pure barre

Meet Me at The Barre

The Barre Method

In the last 50 years many new and diverse forms of exercise have become more popular as people find ways to exercise that specifically fit their body types and goals. Some who like intense, high-energy, workouts, you can also find a CrossFit gym. If you want want to meditate and focus on their bodies, thoughts, and emotions, many yoga studios provide suitable environments for this. For dancers, or those who wish to acquire more of a “dancer’s body,” The Barre or Bar Method was developed. Barre is a great option for anyone wanting to challenge themselves in a different and creative way.

How It Began

In 1940, Lotte Berk, a German dancer who fled the Nazis, came to London. She was a ballet dancer, and, during her time in London, injured her back while dancing. During her time in therapy, she decided to incorporate her ballet barre dance conditioning routine with her rehabilitative exercises. Almost 20 years later, the first Lotte Berk Method studio opened in London, and another 12 years later, the Lotte Berk Method was brought to the United States by Lydia Bach, one of Berk’s formed students. In New York City, American student Burr Leonard took her first Lotte Berk Method class in 1981, and then went on to found and create her own method, The Bar Method. Today, there are over 75 Bar Method studios in over 25 states in the US, as well as in Canada.

Why Choose The Bar Method?

There were several objectives that Burr Leonard wanted to accomplish when creating The Bar Method. She believed that this method would give students “beautiful, lean, toned and healthy bodies for life and would help empower them to realize their own dreams.” She believed it would not only aid students by increasing self-confidence and physical health and well being, but also help improve mental well being. The Bar Method can successfully sculpt bodies by helping students develop long and lean muscles, gaining strength, and toning muscles in the core, arms, and legs which are often difficult to target. While this method was originally developed for ballet dancers using the barre, any age, weight, or fitness level can receive benefits from this form of exercise.

The Method

The Bar Method is effective as it quickly re-shapes muscles by stretching, elongating and strengthening them. It can also be a very effective method of weight loss, as it uses interval training to maximize caloric burning. It is a very safe and therapeutic way to exercise, as all of the exercises have been approved by physical therapists, and all of the teachers are rigorously trained. While not only helping students achieve physical goals of strength, improved posture, or weight loss, it can also give students enough confidence to achieve and improve in other aspects of their lives. These exercises work all of the main muscle groups, while also targeting individual and smaller muscles.

Our Experience

Both Rose and Anya have had a lot of experience in dance so this seemed like the natural fit. But do not be fooled it is shockingly challenging. Prepare to be tired, sore and shaking from all the tucking. But no matter how hard the workout may feel there are always great modifications offered from the instructors. It is open to all levels of fitness and flexibility so NEVER feel intimidated to try it out. You always leave feeling better; albeit sore.

Here are some tips to make your first experience amazing:

Go Early- This is true for any new exercise. Introduce yourself to instructors and let them know your level of fitness, concerns or anything you think may help you starting off. Also, PB has a great video on what to expect your first time.

Stretch Before– Check out our mobility series on YouTube for some great ideas.

Bring Water– You will work up a sweat. We love our HydroFlask Water Bottles. They’re easy to clean and help conserve waste.

HAVE FUN!

If you’re in the Seattle or East-Side Area we LOVE working out at Pure Barre Redmond and The Dailey Method Bothell & Mercer Island. Their instructors are AMAZING! They make the burn/shakes worth while. Give their classes a try and let us know what you think!

 

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