Barre workouts have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their ability to tone and strengthen the entire body. Combining elements of dance, cardio, and Pilates, barre is a multidimensional workout that targets the legs, arms, and core. In this article, we will explore 14 popular online barre classes that can help you achieve your fitness goals.
The Origins of Barre Workouts
Barre workouts may seem like the latest fitness trend, but their history dates back to before the French Revolution in 1789. The term “barre” refers to the handrail in ballet that supports and helps train dancers. It was in the 1970s that barre training made its way to the United States, where ballerina Lydia Bach opened a barre studio in New York.
Barre quickly evolved into an effective way to tone and build lean muscle while being low impact and gentle on the body. These workouts integrate dance and cardio movements, sculpting and strengthening your full body. Despite the name, you don’t necessarily need a ballet barre to practice. Some classes use a chair or wall instead.
The Benefits of Barre Workouts
Barre workouts offer numerous benefits for both beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Strength and Flexibility: Barre workouts target specific muscle groups, helping to build strength and improve flexibility.
- Low-Impact: Barre exercises are gentle on the joints, making them suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
- Improved Posture: The focus on alignment and core engagement in barre classes can help improve posture and body awareness.
- Full-Body Workout: Barre workouts engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a comprehensive full-body workout.
- Increased Endurance: The repetitive movements and challenging sequences in barre classes can improve cardiovascular endurance.
- Mind-Body Connection: Barre workouts emphasize the mind-body connection, helping to improve balance, coordination, and mental focus.
Popular Online Barre Classes
Now let’s explore the 14 popular online barre classes that can help you achieve your fitness goals:
1. Barre Flow with Dawnelle Arthur
Led by Dawnelle Arthur, this 30-minute class is suitable for all levels. In this class, you’ll engage your thighs and glutes while challenging your abs. Each movement seamlessly transitions into the next, creating a “barreless” barre experience.
2. Full Body Barre with Kelly Richardson
Kelly Richardson’s six-class program focuses on different muscle groups to provide a total body workout. From upper and lower body exercises to core strengthening and recovery stretches, this program offers a well-rounded barre experience for intermediate level participants.
3. Beyond the Barre Express with Lauren Beth Jacobs
Perfect for those with limited time, this 32-minute express barre class led by Lauren Beth Jacobs is suitable for all levels. The class combines ballet movements with low-impact cardio and plyometrics, providing an energetic and fun workout.
4. Barre Tone with Alba Avella
Led by Alba Avella, this all-levels barre class focuses on strengthening and toning the legs, glutes, and core. The class incorporates a chair as a prop for balance and stability. Each pose is accompanied by intentional pauses to reconnect with your breath.
5. Pilates Barre Fusion with Trish Londres
This 30-minute class combines the principles of Pilates with barre exercises. Led by Trish Londres, this all-levels class offers a balanced workout that targets the core, improves flexibility, and strengthens the entire body.
6. Beyond the Barre II with Lauren Beth Jacobs
Lauren Beth Jacobs’ 30-minute intermediate class takes barre workouts to the next level. With a focus on challenging movements and technical alignment, this class is perfect for those looking to push their limits and deepen their barre practice.
7. Total Body Barre with Mariah Secrest-Comer
In this 33-minute class suitable for all levels, Mariah Secrest-Comer guides participants through a total body barre workout. The class incorporates exercises that target the upper and lower body, core, glutes, and includes HIIT intervals for an extra boost of intensity.
8. Barre for Beginners with Dawnelle Arthur
Led by Dawnelle Arthur, this beginner-friendly class is the perfect introduction to barre. The instructor provides a thorough review of the poses and terminology, ensuring participants feel confident and comfortable throughout the class.
9. Barre Bootcamp with Kelly Richardson
Kelly Richardson’s Barre Bootcamp is an intense six-class program designed to challenge participants and build strength. The classes incorporate a variety of barre exercises to target different muscle groups and provide a comprehensive workout.
10. Barre Sculpt with Mariah Secrest-Comer
In this 30-minute class, Mariah Secrest-Comer leads participants through a sculpting barre workout that targets the arms, legs, and core. The class includes dynamic movements and holds to help build lean muscle and increase overall strength.
11. Barre Fusion with Trish Londres
Trish Londres’ Barre Fusion class combines elements of barre, Pilates, and yoga to provide a well-rounded workout. The class focuses on toning and strengthening the entire body while incorporating mindful movement and breath awareness.
12. Barre HIIT with Mariah Secrest-Comer
Looking for a high-intensity workout? Mariah Secrest-Comer’s Barre HIIT class combines bursts of cardio with traditional barre exercises for a challenging and calorie-burning workout. This class is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level.
13. Barre for Pregnancy with Lauren Beth Jacobs
Lauren Beth Jacobs offers a specialized barre class for expectant mothers. This gentle and safe workout focuses on maintaining strength and flexibility during pregnancy. It incorporates modifications to accommodate the changing needs of the body.
14. Dance Cardio Barre with Alba Avella
Led by Alba Avella, this class combines dance-inspired cardio movements with traditional barre exercises. The energetic and fun routine helps improve cardiovascular fitness while toning and sculpting the body.