So what kind of strength can barre build?

The current trendiness of barre can make it seem like a newfangled workout, but it actually dates back decades ago. The regimen centers around traditional strength training movements like lunges and squats, but gives most of them a ballet-inspired twist, like turnout (outward rotation of the legs) or demi-pointe (raising up onto the balls of your feet). Some exercises also use a classic ballet barre to help you balance.

Traditionally, most barre moves don’t go through your full range of motion like you would in a typical lifting session. For instance, if you were doing a lunge, you’d normally bend all the way down until your one leg is parallel to the floor, then you’d stand all the way up before you do it all over again. Barre is different: “We go to that end range of motion, so you’re sinking down into a lunge, and then you’re doing little pulses,” exercise physiologist Rachelle Reed, PhDan instructor at Purebarretells SELF.

This doesn’t mean it’s any easier, though. The challenge comes from doing a ton of repetitions of these tiny contractions—sometimes for minutes at a time. “You’re in it longer than what you would see in traditional strength training,” Lisa shell drakeonline lead instructor at Barre3tells SELF. That’s possible because, instead of lifting super heavy weights through big ranges, you’re moving just your own bodyweight, or maybe light dumbbells, ankle/wrist weights, or resistance bands in small micro-movements.

These mini pulses mimic what you’d get out of an isometric exercise, where you just keep your body still in one challenging spot.

“It’s almost like holding a plank for every major muscle group in your body,” Shannon Reznika master teacher trainer at Purebarretells SELF. These kinds of isometric movements build muscular endurance, or our muscles’ ability to keep firing over an extended period.

“This is really focusing much more on your slow-twitch fibers,”

“These have a much higher resistance to fatigue and they also recover really, really quickly,” Patterson says. They’re what our bodies rely on for low- or moderate-intensity activities like hiking, low-key cycling or, ya know, day-to-day life like staying upright when you’re just standing around.

However, you won’t win any Strongman Challenges just by taking barre class.

If you consider strength training as anything that makes your muscles stronger, sure, barre can fit the bill. Although there hasn’t been much research done on barre specifically, there is evidence that this kind of high repetition/low weight exercise can be just as effective for growing muscle as heavy lifting—as long as you keep going close to the point of what exercise scientists call “failure,” where the last couple of reps feel nearly impossible to eke out.

Conclusion

Barre is a unique workout that combines elements of traditional strength training with ballet-inspired movements. While it may not be as intense as other forms of strength training, it can still be an effective way to build strength and endurance. By focusing on slow-twitch fibers and isometric movements, barre can help improve muscular endurance and overall fitness.

FAQs

Q: Is barre a form of strength training?

A: Yes, barre can be considered a form of strength training as it involves movements that challenge and engage the muscles.

Q: Is barre effective for building muscle?

A: Yes, barre can be effective for building muscle, especially slow-twitch fibers, as long as you keep going close to the point of failure.

Q: Is barre a low-impact workout?

A: Yes, barre is generally considered a low-impact workout, making it suitable for people with joint issues or other mobility limitations.