In recent years ballet inspired workouts have risen in popularity and whether it be because they are low impact, make you feel graceful, or because they are super effective they seem to be here to stay. One of the OG ballet inspired classes is Pure Barre, which has been in Greenville for 5 years.
If you’re not familiar, Barre is a ballet inspired class that utilizes small isometric movements to give you a total body workout. It’s low impact and great for toning, especially the butt, thighs, arms, and abs. It comes with its own vocabulary — shake, tuck, bend, and freeze — but in just a few classes you’ll find yourself bend pressing with the best of them.
The workout is done in sticky socks (socks with rubberized grips on the bottom) in a carpeted studio. Each class follows the same format — warmup, arms, thighs, seat, and abs — but the playlists and moves vary per class so you don’t get bored. Typically you will grab a small ball, dumbbells (2 or 3 lbs), and a rubber tube. The instructor will lead you through all of the movements and instruct you on how to use the equipment when it’s time. Form is critical in this workout and the instructors will come around and adjust you as the workout goes on. The entire workout is about small and precise movements so a small rotation of the leg or lift of the heels makes a huge difference in the muscles being targeted. This is my favorite part about Pure Barre, the control and focus on specific body parts being targeted. I feel as though I discover new muscles after almost every class.
Another great thing about this workout is that it is progressive. Each move has layers of complexity so you can either modify to make it less intense or work on perfecting your form to make it more challenging. This makes it friendly for everyone and you will often see all levels participating in any given class.
The primary benefit of barre workouts is toning. The specific muscles work so hard they literally quiver (or shake) which goes a long way in changing their shape. Pure Barre recently introduced its Empower class though, which includes a bit of cardio and additional weights to increase the challenge and boost the heart rate.
If you’re not familiar, Barre is a ballet inspired class that utilizes small isometric movements to give you a total body workout. It’s low impact and great for toning, especially the butt, thighs, arms, and abs. It comes with its own vocabulary — shake, tuck, bend, and freeze — but in just a few classes you’ll find yourself bend pressing with the best of them.
The workout is done in sticky socks (socks with rubberized grips on the bottom) in a carpeted studio. Each class follows the same format — warmup, arms, thighs, seat, and abs — but the playlists and moves vary per class so you don’t get bored. Typically you will grab a small ball, dumbbells (2 or 3 lbs), and a rubber tube. The instructor will lead you through all of the movements and instruct you on how to use the equipment when it’s time. Form is critical in this workout and the instructors will come around and adjust you as the workout goes on. The entire workout is about small and precise movements so a small rotation of the leg or lift of the heels makes a huge difference in the muscles being targeted. This is my favorite part about Pure Barre, the control and focus on specific body parts being targeted. I feel as though I discover new muscles after almost every class.
Another great thing about this workout is that it is progressive. Each move has layers of complexity so you can either modify to make it less intense or work on perfecting your form to make it more challenging. This makes it friendly for everyone and you will often see all levels participating in any given class.
The primary benefit of barre workouts is toning. The specific muscles work so hard they literally quiver (or shake) which goes a long way in changing their shape. Pure Barre recently introduced its Empower class though, which includes a bit of cardio and additional weights to increase the challenge and boost the heart rate.
Check out Pure Barre in either of its two Greenville locations (Augusta or Pelham). The first week is free and then there are monthly or a la carte class options. Check out their full site here.
Until next time!
Sincerely, Lindsey aka Get Fit GVL
While we wait for Get Fit GVL’s next fitness feature, you can follow along with Lindsey via her Instagram @getfitgvl.
Until next time!
Sincerely, Lindsey aka Get Fit GVL
While we wait for Get Fit GVL’s next fitness feature, you can follow along with Lindsey via her Instagram @getfitgvl.
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