Barre was created by the ballerina Lotte Berk in London in 1959. After injuring her back, Berk got the idea of combining her ballet bar routines with her rehabilitative therapy to form an exercise system. In 1959 she opened The Lotte Berk Studio in her West End basement.
Barre is a form of physical exercise distinguished from other group fitness activities by its use of the ballet barre and its incorporation of movements derived from ballet. These classical dance movements and positions are combined with those drawn from yoga and pilates, and other equipment is sometimes used in addition to the barre, such as resistance bands, yoga straps, exercise balls and light hand weights. Barre classes typically focus on small, pulsing movements with emphasis on form, alignment and core engagement. Participants hold their bodies still while contracting specific, targeted sets of muscles with isometric exercises.
BARRE FLY FITNESS’S barre and rebounding classes are unique to other fitness classes as they were created under the guidance of fitness professionals, chiropractors, and physical therapists to ensure they are safe and effective for participants spanning a wide range of abilities including those with physical limitations and injuries. Unlike some other barre/rebounding workouts, our instructors undergo a lengthy and rigorous training that includes lessons of anatomy and hands-on adjustments. Annual certification exams ensure the highest standards are upheld across the entire teaching community. Our students receive personalized adjustments, modifications, progressions and encouragement to get the most out of every workout. It’s a workout that is safe and sustainable for life!
Not at all. No dance background is necessary for our classes.
Yes. One of the reasons barre and rebounding is so effective is that it intentionally targets your largest, most calorie-hungry muscle groups (those in your legs and glutes) and keeps them working at an intense pace. This combination of strength training and stamina building boosts the volume of energy you burn every moment during the class. Second, barre adds density to your muscle fiber, making your body more efficient at burning calories all day. Finally, quick and noticeable results – leaner and more lifted muscles – keep participants motivated and feeling great about the transformation they can see in their bodies. It’s a great incentive to keep coming back and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Research shows that you get the best results from exercise by working out three to five times per week. BFF classes are non-impact or low-impact and are safe for your joints, so unlike some other workouts you can do it up to six days a week and still allow enough time for your muscles to recover. We advise that participants listen to their bodies to find the frequency that works best for them. If you feel yourself getting stronger and feeling more confident, your frequency is at a good level. If you start feeling fatigued, you're probably over-doing it. Always be sure to listen to yourself and your body!
First, bring a note from your doctor stating that you can safely participate in strengthening and stretching exercise classes while you are pregnant. Your highly-trained instructors will show you modifications based on your fitness level and gestation timeline.
Dress comfortably. Most participants wear leggings or yoga pants and a t-shirt or tank top. This will help you and your instructor see your form. You won’t be wearing shoes on the studio floor (unless for medical purposes), so you might prefer socks or bare feet are always welcome. BFF has socks with special grips on the soles that help your balance, create traction, and promote circulation throughout your workout.