Barre offers effective workout alternative - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Zumba, P90X -- these are just a few of the fitness crazes that have popped up in the last few years as people look for the most effective way to get into or to stay in shape. Now there is a new workout that anyone can do, and it's called Barre.

Who doesn't admire the long, lean muscles of a ballerina? FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Joanne Feldman found a class that combined ballet with other tried and true disciplines that will work muscles you may not even know you had!

The class may look like a ballet class, but it is the latest craze in fitness, a class that borrows from ballet, yoga, and Pilates for an intense workout.

It starts with moves at a ballet barre.  Student Jennifer Paynter admits the moves may not look like much, but after a few intense minutes she changed her mind.

"You feel it.  You feel like your muscles are on fire," said Paynter.

Lisa Flynn runs the fitness program at Dance Stop in Marietta. She says it is the precise movements that incorporate flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance that make this so effective.

"It builds a longer, leaner muscle, so girls want a little bit thinner thighs, a more lifted "seat", and a more toned tricep. That's what Barre does and it does it safely," said Flynn.

"I've been teaching fitness for over seven years and this is the one class that has really shown results quicker than anything else I've taught before," said instructor Kathy Carroll.  

Carroll leads the class through moves anyone can do regardless of age or fitness level.
 
"I absolutely have to modify some of the moves.  I'm not able to do what some or our more advanced students can do.  But it's a great workout for me even though I'm more at a beginner level," said student Danna Leff.

Then there's Susan Harold who defies her 50-something years with the Barre workout.

"And I took Kathy's class and I was like, wow, that's amazing. The first time I took her class, I thought I was going to throw up," said Harold.

The hour-long workout ends with lights dimmed, in the center of the floor to work abs, stretch, and finally relax.

"That's my favorite because you leave with this very relaxed, soothing feeling," said Leff.

After the rave reviews, Feldman decided to give it a try, and after a few minutes she was wiped out!

The Barre Sculpt Class at Dance Stop is one of several types offered around the metro area. There are also places like Pure Barre or Barre Method that are dedicated to this type of exercise only. Prices can vary greatly, but the Dance Stop class was the least expensive at $10 a class.