FAQ
WHAT IS THE BARRE WORKOUT?
Popular throughout the country, the barre workout has evolved over the years from the Lotte Berk Method and Callanetics. Barre Las Vegas features our MIXT barre class, the perfect blend of cardio along with muscle building, core toning and body slimming exercises mixed with orthopedic stretching. This unique total-body workout targets the arms, thighs, seat and core. The barre workout is a unique total-body workout method set to motivating and upbeat music. Focused on precise movements to strengthen the muscle followed by orthopedic stretching to lean out the muscle, the results are impressive. The barre workout has evolved over the years from the Lotte Berk Method and Callanetics. Using fat-burning interval training principles, the results are a lean, flexible, healthy body. There isn’t any choreography and flexibility is not required to enjoy this class!
WHAT DOES ONE ACTUALLY DO IN A BARRE CLASS?
Classes begin with a basic warm up then focus on building the upper body strength and muscles using light weights. The class progresses to the barre for stretching before the thigh, hamstring and seat work. Throughout the class, muscles are pushed to exhaustion then followed by a series of stretches to lengthen and stretch out the worked muscles. You might also find push-ups and planks intermittently throughout the class. The class concludes on the floor for the abdominal series and back-dancing followed by final stretches. The ballet bar is used for support while straps, balls and foam are used for variations and extra challenges. The workout is done in socks; grippy socks are recommended.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS BARRE? HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE RESULTS?
This workout is extremely effective if done consistently. Many students do lose weight but others find that their body changes so that they lose body size. As you build muscle and burn fat in class you’ll see that your muscles are getting firmer, leaner and toned.
To see noticeable changes in your body, we recommend that you take class at least 3-5 times per week.
Some new clients notice a ‘lift’ in their seat or fullness in their thighs and think they are getting bigger. However, don’t get discouraged as your body is changing for the better! As you continue taking class your muscles will burn away the inter-muscular fat and leave you with long, lean muscles and a slimmer appearance. For this reason it can take up to six months to see really noticeable results in your body. Once you’ve achieved your desired physique it’s good to maintain your shape by attending class 2-3 times per week. The barre workout is a great compliment of many other fitness regimes, especially yoga and cycling. At Barre Las Vegas, you’ll face physical challenges, but will leave calm and collected, facilitating the perfect mind-body connection.
The barre workout has become effective due to the large array of exercises within the technique and the incredible results seen from it. A lean, strong and toned body is one many people strive for and with this technique, not only do you see these results but you most likely had fun creating them. With the number of different exercises within the technique, you will never take the same barre class twice.
DO YOU NEED DANCE EXPERIENCE, OR CAN ANYONE DO BARRE, EVEN MEN?
Yes the barre workout is safe and effective workout. Dance experience, grace and flexibility is not necessary or required even though many of the movements are ballet-inspired. The small class size provides a comfortable environment where students are encouraged to go at their own pace or are challenged to advance. Modifications will be given as needed. Pregnant, post-natal or at risk clients must have written approval from their doctor. We ask that pregnant women who have not taken a barre class before wait until after their birth to start taking class. The barre workout is excellent for post-natal shaping up and we offer a special new-mom package!
Men are welcome to take barre classes. Many men use barre as cross training and benefit from the strength and flexibility that results from barre classes. We offer “Man Up to The Barre” workshops periodically to introduce men to the barre workout.
CAN EXERCISES BE MODIFIED FOR PEOPLE WITH PREVIOUS INJURIES?
Yes and many chiropractors recommend the barre workout since it’s not stressful on the joints and incorporates therapeutic stretching. Since the class is non-impact you won’t find the typical elements of a jumping or bouncing cardio class that often result in injuries.
IS THERE A BEGINNER’S, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVELS FOR THIS TECHNIQUE?
We offer a variety of barre classes which are for all levels but do recommend taking Barre Classic for your first barre class since more time is spent in the positions, allowing you to perfect your form. However, MIXT BARRE II and MIXT Sculpt is only for experienced clients and first-timers are not allowed as it moves at a faster pace. Ballet and Barre Bootcamp classes are also not recommended for for first timers.
ARE ALL CLASSES THE SAME?
While the class format remains identical, there are hundreds of different variations of the exercises so no two classes will ever be exactly the same. That’s what keeps the MIXT barre workout so fresh! We offer a selection of MIXT barre classes to keep you on your toes (literally)!
WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR AND BRING TO CLASS?
Be sure to wear comfortable yet form-fitting workout clothes so you (and the instructors) can ensure that your posture, alignment and form are correct for optimal results. Long pants or pants that cover at least your thighs are suggested to keep your muscles warm during the exercises. In addition socks are required. The best socks to use have ‘sticky’ grips on the bottom so that your foot can stay firmly attached on the barre when needed. We sell Crescent Moon grip socks in the boutique.
Everything you will need is provided except water, which is also sold in the boutique. We use light weights and do multiple repetitions to build long lean muscles and not bulk up. Sometimes we use balls or foam for a variation, extra challenge and support. We also stretch using mats and straps.
HOW DO I MAKE A CLASS RESERVATION AND SIGN UP ONLINE?
You can make reservations with our online scheduler, mobile app, by phone or in person. Drop-in visits are welcome, but priority goes to clients with reservations. Barre classes have a maximum of 15 students; Barre Bootcamp has 8 maximum students. To guarantee your spot, it’s best to reserve your classes online or through the app. If a class is full, the online reservation system can put you on a waitlist. You will be notified if a spot opens up. Check out our online scheduler>>