7 Tips for Barre Class Beginners From a Student-Turned-Teacher
“Oh, I’ve always wanted to try that!” This is a common response I hear when I mention to people that I teach barre classes. And then comes the laundry list of questions about what barre involves and what to expect.
To help you ease into your first barre class, I thought I’d put together my top seven tips for beginners. Read on to find out what this barre class student-turned-teacher wants you to know.
1. Find the format that works best for you
From Pink Barre to Pure Barre, there’s no shortage of barre class brands and formats for you to try. And while most are built around a full-body workout that involves ballet-inspired small movements — especially focused on the thighs, glutes, and core — each is a little different. After taking many of them over the years, I settled on Exhale’s format (and ultimately earned Exhale’s barre certification last year), because that was the approach that worked best for me. For example, I love the challenge of the plank series that typically kicks off our classes. I also love that our teachers do a stellar job of cueing good form (which is so important to avoid injury) and have a gift for playing just the right music to make me feel motivated. But, your cup of tea might be completely different. Thanks to free classes for first-timers and programs like ClassPass, it’s easy to check out a variety of options without making a big financial commitment. I recommend trying at least three different formats — then decide which one is a fit for you.
2. Arrive at least 5-10 minutes early
This goes for just about any fitness class you’re attending for the first time. Even as a veteran, I still show up early, because I hate that feeling of rushing in at the last minute and having to scramble to get everything as class is starting. Trust me, you need this time to gather any props like a mat, strap, or ball; meet the teacher; and do anything else necessary to prepare for class. Plus, it gives teachers like me a chance to ask if you have any health issues and to make sure you have on grippy socks (see the next two items).
3. Tell us about any health issues you might have
Maybe you haven’t worked out in years. Or maybe you’re pregnant or are recovering from a rotator cuff tear. These are the things that your teacher wants to know from you at the beginning of class. I was trained to ask students this the first time I meet them (and to occasionally follow up, because things can change over time). But, it doesn’t hurt for you to be proactive, too. It’s helpful for your teacher to know about health issues, because there are certain modifications that we can provide to accommodate your needs.
4. Bring grippy socks
Just like you need a yoga mat for yoga classes, you need grippy socks for barre class. Every barre class I’ve taken has required me to bring socks with the little grippy pads on the bottom, because they ensure that your foot has traction on the wood floor. (If you don’t own a pair, don’t worry — most studios typically sell them.) If you show up to class barefoot or wearing regular socks or sneakers, the teacher will send you out to get the correct socks. Period.
5. Don’t grab the heavy weights
Many of the barre formats I’ve taken use small hand weights for about a five-minute series of arm exercises. For example, at Exhale, we do arms within the first 15 minutes of class (think exercises like bicep curls and shoulder presses). The thing to remember is that you aren’t taking breaks between exercises — so lighter is better. (You’re doing more repetitions, so your muscles will fatigue quickly, even if you’re using lighter weights.) For beginners, I’d suggest three-pound weights, and for more advanced students, perhaps five-pound weights. Just don’t grab the eight- or 10-pound weights. You’ll be putting them down quickly to swap to something lighter!
6. Ask questions
As I’ve already mentioned, good form is key to doing barre exercises correctly and not injuring yourself. And when you’re thinking about keeping your back straight, your core engaged, placing your leg in just the right place, etc., it can be pretty overwhelming. So, if something feels weird (or even hurt), I want you to come and ask me about it (don’t be shy). This goes for all teachers. We don’t want you to continue to do something incorrectly. We’re not there to judge you — we’re there to help you get the safest and most effective workout possible.
7. Embrace the challenge
The small movements we do in barre are meant to be challenging. For years, I ran, lifted weights, and did indoor cycling and other cardio-based classes. Then, I tried barre, and I was amazed at how I’d need to take breaks in class or how the movements fatigued my muscles. Years later, I take at least one barre class a week and still feel challenged — every single time. So, it will be challenging. And although it does get easier in some ways, rest assured there’s a good chance the veteran at the barre next to you is likely shaking and aching to take a break just like you are!