do!

The Author: Shelly Stinson is freelance writer based out of Denver, CO. Her interests include healthy living, being active outdoors and trying new restaurants. Find her on twitter: https://twitter.com/shellystins

 If you are in the Dallas area,  you can join FitXBrit in celebrating her birthday at an amazing charity fitness  event (Barre & Bites, heyyy!) being thrown by Ginger Harper and Barre in Your Bedroom to benefit the Movement Foundation!  Attendance guarantees that you’ll get to try some amazing bites while completing a barre class at the Continental Avenue Bridge taught by Barre in Your Bedroom! I think this will be the perfect place to try out these amazing tips!