Carolina Barre & Core: Cross Training Benefits of Barre

written by Jenni Strazzulla February 15, 2019

This article was written together by Smarty Jenni Strazzulla and Amity Whalen, Carolina Barre & Core.

Most of the time, we think about cross training to break free from the mental boredom/ monotonous routine of your workout or to spike your weight loss. Cross-training is so much more! It is extremely valuable in reducing the risk of injury and improving your overall fitness. One example of cross training is adding barre to your workout regimen.

What is a Barre Workout?

Barre is a total-body, low-impact workout that focuses on:

core strength
balance
endurance
flexibility

It’s not a dance class. Coordination is not a requirement. Barre routines are rooted in principles from ballet conditioning, Pilates, and yoga.

Even though it is low-impact, you still receive the benefits of a cardio workout. Your will find your heart rate increasing during movements that require your body weight resistance and the use of hand weights.

Cross- training benefits from taking barre classes include:

Increased strength & endurance
Improved posture
Lean body mass
Reduce body fat
Promote balance
Build core strength
Increase flexibility
lengthen muscles
Strengthen lower back & other joint pain to help aid/decrease pain
Reduce Stress

Who Can Use Barre for Cross-Training?

Everyone! It is not uncommon for people to use barre to add cross training into their regular workout programs. However, a few key groups such as running and endurance athletes/HIIT will MAXIMIZE the benefits cross-training by attending a regular barre class.

Runners

Running is high impact and repetitive! People who love to run – love to run! So, when pain or injury happen, it can be devastating.

Barre a nice compliment to running because there is no pounding or jarring of your joints. All movements at Carolina Barre are smooth and intentional. We move from the brace of our core instead of the grip and squeeze of the tuck- which is a healthier alternative for alleviating tight hip flexors and low back pain.

Strength Training/HIIT

By using barre as part of a cross-training program, strength training athletes will experience:

Core stabilization to prevent lower back pain
Improved lean mass and body balance
Increased strength gains from the added support of the stabilization muscles
Reduced risk of injury

Yogis

Yoga is an excellent choice for improving flexibility, isometric strength, core stabilization, and overall balance. If you love your yoga classes, especially the mind-body connection, barre is a for you. During a barre class, your body will go through a range of motions fatiguing the targeted muscles, leading to increased strength. Overall, heling elevate your yoga results by challenging your body to different movements!

Weight Loss

In barre, you’re introducing a unique form of resistance training into your exercise regimen. This means you’ll be burning calories during your workout, after your workout and up to 48 hours later!

Barre Exercises

New to barre and don’t know what to expect?

First of all, do not be afraid! We are here for you!

We can modify all exercises for almost any limitation— you just have to let us know what’s going on with you before class. Previous injuries, surgeries, infertility, pregnancy are all pertinent info that your teacher should know about to make the class a better experience for you!

We want you to feel like you are getting a “private” in a group exercise setting!