Barre workouts are gaining in popularity. Here's why.

Few exercises in the United States have gained as much popularity over the past decade as barre fitness. Founded by a Jewish dancer named Lotte Berk who escaped Nazi Germany shortly before the start of World War II, barre exercises gained popularity in Europe after Berk opened her first studio in 1959. However, the concept didn't catch on in America until later, after a student of Berk's brought the workout to New York in the early 1970s. 

Today, more than 3.8 million Americans participate in barre workouts, up from 2.9 million a decade ago. "Barre is gaining popularity because it is a great option for those wanting to increase strength, improve posture, and focus on balance," says Natalie Allen, MEd, RDN, a clinical associate professor and a team dietitian in the athletics department at Missouri State University. 

What is barre?

Barre is a full-body workout technique that combines elements of yoga, strength training, dance and Pilates. It's usually done in group classes within gym or studio settings. "One of the biggest benefits of barre exercise is its small, controlled movements," explains Lori Shemek, PhD, a certified nutritional consultant based in Dallas and author of "How to Fight FATflammation." She points to a quote used in barre that says, “the smaller the movement, the bigger the change.” Such changes, she explains, include increased strength, improved flexibility, reduced stress, better balance and improved posture.

While some barre movements are done with nothing more than an exercise mat, "common props include light handheld weights, resistance bands, and, of course, a ballet barre for support," says Lauren Ziel, an owner and instructor at the Barre3 fitness studio in Newtown, Pennsylvania. 

Because some barre exercises are similar to Pilates exercise, the two workouts are sometimes confused despite being distinct. "While barre and Pilates are low-impact and center on strengthening muscles, the workouts are quite different," explains Ziel. Pilates workouts tend to be mat- or reformer-based, she says. Barre workouts, on the other hand, "typically include more dynamic movement."

Is barre hard for beginners?

Because barre is low impact and easy to learn, it's considered a suitable exercise for most people. Ziel says that barre workouts "are appropriate for all fitness levels, and we welcome beginners." One of the things that makes barre so accessible, is that are multiple types of barre workouts which include basic barre, pure barre, barre3, cardio barre and the bar method. Each one shares similarities with other barre exercises, but each follows distinct techniques for accomplishing varied objectives. Within barre classes, instructors are also taught how to customize movements to match the fitness levels of participants. 

Barre can also be an intense workout, however, and its participants frequently work up a sweat. "You may be a little sore after your first barre workout, but don’t give up, this means you’re working muscles," says Allen.  

Is barre good for losing weight?

Its level of intensity can make barre a good workout option for anyone hoping to shed a few pounds. "Each barre class can burn anywhere from 300-400 calories for an individual who weighs 155 pounds," says Shemek. "After only 8-10 classes, you will see results." At the same time, she stresses that, as with any exercise, one's diet is especially crucial in healthy weight management.

And as good as barre can be for burning calories, some cardio workouts burn even more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a 154-pound person can burn 440 calories an hour playing basketball, 460 calories an hour walking briskly, 510 calories an hour swimming, and 590 calories an hour running.

But the experts say barre offers weight management benefits beyond burning calories alone. Allen says that barre workouts have unique and low-impact ways of building muscle, and that the workout is also great for boosting one's metabolism. "If weight loss is your goal," she suggests, "take a barre class, add in aerobic exercises a few days a week, and plan balanced meals."