Russh Magazine

Barre class sounds a painful form of exercise - not for the faint-hearted or inflexible. We asked Emma Seibold of Barre Body to set us straight on this new fusion technique. 

1. What is Barre Body? 

Barre Body is a fusion of yoga, pilates and barre conditioning, designed to tone the entire body (think long and lean like a ballet dancer), while developing balance, strength and flexibility. The classes integrate the fat burning format of interval training, the muscle shaping techniques of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning, the flexibility of yoga, and the core strength of pilates to create a dynamic and highly effective workout.

A typical class format would be: dynamic yoga warm up, hand weights (evil but necessary – I liken them to a bikini wax; process is painful, but results are worth it), leg work at the barre, glute work at the barre, core work on the mat and a stretching session to improve flexibility and cool down. 

Most clients see obvious results after as few as 10 sessions. 

2. What are the benefits? 

- The key benefits of Barre Body classes are:

- Develop long, lean muscles

- Tone and shape your body

- Strengthen your core

- Sculpt your arms and derriere

- Results in 10 classes

- Improve flexibility

- Connect breath, body & mind

3. How is it different to yoga/pilates? 

Rather than being a straight yoga or pilates class, Barre Body draws on the disciplines of yoga, pilates and ballet. Pilates and barre conditioning are used to tone the muscles and dynamic flowing yoga is integrated throughout to warm up, stretch and create a sense of flow and movement in the class.