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Barre class is big, from FlyBarre and Pure Barre to Barre3 and Physique 57. These dance-inspired fitness studios are growing in popularity and gaining cult followings. With good reason, too. Class-goers see results fast, according to Equinox's national barre manager, Nicole De Anda.
"You’ll see rapid visible results in just a few visits, from your stamina and body awareness to your posture, which will undoubtedly entice you to crave [barre] more," De Anda tells SELF.
Before you snag a mat and toss off your shoes, here's everything you need to know about tackling your first barre class:
Depending on your studio of choice, reservations open up one to three weeks in advance. At this time, you may have the opportunity to book your mat or spot in the room. The good news? There's really no bad spot in barre class.
"There's rarely a true 'front of the room' position to select," says De Anda. "When in doubt, position the mat somewhere in the middle of the room where the instructor is easily visible and the other participants can help visually guide you through transitions while the instructor migrates to offer adjustments."
Kick off your kicks! Similar to yoga studios, barre studios will have you take off your shoes before class. What you’ll wear on your feet (if anything) varies from one studio to another, but don’t worry—they’ll let you know what’s expected when you sign up.
Some classes encourage sticky socks, or socks with small silicone pads on the bottom to help you get a grip on hardwood floors. Studios that require sticky socks will have them for sale at the front desk, and some even offer them on the house with your first class. Other classes suggest wraps, like these studio wraps from Nike or studio skins from New Balance.
Aside from your footwear, you'll want to wear clothes that lie close to the body, suggests De Anda. "Form-fitting attire is important so that the instructor can easily view your pelvic placement, alignment, and proper movement mechanics," she says.
When it comes to tools, every popular studio has its own take on the essentials. Most hot spots use a looped resistance band, a small exercise ball, and free weights.
Before beginning, you'll have the chance to choose the weight you want to use. Although one-pound weights may look puny to the eye, you'll be surprised at how heavy they feel after a minute of continuous exhausting movements. Make things easy on yourself: Grab two sets of weights, a light and a heavy pair, so that you can swap up or down based on how the movement feels. Keeping proper form is the most important part.
Just like other workout crazes, barre often attracts class-goers who love the frequent feel of a good pulse. Since the workout usually follows the same format, these regulars can be a huge help to a newbie. "Most barre classes have a flow and consistency to them," says Kara Liotta, creative director for FlyBarre. "There are likely lots of regular clients. Follow along with what they are doing so that you don’t get lost!"
It can be especially helpful to watch regulars during pulses, which can feel foreign to a newbie. When you hear, “down an inch, up an inch," peek at the class veterans, and take a hint from their form. You may be surprised when you realize how minimal some of these movements are!
Throughout the class, you’ll fatigue each muscle group one by one, and this is going to make you very sore. Most barre studios spend a song or two focusing on each muscle group. If your muscles are spent by the end of the workout, then the class achieved its purpose.
Whenever the burn gets to be too much, feel free to take a mini-break. "You can make this workout what you need on any given day," Lisa Schale-Drake, Barre3 director of training, tells SELF. "Taking breaks is highly encouraged!"
Keep in mind that as you get used to this technique, the first few classes are going to be on the rough side. “Your body has probably never been asked to perform the movements that typically comprise this method," De Anda explains. "Be prepared to feel sore for at least three days following your first class."
In the days post-class, take it easy. Try incorporating some yoga and stretching to provide your muscles with active recovery.
Even if a studio offers unlimited classes for the first week, don’t plan on taking a class every day. Your muscles need time to recover from any fatiguing exercise, and barre is no exception. Instead, think of barre as a complement to your current fitness routine (not a replacement).
"If you’re used to just cardio and no strength training, barre is a great complementary workout," says Liotta. "Start with two classes per week, and add in alternating cardio days." Adding in a run, boot camp, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are all great options.
Now, who's ready to hit the barre?
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