Barre + Pilates =

The Perfect Exercise Combination

Have you tried the latest craze in exercise? If you look around you, you may notice that every health club and boutique studio is now offering some form of Barre class.

Over the past few years, Barre classes have become the hottest new trend in fitness. But, what is it you may ask…..Barre is a ballet-inspired high intensity, body-toning, core focused workout that delivers results…..not to mentions buns of steel!

I have taught Barre for about 2 years now and have noticed such an improvement in my leg strength. I love it for different reasons, but mostly because it uses a lot of the same principles as Pilates (Concentration, Coordination, Rhythm and Flow). I have found that it is a great compliment to a strong Pilates exercise regimen. It is similar but different.

There are so many different benefits of Pilates and Barre classes that they should definitely be part of your exercise routine. Here is a quick summary of the benefits of both as well as how they are the same and how they are different…

Benefits of Pilates… 

1. Improves core strength – This is what Pilates is known for…building abs of steel.
2. Improves posture – You grow 3 inches by the time the class is over.
3. Improves body awareness and proprioception.
4. Improves flexibility
5. Improves balance
6. Develops great muscle balance in arms, legs and torso
7. Improves coordination
8. Improves concentration

 

Benefits of Barre…. 

1. Improves strength in ALL the muscles of the legs – gluts, hamstrings, gluteus medius, calf muscles, quads and inner thighs.
2. Improves posture – You develop the beautiful posture of a dancer if you do it right.
3. Improves balance
4. Develops great muscle balance in legs
5. Improves coordination
6. Improves concentration
7. Improves cardiovascular endurance – The constant flow from one song to the next can get the heart pumping.
8. Improves body awareness

 

How they are Different….. 

1. Pilates focuses primarily on core strength, while Barre focuses more on leg strength.
2. Even though most Pilates classes flow from one movement to the next, Pilates moves at a slower pace. A Barre class moves at a quicker pace to elevate the heart rate.
3. Pilates focuses on the small stabilizing muscles while Barre focuses on both the larger muscles and the small stabilizers.

 

How they are the Same…. 

1. Both classes bring great attention to form with every exercise.
2. Both classes force you to concentrate on the task at hand.
3. Both classes work all the muscles that we don’t always take the time to work.
4. Both classes ask that you generate your strength from the core muscles.
5. Both classes require proper spinal alignment with the exercises.
6. Both classes make you feel better when you are done.

 

Why these two forms of exercise compliment each other so well… 

1. Both types of classes are centered around the same core principles…Breathing, coordination, concentration, rhythm and flow
2. They both focus on building the strength and endurance of the small stabilizing muscles of the torso, legs and arms.
3. When taught correctly, anyone can feel the benefits of both.

 

ABS Pilates of Sunbury, Ohio offers Barre classes and all types of Pilates classes, so sign up today!

ABS Pilates services the Sunbury, Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna and Columbus areas.

All classes are lead by Amanda B. Smith, licensed physical therapist, certified Pilates instructor, ACE certified group exercise instructor, ACE certified health coach and certified McKenzie therapist with more than 25 years of experience.

So what are you waiting for? Design your weekly workout routine to include BOTH Pilates and Barre and you will look and see the difference!