A friend at work passed me a free class pass to try Barre3 a few weeks ago, and since I never turn down a free workout, I figured I would try it out. As you know I am trying to get wedding ready, so I have been on the lookout for classes or tips that will really help me get the results I am looking for. Barre3 did not disappoint. More than that, it’s completely changed my thought process as to what a great, body changing workout really is.
I ended up taking a Monday night class taught by Jenna. I’m sure all the teachers are amazing, but I loved her class so much I bought 3 more classes and took them from her Sunday mornings as well. I have taken barre classes before, but as a former dancer I can be especially picky about the classes I spend my hard earned cash on. I expect to be sore- not so much that I can’t move the next day, but enough that I know I worked my muscles. I also expect to sweat. This is what has kept me from going back to traditional barre classes for so long. I have always felt that if I am not sweating, then I am not getting my heart rate up and then again, not worth the dough.
However these classes completely changed my mind! After once weekly classes for 3 weeks, I felt less jiggle in my inner thighs and definitely a tighter tush. The combination of isometric holds, pulses and lightweight cardio got my heart rate up at the beginning of class, but not so much that I couldn’t give 100% throughout the whole class. There was a combination of barre work, center floor and ab work, sometimes with light weights or an orange ball, that toned my whole body, followed by a 5 minute stretch.
Bottom line is that the best part about this workout is that I felt like it was a sustainable part of my exercise routine; I didn’t burn out from exhaustion or become anxious about going to class, the way some other fitness routines make me feel. In fact, I also felt like the changes that my body was making were longer-lasting. I went to Florida for a few days in between classes, and didn’t work out once, (ok except for my 8 minute ab routine), and I felt that at the end of the trip I was still strong, toned and taught. For New York first-timers, I recommend doing their 3 Classes for $60 package, because let’s be honest, where else are you going to get a kick-ass hour long fitness class for $20 in NYC? Then, if you have as good of an experience as me, you can buy a membership or multi-class pass. See you there!
Have you tried Barre3? What did you think? Write in the comments section for another workout/fitness program that you would like me to review- I love tryout out new places!
All images from Barre3 website.
