I can definitely say that I have hopped on the train that is Barre workouts, and they have been amazing in helping my endurance while also building more strength and sculpting my entire body. I had been wondering for a long time if there was much of a difference between Barre3 and Bar Method, and I can honestly say they are very different yet very similar. It may not sound like it makes sense, but after attending both studios for a while it does.
Barre3
I originally tried out Barre3 last summer when the owner of the local studio left some free passes at the front desk at work. I was excited to try it out, and a couple minutes into the class I wondered what the heck I had gotten myself into. The class was seriously no joke, but at the end I felt amazing and couldn't wait to take another class.
If you don't have a studio near you, you can always workout at home with a free YouTube workout. Below is my favorite:
*Barre3 Body Burner*
Bar Method
I had been taking Barre3 classes for several months when I decided to take advantage of a new client offer at Bar Method for 45 days of unlimited classes. It was such an incredible deal, plus I had been wanting to check out another Barre studio to see what the difference was, if any.
*Socks I purchases for Bar Method*
*Locker area at Bar Method*
*How I must have looked during my first Bar Method class*
I had a little bit of a tough transition into Bar Method after taking Barre3 for so long. I wasn't used to having to be so focused on my form while also constantly staying tucked (tucking your butt under as to not arch your back). After a few classes, I got the hang of it and noticed the constant correction from the instructor became much fewer and farther between and the compliments started from across the room - "Nice form Kate!" or "Beautiful straight leg/back Kate!" It was so nice to get the hang of it, and I felt like a school kid who received a star on their chart.
*Looks like "Pretzel Day"*
My breakdown comparison of the two classes:
Bar Method Barre3
Focuses more on form Focuses more on stability
Focuses more on flexibility Focuses more on balance & holding key moves
Big focus on arm strength More of a focus on cardio
Floor is carpet, you wear socks Floor is cork/wood and you're barefoot
A lot more stretching Incorporates more yoga moves
Instructor instructs/corrects you Instructor works out w/ you while also correcting
I only need 2 lb. weights for arms I use 3 lb. weights for arms
More structured/stricter instruction More laid back/fun/music is more upbeat
Workout is pretty similar each class Studio always has a fresh citrusy scent
Free childcare is provided
A typical Bar Method class:
Class always starts with knee lifts to get heart rate going
Then you go into a plank that you hold for what I assume is a minute or more
Pick up weights and go into arm work
Push ups
Put your weights back in the bins, and move to the bar
Calf raises
Stretching which incorporates ballet moves with your leg up on the bar
Thigh work - this is when you'll notice the "shake" -
longest 10-15 minutes of your life
Seat work
Leg raises seated underneath the bar, this incorporates a lot of stretching and flexibility
Another round of pushups
Move out on to your mat for ab work
The finale of every class is "back dancing" which looks/feels silly, but is incredible for toning your butt.
Final stretches utilizing a strap, and closing breaths in a seated position.
Instructor has us give ourselves a round of applause for working so hard through another class.
A typical Barre3 class:
Class always starts out in the standing position with opening breaths before moving into aerobic cardio moves to get your heart rate up.
Moving from the aerobic cardio moves into crescent lunges to open up into some strength and stability before moving to the bar.
1 minute plank either at the bar or on the floor.
Time for leg work -
longest 10-15 minutes of your life.
Some stretching at the bar to stretch out the muscles you just "cooked" while embracing the shaking and quaking of leg work before moving back out to the floor for combo work.
Combo work incorporates weight training with your arms while also moving to the music to fit in some cardio and leg strengthening moves. This also utilizes stabilizing muscles and helps you to improve your balance as well as arm strength.
Seat work - because we all want a toned and lifted bum don't we?
Ab work
Final stretches sometimes utilizing a strap.
Closing breaths in the standing position we began class in. On the final breath, hands come to heart center and we are ready to take on the rest of our day.
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Both classes are incredible workouts and will provide you with similar results, and I have noticed that I get a lot more cardio and sweat more in Barre3 while I gained more strength and grace from the Bar Method.
Have you taken both classes, if so which do you prefer or do you love them both like I do?
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