*This is a guest post written by Amanda Cannon.
Just like starting any new exercise regimen, it’s normal to feel nervous or intimated over your first barre class. Whether you’re someone who’s used to the intensity of cardio, or somebody who doesn’t do much working out at all, barre can indeed seem like a mystery. However, rest assured that all the slow pulses and steady shakes are worth it—as long as you give yourself the chance to enjoy and get the hang of it. That being said, here’s what to expect from your first barre class.
Wear Something you Feel Good In
Whatever you choose to wear during a barre class is dependent on personal taste—from your leggings to your top. However, it doesn’t always have to be snug. It’s more important to wear clothes that won’t restrict your movement. If you feel good in it, go with it!
If your body starts to shake, don't panic!
Shaking Is Normal
Barre forms may look simple, but the experience can be a lot more challenging than it seems. These positions rely on what we call “isometric movement," or exercises where your muscles hold a particular position for an extended period. And since they’re not high-intensity, don't expect frequent breaks between exercises. If your body starts to shake, don't panic. Shaking just means that your muscles are feeling the burn—which is a good sign.
Form Matters
Simply going through the movements is not the right way to approach a barre routine. Each form focuses on a specific type of muscle group, which means you have to move your body in a particular way for the exercise to work. Xtend’s barre passe press, for example, aims to work your quads. There are also positions that target specific body areas—such as barre assembles for your core, squats for your glutes, and arabesque lunges for your abductors. If you don’t do them right, you won't maximize your movements.
It Gets Easier
The first few sessions of barre classes can be a bit overwhelming, but that’s why you have instructors to ease you into the process. Your coach will most likely start with some of the basic moves found in our Comprehensive Instructor manuals such as wall bridges, side planks, and tendu lifts before slowly moving to the more difficult ones. If you have difficulty performing the new moves, know that every exercise has a learning curve. Keep an open mind and focus on what your instructor is saying, and you’re sure to get it right eventually. Barre class is a workout that blends elements from other types of exercises, including yoga, pilates, and ballet. It works to improve your flexibility, muscle strength, and bone density. Moreover, WebMD detail how barre classes can help prevent chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. This is particularly relevant now as analysis from Maryville University shows an alarming rise in chronic disease forecast for the coming years. More specifically, nearly half of the American population may be affected by some form of chronic illness by 2025. And while barre class is definitely not the ultimate cure, the benefits of it can't be denied. With barre, you'll have a low impact way to stay fit and healthy as well as a better defense against illness. If barre sounds like a good workout to you, that's because it is.