Barre and Balance: Tuesdays, 8:15am at FSII in the cardio studio
Group Instructor Ariana McCann shares her insights with Kim Hillard, Four Seasons Senior Fitness Specialist
Why should I take a Barre and Balance class? Barre and Balance seeks to improve participant’s posture, balance and foot health. We work on slow, deliberate movements to open the hips, challenge the core and major muscle groups. We focus on form, posture and control throughout the class.
Who can participate? It is geared towards the modified crowd, but there are plenty of options for people who want to bring it up a notch or two. I find it helpful to know about limitations/challenges before class to help give options for modifications.
What should I wear? Comfortable gym clothes work well. I encourage people to go barefoot or in socks. Some people use socks with grips on the bottom. Please drop your boots outside and come in barefoot so as not to track any salt into the studio.
What should I do the first time I attend? Introduce yourself and tell me about any physical challenges or limitations you may have.
What type of equipment will I need to bring/set up? You do not need to bring anything with you, but may need to grab some equipment from the front before class begins.
What type of movements/exercises can I expect? We start with a head-toe warm up including foot specific movements and stretches. We’ll cover legs, core arms and every class is varied a little bit. There is a hint of a traditional ballet barre feel, but it is not nearly as intense as a barre class.
What differentiates Barre and Balance from Barre to the Beat? There will only be 8-16 reps of each exercise, it is at a slower pace and the music is lower. I do not use a mic, so the music is not as loud.
What will I see? You will see 4 free standing barres and my mini barre at the front. We typically face the mirrors, but do turn the other way when we alternate legs. We may use a small weighted ball, a block, a small inflated ball or a resistance band. I will move through the room as needed to correct form and posture.
What will I hear? My voice cuing for proper alignment and form throughout each exercise with some light music in the background.
What will I feel? During class, you’ll feel every major muscle group work along with some smaller supporting muscle groups. You’ll have a few breaks during class, but you will not feel very sweaty. After class, you will feel a sense of accomplishment, steadier on your feet and hopefully taller!
Thank you, Ariana, for the insights on what a Barre & Balance class is like. It is classes like this that make us more intentional about our movements. Check out this awesome class!