Did you make any fitness New Year’s resolutions this year? If you had “get fit” on the list, this workout may be for you! Barre based work outs have risen in popularity over the past several years, no doubt because we all would love to have a body like a ballerina, wouldn’t we!
Look no further, because there is a new barre studio in town! Studio Barre Grand Rapids, at 1888 Breton Road SE, can be found in the newly renovated Breton Village.
We gave owner Anna Chapman a challenge: Spell out the biggest benefits of the barre workout using only the letters in the word BARRE.
Here are Anna’s thoughts for spelling out Barre to describe the technique!
B ig improvement using tiny movements
Each barre class includes many different movements, but most are known for their use of isometric contractions and small isotonic movements. In an isometric contraction, you tighten or contract the muscle without changing its length. This becomes quite obvious when you are plank position where you hold completely still for up to a minute as your legs start to quiver and shake! This is quite possibly could feel like the longest minute of your life. These contractions utilize slow-twitch muscle fibers that can increase stamina and improve your endurance.
A ll ages, backgrounds and fitness levels
You do not have to be a former dancer to enjoy the benefits of the barre workout. This workout offers the chance to build a stronger core and better posture for all. After 10 minutes your muscles will be shakin’, rockin’ and rollin’ and this burns calories for any body type! You can lose weight, keeping in mind that every body is different. Successful weight loss has always been about combining diet and exercise.
R ear lifting, thigh slimming, ab sculpting
“Isometric movements help isolate specific muscles,” says Nicole Bushong, DPT, a former dancer and physical therapist at the Center for Advanced Orthopedics and Advanced Medicine in Auburn Hills, MI. “You can do more reps with smaller movements like these, which fatigue your muscles in a different way.” These exercises help target muscles in a way to increase endurance, power and speed.
R ocking music
This workout is challenging! The fun, current, dance-club type music helps keep your mind off the pain!
E ncouraging and energetic instructors aka barretenders
The studio’s instructors, known as “barretenders,” help clients reach their fitness goals using an “approachable teaching style”, Anna explains to the GR Magazine, that focuses on the client’s goals and inspiring optimism and encouraging confidence and camaraderie with other students.
Maybe it’s time for you to give it a try!
Studio Barre offers monthly packages, and also offers drop-in rate and punch cards. More information about pricing is at studiobarre.com/grandrapids. They also offer local products, gifts and current fitness and lifestyle apparel.