What to Expect At Your First Barre Class
Photo by Mackenzie Gaultier Photography
How often does fear prevent you from doing something? I’ll be the first to admit that when I’m scared to try something, it’ll take me a bit to get up the courage to do it. It’s not that I don’t want to do something, because I usually genuinely want to, it’s all the thoughts and emotions that come with fear that can hold me back.
Sound familiar?
What are the first few thoughts that come to mind about barre (if you’ve never attended a class before)?
I don’t know what it is or what I’ll be doing.
I can’t dance, so I can’t do barre.
Everyone is going to be so strong, I’m way too weak for barre.
You barely sweat; how can you call that a workout?
No one wants to come with me. I won’t know anyone there.
These are only a handful of points I often hear or read, and I get it. Because barre is still so new to our area, it’s scary to try something you don’t know much about. Plus, if you have a tried-and-tested routine that you like, it’s hard to incorporate something else.
Enter in this blog post – What to expect with your first barre class, and why you shouldn’t be scared to give it a try!
Full disclosure before I continue:
With basically everything else that you try, it’s not a guarantee you’ll love barre. Some people fall in love with it instantly, others it takes a few classes, and then some it’s just not for them – and that’s okay. Not everyone is going to love barre, just like not everyone enjoys lifting weights, or cooking, or reading a book, or trying to call customer service to cancel a subscription (omg).
You do have to try it before you can say you don’t like something.
So, what can you expect to happen in your first barre class? The following X points should help sum it up quite nicely.
Barre is Unique – You Likely Haven’t Worked Out Like This Before
Because the roots of barre fitness stem from classical ballet mixed with Pilates, unless you’ve done either of these two activities or workouts, you probably haven’t done anything like this before (don’t worry though, you don’t need to do ballet or Pilates to enjoy barre).
Read our post, What Is Barre, for more information on what it is we do in class.
We stand differently. We work different muscles in different ways. Our bodies move differently, and you have lots to think about all at once. You can be standing in one position with bent legs and doing little pulses (while your thighs are yelling at you and shaking like crazy), and then immediately starting lifting your heels or turning towards the barre for a totally different body position. That’s what can make barre so much fun though – you won’t have two classes that are exactly the same!
Your Muscles Will Vibrate and Shake
This is no joke. Your muscles will literally start to shake. Sometimes, they can shake so much that it’s hard to hold your balance. If you’ve never experienced the muscle shakes from a barre class before, you’re in for a treat.
During our workouts, we’re all about the small, repetitive movements. This allows us to work our muscles to the point of fatigue. That is when the shakes begin.
*Note – not every client will experience shakes or the same degree of shakes as the next person. That doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
As we hold positions for longer than usual, we are focusing on muscle endurance. Once the exhaustion sets in, that is when the shakes start. Basically, we’re overloading the muscle (without hurting them).
Check out this article for a more in-depth scientific understanding of the muscle shakes.
You Won’t Catch On to Everything the First Class
Remember the old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, you can’t judge barre after the first class.
Since we’re a unique workout that moves your body in different ways, you can’t expect to catch on to everything you do after the first try. It takes a few classes to understand and appreciate the movements and how we engage the muscles.
Your Instructor Presents Different Options
The great thing about a barre workout is that the instructor can make adjustments to increase or ease up on the intensity. Worried if you’re strong enough? Don’t be – you control how your body moves, which means you can ease up on everything that we do. Do you think it won’t be challenging enough for you? Take on the additional options the instructor throws at you to increase the intensity.
The point is, alongside your instructor, you can make barre as easy or as hard as you want it to be. Never think you have to be in peak physical shape to take your first barre class. We’re here to help.
What in the Tuck is Happening?
Learn to love the tuck!
The tuck comes from rotating the hips upward (think of a weight attached to your tailbone and is pulling it down). In this position, it’s forming a neutral spine and engaging your low core (pelvic floor muscle), all while protecting your low back.
You’re going to hear the word tuck over and over during your class because IT’S THAT IMPORTANT!
Your Core Never Stops Working
Our posture is essential during a barre class. Proper posture should and will engage your core muscles the entire time. Even if we’re working on the booty, your core will still be involved. By the time we reach the designated core section of the class, it should be slightly fatigued.
You May or May Not Sweat
Although barre is considered high-intensity, you likely won’t sweat that much, or at all. That doesn’t mean you’re not getting an effective workout. It’s just because we’re not moving very much.
We’ve had ladies still burn hundreds of calories and increase their heart rate without breaking a sweat. So, sweat doesn’t always equal an amazing workout.
You’ll Form Attachments to the Barre Community
Although it’s fun to workout with a friend, if you come by yourself, you won’t be alone. We have an AMAZING barre community- that I cannot express enough! Each barre babe that steps through the door is ready to pulse and shake, cheers and encourages each other, moans and groans together, and brings their own form of entertainment to class.
You’ll fall in love with barre, but you’ll also fall in love with the barre family.
Your Quick Guide to Getting Started
Come with an open mind and ready to have some fun.
Bring water – it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout class.
Grip socks are mandatory (after your first class). You may be asked to go barefoot for the first time unless you want to purchase socks right away.
The music and environment will get you pumped up.
The sore muscles will likely come around day two.
Embrace the shake.
So, are you ready for your first barre class? Join the Aura Studio barre community and attend your first class for free! Bring your friends and enjoy the fun together 😊