Get fit in 2022 with Barre Fitness in Stephenville. It’s like modern day aerobics.

By ALEXIS ROCHESTER

As an investigative chemist, I love sharing with you the best, most proven science-based cleaning, skincare, gardening, and health tips.

Another thing I am passionate about is exercise.

When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 10, I quickly learned that typical exercise was not going to work for me. With bad knees and arthritic fingers, I wasn’t able to participate in athletics like other kids.

It wasn’t until my mid-twenties I discovered there are so many great exercise options even for those of us who have physical limitations. You don’t have to miss out on beneficial exercise because you have joint issues, knee problems, or anything else that limits your ability to move.

One of those exercises is Barre.

Barre fitness in Stephenville

Every Friday at 9 a.m. at the Stephenville Dance Center, I teach a barre fitness class.

This 45-minute total body workout is unique because it targets all the tiny muscles in your arms, legs, and and glutes.

We have students who are runners, bike riders and yoga people and they all find barre to be a fantastic addition to their workout routines.

It reaches the stabilizer muscles other exercises don’t.

What exactly is barre?

Barre is a full body workout that was created originally for dancers.

Its methodologies pull from ballet, yoga and Pilates.

It focuses on small and specific movements targeting certain muscle groups that provide safe and effective results.

Exercises done in barre are adaptable to those with injury or movement limitations because of its low impact on the body.

Can I do barre with bad knees?

Barre is a great workout for those with bad knees especially the way I have created my class.

In barre, you can also modify any movement by not bending as much. It is one of the most easily modified workouts I have done.

I had a serious knee surgery last March, and I am still not back to normal.

Exercises that are doable for bad knees are a must for me. Even with my knee issues, I can still do my barre class and get a great workout.

What type of equipment is used in barre?

You don’t need much equipment for barre. In the class I teach at the Stephenville Dance Center, we use one to two-pound hand weights for the arm work, but many people don’t use weights at all, and you still get a good workout.

In my class, we use the ballet barre for the leg portion. If you are doing something at home, you can use just about anything for balance; a chair, couch or counter.

The barre is strictly used for balance in a class like this.

Is there an age limit to taking a barre class?

You can be any age. I have taken barre classes with women in their 70s.

Barre is all about low weights and high repetitions which is why it reminds me of a good old-fashioned aerobics class, just more modern with highly specific moves.

Pilates vs. barre

I started taking Pilates before getting certified to teach barre, so my classes are a mix of both. Both of these exercises are gentle on the joints. Barre is more of a dancer inspired workout, and they utilize different equipment.

Barre is like Pilates in the amazing core work.

I think everyone should be able to enjoy safe, gentle workouts despite their age or fitness level.

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Join us every Friday for Barre Fitness

You can join us every Friday at 9 a.m. for a Barre fitness class.

Bring a yoga mat and light set of hand weights. You will learn moves you can practice at home too.

Classes are out for Christmas break, but will resume Jan. 7.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at alexis@chemistrycachet.com or send a text to 817-964-6031.