Barre Workout: 6 Reasons Why You Should Try It

With increased awareness towards fitness and health, people are looking for more interesting ways to work out and lose weight. Mahatma Gandhi once said 'It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver', and it holds true especially in this day and age where we seem to forgo physical activity for the sake of convenience. In the last few years, we've got to see many forms of workouts popping up such as Zumba, Aerobics and Pilates giving us more reasons than ever to get fit. A new fun and effective workout known as Barre Workout adds to this list and is giving tough competition to them.

What is barre workout?

Barre workout, which has already been established in many Western countries, is a ballet inspired workout and is great for developing lean muscle mass while improving your flexibility and balance. A barre is an apparatus that ballerinas use to practice their moves and this workout style uses the same apparatus retaining the essence of ballet. The fluid movements of this fun regime promise to give you long and lean muscles and are slowly taking the fitness world by storm. 
 

Looking Back at the History of Barre WorkoutWith a lot of moves inspired from ballet, barre workout was actually developed by ballerina. No surprises there. Barre workout was introduced when Lotte Berk, a German ballerina residing in London decided to combine her favorite ballet dance routine with her fitness regime after she retired during the 1950s. She opened her first dance studio in the year 1959 in London and included workout moves like 'the Peeing Dog' and 'the French Lavatory' that were coined by the ballerina herself.Lyda Bach, one of Berk's students reignited this idea when she opened the first Lotte Berk Method Studio in the New York City. Over time, different instructors and students started introducing their own versions of barre workout and opened studios to popularize them. Since then, the barre workout has evolved over the years and still continues to do so.
 

Benefits of Barre Workout

According to Health & Wellness Coach Rajiv Sehrawat, CEO of Diet Clinic in New Delhi, "There are many ways to remain fit. Even activities like swimming, cycling and running are good but it is all matter of your choice. If you want to burn out 400 calorie in an hour and have a flexible body, then a Barre fitness classes is your best choice." Here are six ways you can gain from doing a Barre workout.

1. It will help you gain strengthBarre workout helps strengthen each muscle group in your body thoroughly. This workout gives you a chance to work on your thighs, arms, hips, abs and back - strengthening the muscles from joint to joint. It also toughens the muscles that are often underused and underdeveloped.

2. Enhance your flexibilityBefore you start using the barre, you'd be required to do some intense stretching that will help improve your overall range of motion and reduce the risk of any possible injury. Stretching will help you move with ease and make your muscles more flexible. (Also read: 5 Easy Stretching Exercises to Improve Your Flexibility)

3. Enhances your postureDuring this workout, keeping a straight spine is a must for most of its movements. While trying to achieve a proper alignment of the hips, shoulders and spine, you will be able to improve your posture. Strong core muscles help you keep your back straight and stand tall.

4. Fun and energeticUnlike other workouts; barre workout does not leave you gasping or out of breath. Barre workout has a low impact on your body and is very gentle on your joints. It is not an aggressive form of exercise but promises positive results. It directly works with your core muscles and joint rehabilitation without being very intense yet leaving you energized and refreshed.
 

6. Helps in weight lossBarre workout is a great way to lose weight and also maintain it. It helps in boosting your metabolism and in burning excessive fat. It targets your largest muscle group like thighs and glutes. This workout will help you attain lean muscle mass and boost your metabolic rate, which will further help you lose weight. (Also read: 5 Morning Drinks to Kickstart Your Metabolism)Mr. Sehrawat explains, "Barre is fine merger of Ballet, Pilates and Yoga. For this sort of workout you are using your own body weight that improves stability and helps you balance your body. It helps you get a strong and well-toned body."