About six years ago, I started taking barre classes at a studio in downtown DC called B. Fit. They were great, but just too far from where I lived. I carried on with running, bikram yoga, gym classes, etc and forgot about those barre classes.
Over this past winter, I’ve taken to lots of running – on the treadmill. I’ve tried to get into some of the classes at my gym, but they are pretty mediocre. I suppose that’s the cost of having a really inexpensive gym, but as a result, I’m been really craving more group workouts and challenges to more muscle groups.
The other day, as I was walking to the grocery store, I noticed a sign for a new barre studio called Lava Barre. Hmm I thought…is this the workout I’ve been missing? I better find out!
So yesterday I gave it a whirl. When I walked in, I had a rough idea of what to expect since I’d taken barre classes previously, but I wish I’d read a little more beforehand because there were a few things I forgot! If you’re thinking about trying a class (which are popping up all around the country), here are a few tips before you go!
Tips before your first class:
1. You don’t need to bring a yoga mat. Studios supply them.
2. Bring no-slip socks. This is essential. If you can’t find them, buy them at the studio when you arrive. It’s very hard to do the class without them. Here are a few pairs I’ve found: Gaiam Yoga Socks and Hot Sox Socks.
3. Bring water. You’ll be surprised how quickly you start sweating!
4. Wear fitted clothing, especially on the bottom. And whatever you do, don’t wear shorts! You do lots of leg raises and splits so you’ll be worried about people seeing your underwear the whole time rather than focusing on the exercises. You’re also better off with a fitted yoga shirt than just a plain t-shirt.
Now, what to expect!
Before you walk in the studio, you’ll pick up a mat outside and two sets of weights. The classes are limited to 15 students, so you’ll just find a marked spot on the floor and put your mat down. Both classes I’ve joined so far started with standing high leg raises to get the heart rate up, and then moved immediately into pushups, planks and tricep dips. My arms were on fire at the end of class yesterday, and even more so today since my muscles didn’t have chance to recuperate in the span of 24 hours.
After that initial warm up we moved to the ballet barre and did thigh and glute-toning exercises. It’s intense. Really intense. My legs wobbled and my butt felt like someone lit a match. But then a Kelly Clarkson song came on, and I forgot how much pain I was in and realized how much fun I was having.
After the barre, you’ll do an arm workout with the free weights. Yesterday I managed to get through most of the reps without stopping but today, I couldn’t. My arms were so burnt out from yesterday, I could hardly lift them by the end. This was really exciting to me. I can’t wait till the day I can blow through all the reps like a pro and do it the next day too. All those tiny muscle groups that were in complete dormancy were brought to life. Many love this class so much because it really delivers results. Summer is right around the corner, so the perfect time too to get arms looking awesome.
Overall, I am really picky about these group classes, partly because they are so expensive, but also because I want to feel like if I’m spending an hour, I want my heart to race, and I want to be pushed. This class did that, so I’m really excited to build it into my weekly fitness routine, and be more toned overall.
If you’re in the Arlington area, here’s a picture courtesy of the Lava Barre studio so you can see roughly what it looks like!
Now, I’m off to practice more splits!
Happy Easter!
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