What is Barre?

What Is Barre?

Barre is a full-body workout that uses a ballet barre (yes, like in dance studios) for balance and support. But don’t worry — you don’t need any dance experience to get started. 

At The Barre Code®, our movements are done to the beat of upbeat music under neon lights! (Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds, and if you need to come off the beat and go at your own pace - we encourage it!) There's always moments when everyone is in sync on the beat and you feel like you're all dancing together. Think tiny pulses, barre squats, deep pliés, and long holds that leave your muscles shaking in the best way possible.

If you've ever taken a pilates class, you will find Barre to be very similar. You'll also see elements of exercises you'd see in physical therapy, yoga and other strength training modalities.

Why Barre Might Be the Workout You Didn’t Know You Needed

In the ever-evolving world of fitness, there’s one workout that’s gracefully pirouetted its way into the mainstream and stood the test of time — barre. Blending elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training, barre is a low-impact, high-reward exercise that’s as elegant as it is effective. If you’ve never tried it, here’s why it might just be your new favorite workout.

A Quick History: Meet Lotte Berk

The origins of barre can be traced back to Lotte Berk, a German-born ballerina who fled Nazi Germany and later settled in London. In the 1950s, after suffering a back injury, she created a revolutionary exercise method that combined her dance training with rehabilitative therapy. The result? A method that emphasized core strength, alignment, and small, controlled movements — the foundation of today’s barre.

Her London studio quickly became a hotspot for celebrities and socialites, and in the 1970s, her method crossed the Atlantic, eventually evolving into the modern barre classes we know today.

The Benefits of Barre

  1. Builds Strength
    Barre focuses on low weights and high reps

  2. Improves Flexibility and Posture
    Many moves in barre draw directly from ballet and Pilates, helping to increase your range of motion and keep your spine aligned.

  3. Enhances Mind-Body Connection
    With its precise, controlled movements, barre demands focus and concentration — much like yoga — making it a mental workout, too.

  4. Low Impact, High Burn
    It’s gentle on the joints, but don’t let that fool you. Barre will challenge your muscles in ways you didn’t expect, often working areas you didn’t even realize needed it.

  5. Core, Core, Core
    Pretty much every move in barre engages your core, which means improved balance, stability, and overall strength.

What to Expect in Your First Class

You’ll typically start with a warm-up in the center of the room, then move through thigh, seat (glute), core and upper body work. Most classes are 50 minutes, unless you take a Barre 30, which is a 30 minute express class. Remember, shorter doesn't mean easier. You’ll need grippy socks, a water bottle, and an open mind. And yes — shaking muscles are a good sign.

Is Barre for Everyone?

Yes! Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, barre is adaptable. Instructors offer modifications and progressions to meet you where you are. It’s also a great cross-training workout if you’re a runner, cyclist, or weightlifter.

Final Thoughts

Barre is more than just a fitness trend — it’s a celebration of movement, strength, and body awareness. It might look graceful, but make no mistake: you’ll feel the burn. In the best way.

Thanks to pioneers like Lotte Berk, we now have a workout that empowers people of all backgrounds to feel stronger, stand taller, and move with purpose. So, are you ready to meet your inner ballerina — or at least borrow her barre?