At the height of COVID-19 and the quarantine orders, we were all adjusting to what quickly became the new normal. Social distancing meant no gyms, no trails, no sports, and simply no people outside of the home. I personally was never big on working out at the gym but now parks were even off limits.
We tried creating an at-home gym, but weights were super hard to find. My workout schedule went from 2-3 days a week to no days a week within a month. I knew I had to adopt some form of exercise as soon as possible or I wouldn’t do anything at all.
Source: instagram.com/barreabove
Finding something that spoke to me
One day, I was invited to attend a virtual barre class and I accepted. I was a bit intimidated by the invitation at first because I had only seen lean, White women who had perfect posture at the barre represented in advertisements. Being a woman is the only thing I had in common with the women in those advertisements, so I wasn’t sure if it was going to be my jam. However, it was love at first plié. I was hooked! After 45 minutes of pulses and relevés, I was a sweaty mess, but my body and mind felt amazing.
My first experience with this movement masterpiece was so amazing that I became a certified barre instructor within two weeks after attending that class. Barre is movement at its best.
Taking my love of barre to the next level by getting certified
During my virtual barre certification course, it was eye-opening to see such a diverse group of people represented on the Zoom call. The mere fact that the desire to create diversity in barre was mentioned pulled me in even more. There were women from different races, age groups, and sizes represented. The diversity was refreshing.
We learned about the barre’s history and uniqueness before working out together. You could see the enthusiasm and excitement on each face to become a part of something fresh and new. Barre may have been around for a while, but it was all new to us. There was a sense of belonging, although we didn’t say one word to each other during the call. It was not only clear that becoming a part of the Barre Above family was the best decision for me, but it was also clear that becoming a part of the barre family was the best for me as well.
Source: Instagram.com/barreabove
Why I appreciate the barre workout, its benefits and the community that is part of it
I appreciate the inclusivity of barre. Now that I am a member of the barre community, I’ve learned to love it even more. Of course, I appreciate the welcoming of inclusion regarding race and gender, but also within barre’s structure and its creation.
Barre’s benefits include strength in both mind and body. With the perfect fusion of ballet, yoga, Pilates and strength training, barre surpasses expectations by the end of class. The versatility in its movements makes it attractive to all fitness levels. Athletes, regardless of gender or sport, can participate in barre to enhance coordination and endurance. Fitness enthusiasts can embrace barre for core and glute burners. Fitness beginners or those with physical limitations can take advantage of effective, low-impact modifications. You can focus on full ranges of motion or half ranges of motion. You can use the barre during class or workout without one in the center of the floor.
Whether the barre class lasts 30 or 45 minutes, the shakes, pulses and lifts will keep you on your toes. Literally. As an instructor, you can instruct to the beat or free flow it. You can keep the class low-impact or add cardio bursts. No box and no limits. This exercise is truly for everyone and everyone belongs.
