Barre Video Class
Since I’ve written so many other posts about themed rides, strength classes, and other high intensity fitness classes I’ve taken over the years, I thought it was time to chat about one of my favorite low impact workouts: BARRE! And to be even more specific, barre video classes that I can take right from my living room. Yes, please!
I was never a great dancer, but I took ballet back in the day – it was even a requirement for all Musical Theatre majors in college. While I have zero interest in putting a leotard on again, there’s something really nostalgic and fun about taking barre classes, since a lot of the movements are ballet based mixed with more typical fitness exercises.
Barre workouts can be traced back to Lotte Berk in London around 1959. Since she was a ballerina, there has always been a strong focus on form, alignment, and core engagement. She combined this with small movements that are pulsed and repeated. It’s not about jumping high, picking up heavy weights, or getting out of breath. Instead, it’s about control… and that’s why I love it so much.
Since then, barre workouts vary greatly depending on who is teaching it. I’ve tried a few in-person classes over the years, FlyBarre being my favorite. It’s no longer around, but it was a fast paced full body version of barre that always left me feeling energized and accomplished – and a little shaky! Like many people, COVID quarantine encouraged me to look for online classes, and luckily there are a few places to take online barre video classes.
As you’ve probably heard me say on Instagram, Bande has my favorite barre video classes – hands DOWN. The Barre Advanced class especially reminds me of Flybarre in the best ways. I’ll go through all of the ones I’ve tried below though!
My Favorite Barre Video Classes
Barre Advanced on Bande
Bande has a few great barre workouts on their platform, but let’s start with my favorite!! Barre Advanced with Bergen is NO JOKE. First of all, all of Bande’s barre classes are different because they are LIVE two-way classes, so you have your camera on and the teacher can see you! Don’t be intimidated by this – it’s actually a total game changer. I love that they can offer you adjustments to help your alignment and cheer you on when you’re feeling tired. It’s awesome.
As for Barre Advanced, get ready to WORK. Bergen doesn’t mess around with this class. It is 60 minutes of nonstop burning 😂 You usually need a yoga mat, 2-5 lb weights for the upper body portion of class, and a chair for the “barre” portion of class. Sometimes she’ll have you work with a resistance loop, too.
If you prefer a more fast paced full body barre workout over the quiet calm versions out there, this is the class I’d recommend!
Regular Barre on Bande
Alright let’s say you’re new to barre, or you’re just not in the mood for a super tough instructor. Don’t worry, Bande has regular barre classes that are also really great! Even though they’re not titled “advanced”, I still find them to be really challenging and the teachers do a good job of making them interesting so you don’t get bored. This format is usually 45 minutes and you need the same equipment I listed above!
Silhouette on Bande
Silhouette is a signature workout created by Alexis Sweeney. She describes it as a fusion of barre, pilates, and sculpting elements – and I love it. I really like her as a teacher in general (she teaches a few other formats on Bande!), but I think this one is my favorite. She makes the 45 minutes fly by and I always feel really great afterwards! You usually need a yoga mat, 2-5 lb weights or ankle weights, and a pilates ball but she always gives modifications if you don’t have equipment.
Barre on Peloton
As most of you know, I am a HUGE fan of the Peloton app. They offer such a wide variety of classes – there really is something for everyone even if you don’t have a bike or tread. Barre falls under their Strength category, and it’s really nice that they offer this low impact workout. That being said, these classes aren’t released as frequently, and I’ve found they’re a little hit or miss for me. They tend to be a little slower than the ones on Bande, and I personally just get a lot more out of this type of a workout when a teacher is making sure I’m doing everything with proper alignment and technique. I really don’t mean to sound too harsh though – they’re still a GREAT option and I’ve definitely taken and loved both Ally and Hannah’s classes! They are offered on demand and range from 10-45 minutes.
Do you have a favorite barre video class? Let me know in the comments!
PS. You might also like Peloton App Review, Peloton Strength Classes Review, and Activewear for Petites.
