So, What Do You Wear to a Barre Class?
Finding the perfect outfit to maximize barre fitness class results!
It's B.Fit February here at HerKentucky. I'm rehabbing a back injury with lots of help from the amazing team at B.You Fitness. I've also teamed up with B.You to let y'all know a little more about barre fitness classes and their amazing results. Last week, we did a basic rundown of the exercises you could expect to do in a barre class. Today, we'll discuss what to wear.
So, here's the biggest difference between barre class and any other class you've attended: you'll need special socks. Of course, you wear trainers to most "traditional" fitness classes and bare feet to yoga or Pilates. The poses you'll do in barre class require special, non-skid socks which are available for purchase at the studio. It works well to wear slip-on shoes (Ugg-style boots work well!) to make things easier.
As for clothing, you'll want to go with leggings, tank tops, or other close-fitting exercise garments. These allow a free range of movement and give your instructors a better idea of your form so they can easily make arrangements. B.You has a wide selection of clothing available for sale in each of their studios, and they can help you find a great workout outfit!
Of course, don't forget that you'll be inverted at times and moving around a lot, so you'll probably want to grab a hairband or ponytail holder to keep your hair pulled back.
Finally, remember to hydrate! Bring a water bottle with you to class; I promise you'll need it!!
Please join me throughout as I embark on a journey of fitness at b.you. I'll be posting every Monday to let you know how the classes are going, and you can keep up along the way on HerKentucky's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow b.you on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well!
I hope to see y'all at b.you soon! They have two convenient locations here in Louisville: one in St. Matthews and one in Springhurst!
{This post is brought to you by b.you Fitness!}
So, What Do You Do in a Barre Class?
What to expect in a barre fitness class.
Before my first b.barre class at b.you last week, I have to say that I was a little intimidated. I'd heard friends and acquaintances describe barre fitness as "life-changing" and "revolutionary", but I didn't exactly know what went on. There were some noncommittal references to yoga, Pilates, and dance, but never anything concrete. And certainly nothing to silence my fear that I'd fall flat on my face.
It turns out that most of barre class comes down to a series of fluid, controlled movements that seek to lengthen and work arm and leg muscles while maintaining an engaged core and neutral spine. There are, indeed, some positions that you'll recognize from yoga (planks and extended child's pose spring to mind) and Pilates (several variants of the 100s). And, even if you're like me and know nothing about dance, you will recognize positions like plié.
The class will start with some very focused arm exercises, using 2 or 3 pound weights (or, if you're on modifications for back injury, as I am, with no weights at all.) You'll work biceps, triceps, and shoulders. The motions are controlled and smooth, and believe me when I say that you can tell the difference even without the use of weights. You'll then move on to a series of leg exercises -- again, smooth and controlled is the key. You're seeking to engage your glutes while keeping your core strong. Your final exercises will include planks and floor work for your abs. It's a full-body workout; don't be surprised to wake up with sore muscles the next day!
I can already tell that b.you's b.barre classes are an excellent aid in rehabbing my back. After only a few visits, I'm already walking with less pain. The emphasis on core strength is literally just what the (Neurosurgeon) doctor ordered to strengthen my back and help to offset the injury to my discs.
Please join me throughout as I embark on a journey of fitness at b.you. I'll be posting every Monday to let you know how the classes are going, and you can keep up along the way on HerKentucky's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow b.you on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well!
I hope to see y'all at b.you soon! They have two convenient locations here in Louisville: one in St. Matthews and one in Springhurst!
{This post is brought to you by b.you Fitness!}