It’s true that ladies tend to gravitate to the ballet barre workouts due to its emphasis on strength in full range of motion, focus on muscular endurance, and creating a leaner line, versus a large “bulky” physique. But men also love the barre class, because it fine tunes the body, and works well if you have an injury.
What to Expect With Ballet Barre
Most barre classes combine floor work with the standing barre, but since my class is just 30 minutes, I’ve created a class that focuses on core work standing, along with the standard barre exercises. Several participants like that because they have trouble getting down to the floor and back up. Others feel it gives them more of what they were hoping for – work at the barre.
So whether you’re a guy or a gal, you can feel confident trying these exercises to help you build functional strength.
Plie with elevation
To perform this exercise, you will step your feet to 2nd position, a little wider than shoulder width apart. Lift up on your toes, so your heels are up, then lower down, bending at the knees. Keep your bottom tucked in and your chest strong. Do 30!
Tush burner
This next one utilizes a small Pilates ball. Place the ball behind your leg, then lift up and back in full range of motion. Do 20 per side, and add a set of pulses at the end of the set for extra burn!
Demi Plie
This last exercise is a demi plie with your heels lifted off the floor. Begin with your heels together and toes pointed out in 1st position. Lift up to your toes, and then lower down into the plie, keeping your heels up and together. Do 30, with pulses at the end.
Ready to try ballet barre? Check out our class schedule!
Set up a Free Fitness Consultation
Written by Melissa Abramovich, ACE CPT, NASM CGT, AAHFRP Medical Exercise Specialist at Elite Sports Club-River Glen
Melissa Abramovich went into Personal Training and Group Exercise instruction after successfully losing 140 pounds through healthy diet and exercise. Her desire to help others drove her forward into a career helping others to make healthier choices. She is an ACE certified personal trainer and now also a Medical Exercise Specialist (AAHFRP), helping clients with a myriad of health issues at Elite Sports Clubs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree, and many group exercise related certifications as well.