Now, I’m no ballerina, and for that matter I’m no Hope Solo either, but I hit the gym five times a week and can definitely dance. So, when I heard that New York Sports Clubs were introducing a brand new selection of signature small-group classes that included ballet, I was eager to get to one — especially if I could learn how to develop long, lean ballerina muscles!
Beyond Barre class was scheduled to start, I have a history of sports-related ankle and knee injuries, so I asked if she thought there was a reason for me to opt out of the class. She and the other Barre-certified NYSC instructors immediately said that it was actually the perfect class for anyone with injuries because it strengthens and improves flexibility in the whole body.
Beyond Barre is a ballet-inspired barre class that blends elements of ballet and Pilates into an intense calorie-burning, muscle-sculpting workout. As opposed to more choreographed dance classes [like zumba or hip-hop], Beyond Barre focuses on muscle isolation to create a burn.”
The 55-minute class jumps from a mat and barre “abs and hams” series to free weights and a glide board (imagine ice skating with ballet flats on a slippery yoga mat) arms and core circuit. I wasn’t fibbing when I said it wiped me out — by the last barre exercise I was actually dripping beads of sweat down my back and my cheeks were bright pink! Learn how to do it at home and start the fitness program today. Find a great deal on your ballet barre here at ballet-barre.net/







