What to expect your first barre class

Hello Barre-bies!

If you're anything like me, trying a barre workout for the first time was/seems a bit intimidating. So, for those who haven't tried Roc the Barre yet I want to describe my first experience with barre as well as what to expect in a basic Roc the Barre class.

Some things made me nervous about trying barre for the first time. I had arthritis in many joints.  I danced a little when I was a kid, but have become increasingly more uncoordinated as I got older. I was not in the shape I wanted to be in (hence wanting to try something new).  I was by no means a ballerina.  I knew and was grateful that no real dancing was involved, but for some reason I still imagined leg warmers, ballerina bodies, and ballerina buns.

I was escorted into the studio, placed in the front of class next to the dreaded mirror so teachers could keep an eye on me, and given the necessary items (yoga strap, light weights, yoga mat, and ball).  Women of all shapes and sizes were also in class.  Some were pregnant, some wore braces to protect their old injuries, and some were so fit they looked like they didn't need the class. There were no buns, leg warmers, or ballet shoes. 

Before I knew it I was on my feet in a warm up. Next, we utilized the weights in the arm toning portion of class. After arms we stretched out the shoulders and arms and moved on to thighs. Thighs were done with the use of the ballet barre for some support. They thoroughly exhausted my thighs and my thighs were not only on fire but were shaking, which was very new to me. I was told that shaking is good as that means muscles are being changed. I was all about my muscles changing!  The derriere was next and we again utilized the barre for support.  Lastly we worked the abs, all of the abs, on the mat. After each strength section we stretched the muscles we just used. The hour went by so quickly I was surprised when the class was over.  My legs were so sore that I could barely walk to my car, but the soreness lessened each time I went to a class.  It is true that, unless you take a long time off of barre, you are never as sore after the workout as you are the first time you do it. 

As far as my bad knees, hands and elbows went, they were fine.  There were plenty modifications I could use if and when I needed them.  I found that over time the more I took barre, the better my joints felt.

Roc the Barre uses the same flow I described above. Since there is a big emphasis on proper form, I correct each student as needed.  Modifications are always available as well.  I do not place new students front and center in class, but I do keep a close eye on them.  I will admit though, I personally love and wear leg warmers. From time to time I sport a ballerina bun. I also might invest in Nike's barre studio wraps because they look so adorable, but for now I wear my grippy socks.

Nike Studio Wraps $110 Spring 2013

I hope this helps alleviate some of the first time jitters for new barre students.  Most people become addicted after just one class, but getting in the door into that first class is the hard part for some. Once you do, you will be so happy you took that step.

Kerry S.
Roc the Barre
www.rocthebarrerochester.com
https://www.facebook.com/RocTheBarre
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