Barre (exercise)

[5][2] Barre classes focus on the lower body and core, developing strength and flexibility from the ankles up though the calves, knees, thighs, glutes and abdominals.

After injuring her back, Berk got the idea of combining her ballet barre routines with her rehabilitative therapy to form an exercise system.

Instructors from the studio went on to found some of the major chains providing barre classes, including Physique 57, The Bar Method, and Exhale Spa.

Sadie Lincoln, co-founder of the barre3 chain of studios attributes the growth of popularity of barre to people wanting smaller, more connected fitness classes in the economic climate following the Global Financial Crisis.

[5] Tanya Becker, co-founder of the Physique 57 chain suggests that the appeal of barre is that classes deliver well-rounded exercise in a short space of time.

[6][2] Supposed benefits include improved strength, posture,[5] flexibility,[1][5][7] balance,[5][6] stability,[5][7] endurance,[6] and muscle definition,[5] together with weight loss[5] and reduced stress.

[6] The balletic plié movement used in many barre classes relies on bending the knee outwards with the legs rotated away from the centreline of the body.