If you have been following the Right Fits for awhile, you
probably know that I am a pretty big fan of barre classes- just check
out this list of previous posts about barre classes, and you will see what
I mean.
Fits Do Fitness Class Reviews: Barre Bliss
Fresh New Fit: Anyone up for the Barre?
Fit for Men: Let's go to the Barre with the Men!
Fresh New Fit: Anyone up for the Barre?
Fit for Men: Let's go to the Barre with the Men!
Over my years of blogging at The Right Fits, my favorite studio for a barre workout has changed and evolved. You'll see in my different posts that I flow through different "obsessions" with regards to barre. Just like in other part of life, the right fit for me with regards to a barre workout has changed and evolved over these years as well. Additionally, the Twin Cities area keeps adding more barre studios to choose from. I haven't tried them all, but here is some information about the ones that I have tried.
I want to give you ALL the barre information that I have in one LONG post, with the hope that my "barre"-hopping will help you find a barre workout that works for you!
Here's goes...
I want to give you ALL the barre information that I have in one LONG post, with the hope that my "barre"-hopping will help you find a barre workout that works for you!
Here's goes...
Let me start with the basics.
What does a barre class entail?
Every barre class will have you working at least part of
the time at a ballet-type barre, like this:
You’ll do a lot of reps of small, pulsing movements, lifting and lowering limbs a mere inch or two- (“up an inch, down an inch!”). The moves will target the muscles in your core and lower body, with an emphasis on form and alignment. Many classes also work your upper body at some point in the class, via hand weights or pushups. Some barre studios will throw in some other props, too, like yoga straps, exercise balls and magic circles. You may be sore after the first few classes, but you’ll also probably see some pretty major results as well!
You’ll do a lot of reps of small, pulsing movements, lifting and lowering limbs a mere inch or two- (“up an inch, down an inch!”). The moves will target the muscles in your core and lower body, with an emphasis on form and alignment. Many classes also work your upper body at some point in the class, via hand weights or pushups. Some barre studios will throw in some other props, too, like yoga straps, exercise balls and magic circles. You may be sore after the first few classes, but you’ll also probably see some pretty major results as well!
Barre is all about
lengthening muscles, while strengthening them, in an effort
to obtain a lean dancer’s body. A barre class could be described as a combination of
Pilates, yoga, and ballet moves that can give you beautiful, sculpted, lean muscles.
And barre is for anyone- dancer or
non-dancer, male or female!
The sheer number of options for barre classes in the Twin
Cities can be overwhelming, so to help you out, I have put together this list
of all the studios that I have tried. I have also included a second opinion on
some of the studios from my friend Vicki, who is an avid “barre-ista” of the
Twin Cities barre scene (not to be confused with the bar scene J!)
Vicki has tried just as many barre classes as me, so she offers an informed
opinion.
You might remember Vicki's name from when she did a guest post
about the free lululemon boot camp in THIS POST ßwhat a great option that bootcamp was- at a price that fit the bill!
Some Initial Comments About Barre Classes from Vicki
With the exercises in barre so focused and small, I find that I have to completely shut off my thoughts and concentrate just on the class if I want to get anything out of it. If I have a lot on my mind, another workout (ie running or other cardio, which doesn’t require as much focus) is better for me that day.
I
agree with Vicki! Barre is not like spin or running, It’s also not a sweat-fest
like a hot yoga class either (you might not sweat as much, but doesn’t mean
you’re not working!)
You
can tell that barre’s roots are in ballet and dance, as the movements are
graceful yet extremely precise. Its best to go into a barre class with a
focused mindset- if you need to get your daily sweat, go for a run first, and then do a barre class (please
shower first!), and then you might get a lot more out of the barre workout.
I
think that the barre workouts do really work.
If you do it consistently, you will see a difference in your muscle tone,
as well as an increase in long, lean muscles and strength. I also believe that taking
barre classes helped me with my IT band issues- all that focused core work,
outer thigh, and glute strengthening is exactly what my PT said that I needed.
Going to barre helps me stay on top of keeping a strong core and preventing
further injury.
So,
here is the list of your options for Twin Cities barre classes, in no
particular order. This is a long list, so maybe pin it to your pinterest page
so you can keep it as a reference for future fitness decisions!
Pure Barre:
Website: http://purebarre.com/
Location: One location on 36th
Street in St. Louis Park (though the online address says Minneapolis). This is
a franchise with many, many locations in the country. That’s a good thing though
if you travel a lot, as you can use a class package at any location.
Drop-in: $22
Parking: Ample parking behind
the studio
Equipment: Yoga mat and all
equipment are provided
Feet: MUST wear socks-
grippy socks suggested but not required
Class Types: One type of class
offered- pretty standard format across all instructors
Studio: The studio is dark, with
no natural light, but plenty of mirrors to assess your form. The floors are
carpeted, which is unique to Pure Barre. The teachers are very friendly and
welcoming, and they make an effort to know your name, and address you by name
during class.
Cancellation policy: Two hours
My opinion:
I
have heard mixed reviews from other friends who have gone to Pure Barre. Some
people really don’t like the format, and I have heard complaints that it’s hard
to follow the instructors, or that it’s a little loud and hard to see the
instructor to understand the moves. However, I usually enjoy this class, and I often
feel quite sore afterwards. I feel that I am getting a decent workout. Previous
barre experience is probably helpful at this studio since it sounds like people
feel that it is harder to follow. They have a ton of class times and options,
which is really awesome. Most of the teachers
are super fit, and you have to think that it’s Pure Barre that helped get them
there! When I was going here regularly, I definitely noticed more tone and
tightness, so I do think it works. Taking a “Breaking down the Barre” workshop,
which are offered periodically, would be helpful to ensure you are doing the
moves correctly.
Vicki’s Second Opinion:
Pros: Pure Barre has a nice
studio with a changing room available; staff is welcoming; fast moving class
with exercises timed to the music for the most part; often have deals on class
packages and they offer corporate discounts to select companies;
Cons: There are no showers available (although
there is a changing room as mentioned above, and you don’t necessarily need a shower
as you won’t sweat a ton); some of the moves are hard to follow and the moves
are often so concentrated that it is hard to know if you are doing them right;
I don’t understand the moves in some of the ab portion of the class. I just
can’t seem to get it, so that 5 minutes or so of class is wasted on me; no
classes include any cardio component
Other comments: Although socks are
required here you can get away without having the grippy socks, just regular
gym socks work just fine; classes don’t seem to fill up very fast so I tend to
not sign up until shortly before class so I know I can make it…that may change
as we head into winter and weekend classes are busier as well.
Overall: I enjoy classes here. If I really put my effort into class and stay
focused, I definitely feel it. I feel
the most welcome/support by the staff/teachers here.
Balanced Barre
Website: http://www.balancedbarre.com/
Location: Two studios- one
location in St. Louis Park (where I have gone) and one in Wayzata
Drop-in: $20
Parking: Ample parking behind
the studio at the SLP location
Equipment: Yoga mat and all
equipment are provided
Feet: Barefoot (no socks)
Class Types: Offers BarreAmped,
BarreAmped Bootcamp (with cardio) and BarreAmped Express (45 minutes)
Studio: The studio is clean and
bright with lots of natural light. The changing room is down the hall, which is
a little odd. There are no showers.
Cancellation policy: Two hours. Classes never
seem to fill up, so don’t stress if you forgot to sign up online
My opinion:
This
studio offers a really good barre class. I
think the instructors know what they are doing, and they offer some good
adjustments to help you with your form. The studio is open/bright, and you can
easily follow along with the moves. I definitely feel the burn in this class. I like the "BarreAmped" method that they follow, and this studio is up there as one of my favorites, due to its convenient location and the class options.
Vicki’s Second Opinion (specific to the St. Louis Park location):
Pros: I like the class
options here. They offer regular barre, along with bootcamp/cardio barre in
which cardio bursts are included, I’ve been sore after the classes so feel as
if I’m getting a good workout. The instructors provide good verbal descriptions of the moves.
Cons: There are never very many people in the class,
which I guess could be a good thing in terms of more attention/adjustments from
the instructor, but I like a fuller class for motivation. The studio isn’t as
nice as other places, as the bathroom is way down the hall with not-so-great
changing area. The environment isn't as warm and welcoming as some others.
Other comments: My feet were cold the
entire time in the last class I went to since weather is now colder, I wish I
would have had socks.
Overall: While this hasn't been my favorite studio environment, the classes are tough and I like the bootcamp and cardio class options.
Align Pilates:
Website: http://alignpilates.com/
Location: One studio in uptown in
Minneapolis
Drop-in: $20
Parking: Parking can be a
challenge, though you can usually find something on the street
Equipment: Bring your own yoga
mat, other equipment is provided
Feet: Barefoot (no socks)
Class Types: One style of barre class
offered “Barre Align”, cardio is usually included as part of the class.
Studio: There is a shower
available in the locker room, but I have never seen anyone use it. The studio
is very bright and clean. The instructors are welcoming and friendly.
Cancellation policy: Two hours
My opinion:
Align
barre classes offers a good overall workout. I have always enjoyed them.
However, their schedule options are not as good as other studios, so I don’t
end up going here as often. When I do get to go, I enjoy it. They incorporate
different equipment, like “magic circles”, etc. for a change in format. The
barre portion of the class is not quite as focused or as challenging as other
barre classes, in my opinion. Their format seems to me to be a little more like a yoga sculpt
class, with a little work at the barre. My personal preference is more towards a class that really focuses on the butt and core work, when I attend a barre class. However, I
still would recommend Align, and I feel that you get a good overall full body
workout here.
Vicki’s Second Opinion:
I
have been to Align a few times. I like
their class format a lot since includes several cardio bursts and I think the
studio is nice with friendly staff. I
also like that Align is not just a barre studio, they offer pilates and yoga
classes as well so you can get more than just barre in one place. Although I don’t go there regularly due to
the studio location not being convenient for me, I would definitely recommend
Align.
Modo Barre (i.e. Moksha
Yoga)
Website: http://minneapolis.modoyoga.com/
Location: One location in uptown
in Minneapolis
Drop-in: $17
Parking: Ample parking in the
lot in front
Equipment: Yoga mat and all
equipment are provided
Feet: Barefoot (no socks)
Class Types: One style of barre class
offered, cardio is usually included as part of the class
Cancellation policy: Two hours
Comments: I haven’t actually been
to a barre class yet at Modo, so I can’t share an opinion yet. I have been to
plenty of hot yoga classes at Modo, but have yet to try their barre options.
Haute Barre
Location: One studio in St. Louis
Park located at the Shops at the West End
Drop-in: $20
Parking: Ample parking in the
free ramp across from the studio
Equipment: All equipment
including yoga mat are provided
Feet: Barefoot (no socks)
Studio: The studio is small but
clean and modern. There were changing rooms in the back, but I did not see any
showers.
Class Types: multiple class types as
follows:
haute
SHAKE-IT
(the original Haute Barre class),60 minute full body workout, targeting the
areas we love to work the most – the arms, abdominals, thighs, and glutes. haute HYBRID – Maximize your calorie
burn in this 60-minute cardio barre fusion class – This 60-minute workout
combines toning and sculpting sections from the haute SHAKE-IT with
high-intensity cardio intervals.
haute
FAB-45
– This is a 45 minute condensed version of haute SHAKE-IT
willPower
& grace®
– Develop graceful and efficient movement in this full-body cardio-sculpting
workout. This unique barefoot class incorporates the intensity of boot-camp,
the self-awareness of yoga, and the discipline of Pilates and barre. The
formatted movement progressions are taught with positive, uplifting philosophy
to increase your self-confidence and show you results! Haute Barre is excited
to be the first studio to bring willPower & grace® to the Twin Cities!
haute
REJUVENATE
– Restore and align in this 60-minute restorative barre class – This class
covers the signature elements of our traditional haute SHAKE-IT class and adds
gentle cardio and restorative yoga elements.
haute BURN
75 –
Maximize the burn in this 75-minute barre class - haute BURN 75 incorporates
all the muscle burn of the haute SHAKE-IT class and the extra calorie burn of
the haute HYBRID class in an extended 75 minute format.
Other Comments: I had a male teacher
here, who was a professional dancer. His format was definitely more of a
“ballet” type barre class, but I really liked it. He was a good instructor, and
I felt the burn. He also played great tunes.
My opinion:
This
seemed to be a solid option, though the West End location isn’t super
convenient to me. However, I will definitely try to go back here in the future,
as I enjoyed the haute SHAKE IT class quite a bit. We did a lot of core work,
and the instructor incorporated two different exercise bands into the class,
which really left my muscles shaking. This class was a good workout, and I
would recommend it.
The Barre
Website: http://thebarrestudio.com/
Location: Two studios- one in
Edina at 50th/France, one in Wayzata
Drop-in: $22
Parking: Ample parking at the
Edina location in one of the free parking ramps nearby
Equipment: All equipment
including yoga mat are provided
Feet: MUST wear socks
Class Types: Open barre (60 minutes)
or “Mini Barre” (45 minutes)
Studio: Very aesthetically
pleasing studio. Shower was available. Instructors were very, very friendly and
welcoming. They offer childcare while you take a class. Class times also seem
to be more catered for stay-at-home-moms.
Cancellation policy: Unsure
My
opinion:
This is my favorite barre classes right
now (but my opinion is always changing!). The studio itself is really nice and
the instructors were super friendly. In fact, after my first class, I received
a personalized thank you card in the mail. If you bring a first time friend,
you and the friend both get a free class. This class offered a good mix of
challenging barre work and core work, and I especially liked their arm segment
at the beginning of class. I will be back to this studio in the future;
however, I hope they add more class times, as their schedule is very limiting
right now for a working barre-ista.
Vicki’s Second Opinion:
Pros: Nice studio with lockers and large bathroom
(enough room to change in bathroom, no separate changing room or showers); fast
moving class; lots of hand weight options; the moves seemed easier to follow
versus Pure Barre (although perhaps because I’m used to many of them now having
gone to Pure Barre?); really good focus on arm section of the class
Cons: The class schedule is not great, as there are
not a lot of weeknight evening classes or later mornings on weekends offered at
the Edina location.
Other Comments: I definitely recommend
purchasing grippy socks for classes here.
The floors are not carpeted and I found myself slipping quite a bit when
I wore just regular gym socks.
Overall: I was pretty sore after the classes here so I
definitely recommend it.
Barre Bliss
Website: http://www.barrebliss.com/
Location: One studio in uptown
Drop-in: $20
Parking: Parking can be
challenging, though there is limited parking in the lot behind the studio
Equipment: Bring your own yoga
mat, other equipment is provided
Feet: Barefoot (no socks)
Class Types: One style of barre class
offered, cardio is usually included as part of the class
Cancellation policy: Unsure
My opinion: I haven’t been to this
studio in quite awhile. A few friends have given it mixed reviews;
however, I think it’s a solid option that is pretty similar to Align. I need to
go back to give it another shot. I had trouble finding parking one time, so I
ended up missing a class, and ended up not going back since then. I should
probably go back to give it another chance, as the owner was previously one of
my favorite yoga sculpt instructors from Corepower Yoga.
Avatar
Location: One studio located downtown
Drop-in: $20. Free trial week for
new clients- great deal! Trial week also can be used for TRX classes.
Parking: Parking can be
challenging, though there is limited parking in the lot behind the studio. Free
meter parking before 6 am in front on the street though!
Equipment: Bring your own yoga
mat, other equipment is provided
Feet: Barefoot (no socks)
Class Types: One style of barre class
offered, cardio is usually included as part of the class
Cancellation policy: Unsure
Comments: Avatar offers a free
trial week for new local students, which is really nice. The studio was very,
very nice and clean. They had great locker rooms and showers. The class format
was a lot like Align’s, which makes sense, as the instructor did her training
through Align. I thought the class was a good overall workout. However, my
personal preference for barre is a little more focused on butt and core, my
problem areas. I would go back to Avatar, as I think it was a good class with a
friendly instructor, and she utilized different props in unique ways.
In
closing, I strongly suggest you try out a few different studios and teachers
before making a decision about which studio is the right fit for you. I have tried a
lot and my opinion is always changing! Every class and every instructor are all
slightly different. Its nice that we live in a city that has so many options to
choose from. I
know that there probably are even more studios in the area than those that I
mentioned. Please share in the comments
if you know of another one that you think should be included (or that you think
the Right Fits should test out!)
Remember,
these are just my opinions (and/or Vicki’s). What works for you could be very
different, and your experience one day at a particular studio could be
completely different than ours.
I
hope you found this list helpful. Good luck at the barre ladies (or gents!)
 |
| Jess with some of her fellow barre enthusiasts! |
going through things like professional fitness reviews can really help you make an informed decision. You will always want a first hand look as well but it can really help you narrow it down to the best choices
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