The Philippine Online Chronicles

Barre3 is a new exercise form getting hype in Manila these days.  The program claims to combine the grace of ballet, the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates.  For years, those three types of workouts alone are proven to be effective ways of transforming the body into something lean, toned and flexible.  And at first glance, Barre3 is almost like getting the benefits of three workouts in just one class.

Sadie Lincoln founded Barre3, which originated in her hometown in Portland, Oregon.  Having trained in teaching physical fitness for over 20 years, Lincoln was especially interested in disciplines that strengthened the core, while working both mind and body.  It led her to design a fitness class that was inspired by her three favorite disciplines specializing on those needs which are ballet barre work, yoga and Pilates.  The 3 in Barre3 represents not just this unique fusion of exercises but also for balance, which is the core value of Barre3’s business, practice and life.

Getting ready

All props are provided by the studio where the classes are taught: exercise balls, weights, straps, mats and barre.  You only need to wear a yoga-like attire and bring your own water bottle and towel.  Tight-fitting clothing like leotards and dance pants are recommended because you will do a lot of stretching here and lying on your back.  However, take note that these need to be comfortable, breathable clothes that will allow you a wide range of movement while keeping you covered at the same time.  Shorts are ideal, but as you will be sweating on the floor and the mats a lot, they may not be the most sanitary choice unless you bring a separate towel with you to absorb the sweat where you lie down.  Sticky socks and thick ones are optional, as some prefer to do the class barefoot.  Some people have even been known to use slippers or rubber flip flops on the floor.  Barre3 requires grounded footwork, so wear what you think will help you better in this task.

If you have long hair, try braiding it or wearing it in a low ponytail.  Avoid a high ponytail or putting your hair up in a bun because some movements will require you to lie flat on your back and these will be uncomfortable.

Avoid also jewelry and other accessories that not only hinder movement but may weigh you down.  Barre3 strongly emphasizes on balance and proportion, so you need to keep to your natural assets as much as possible.

Barre3 has no age or gender requirement.  Young people, even children can do the class so long as they have the discipline and concentration required of it.  Pregnant women can also attend the class provided that they have the approval of their doctor.  Barre3 has alternative positions and resting periods appropriate for pregnancy.

What to expect:

Barre3 is a 60-minute workout set to music.  The movements during the workout are very simple and basic: arm and leg lifts, bending and stretching.  What makes it challenging, however, is the pacing by which the class goes through these deceptively simple motions.  For example, the class starts with warm-up exercises by having individual choice of weights for arm lifting and stretching.  The lifts are done very, very slowly, and it requires a tremendous amount of balance and concentration while building up the pressure in the limbs.

The barre exercise comes next, and these concentrate on working the legs.  There are straps that harness the body to the bar for added support in some moves.  You will constantly be instructed to “build up the pressure”, and this focuses all energy and strengthening on your core.  The key to an easier time with the movements are breathing and posture, a throwback to yoga, because the strains are lessened (especially on the neck) when the participant is able to distribute his or her weight accordingly and press this weight on his/her feet.  Since there are mirrors around the Barre3 studio, you can constantly check if your back, shoulder and hips are straight.

Exercises on the mats are last, which now give focus on the glutes and abs.  It may seem like a relief to finally lie down on your back, but there is still a lot of tough leg stretching to be done here.  Expect to work with the exercise ball to get the most out of the workout.

The benefits

Students of the class often marvel at the feats their bodies are able to do once they master Barre3.  This comes from the core strengthening on which it is especially keen to observe.  The postural benefits are long-term, and the muscles are eventually developed to firmness and leanness.  Muscle balance is also improved, which helps in avoidance of injury.  Flexibility is acquired as well, given that the most of the movements in the class require stretching and holding positions for a substantial period.  Combined with proper diet, Barre3 is ideal for body sculpting, weight loss and fat burning.  And because it is closely-tied to yoga, it is also ideal for stress relieving and internal cleansing that increases blood circulation and result to an energized body, reduction of wrinkles and healthy, glowing skin.  Pilates, too, as part of Barre3, contributes to keeping the skin supple through its stretches that keeps the production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body.  DHEA is responsible for protecting collagen, which, in turn, gives the skin its elasticity.

Where to go?

Barre3 was brought to the Philippines by Ms. Tanya Tan.  Currently, only The Spa branches in The Fort and Alabang are offering the classes, but they will be opening in Rockwell and Eastwood soon.  They are still holding free trials for those who are curious as to how classes are conducted.  For more information, you can visit their Barre3 Philippines website or email at staff.ph@barre3.com.

Photos were taken from Reluctant Stylista. Author's own, some rights reserved.