I have been rocking the #10Kfor10 challenge over the last couple of weeks averaging more than 15,000 steps per day in my first two weeks.  It’s an awesome feeling to really see myself accomplishing that goal.

Even though I’m crushing my cardio and aerobic goals, I am and always have been lacking in strength and core training.  To help me avoid picking up some weights and doing a few crunches one of my girlfriends invited me to join her for a Friday morning barre class at Be Barre Fit in Hockessin.

The reception area has plenty of workout merchandise, including Be Barre Fit grip socks – a must for not falling during class.

BBF has a locker area to keep your things while you’re in class.

Since barre classes have gotten so popular recently I felt like this was a good opportunity to give the trend a try.  I knew it was sort a cross between yoga or pilates and ballet style dance, so I was a little hesitant.  I’m not particularly graceful and I have a hard time with the meditation aspect of yoga, but I found that barre was nothing like that.

The class was essentially an upbeat and moderate paced strength and core workout with an emphasis on posture.  To be honest, I was sore for about three days after the class because our instructor Beth had worked us so hard without my realizing it!

We started off using free weights and resistance bands on our bands, then moved to other strength moves and a core workout on the bar.  Seriously, my obliques have not worked that hard in a looooooong time.

This was one of the “core moves” we did utilizing the ballet bar.

Pros:

• Strength & core training:  Barre class was a great way to get in a strength and core workout (comparable to many circuit workouts) without having to hang out in a gym with men who could easily bench press me.
• Easy transition to start the day:  I was able to get a full workout in (I promise that it was tough!), without getting super sweaty.  I did a quick Polish bath before changing into my work clothes and heading to the office.

I was terrible at this move where we did various leg movements while maintaining our posture and clenching the ball.

Cons:

• Price:  If you commit to barre classes at least three times a week, the price per class can be reasonable.  Since I have an all-inclusive gym membership (gym, fitness classes, pool) I can’t justify paying an additional fee for a barre studio. 
• Lack of cardio:  While it’s great to build some muscle, you absolutely aren’t getting your heart healthy needs met without some cardio.  A barre regimen would also require some kind of regular cardio activity.

Price:

Be Barre Fit (Hockessin, DE)
$20 drop in
$170 monthly

Local Competitors:

Pure Barre (Greenville, DE)
$23 drop in
$225 monthly

Skinny Barre (Wilmington, DE & Pike Creek, DE)
$15 drop in
$130 for 10 classes

FitRyde (Glen Mills, PA)
$19 drop in
$125 monthly

Tulaa Yoga (Kennett Square, PA)
$10 all classes

Fit (Wilmington, DE)
$15 drop in
$100 for 10 classes

Bliss Yoga (Kennett Square, PA)
$15 drop in
$100 monthly

YMCA (various locations in DE)
$10 guest pass for one day (all inclusive of facilities)
$60 monthly (all inclusive of facilities)

Bottom Line:

Barre seemed to be a great strength and core workout if that’s something you’d like to incorporate into your routine.  The ladies at Be Barre Fit were great and I really enjoyed myself at the class.

The owner Trish (rear) and our class instructor Beth (front) were both so polite and friendly.  Beth didn’t even make me feel bad about what I am sure was my poor form and posture!