For the past few weeks, I’ve been working on changing my unhealthy habits into healthier ones by eating better, moving my body more, and actually exercising consistently.
Recently, I joined a local gym and started using the elliptical and StairMaster for cardio. But I also wanted to add strength training to my fitness routine.
There was just one problem.
I hate lifting weights.
I’m sorry. It’s boring to me. I’d much rather use my own body weight and do something that actually keeps me engaged.
So what did I choose to kick off my strength training journey?
Barre class.
Little did I know, my first barre class was about to give me a rude and extremely humbling awakening.
Why I Decided to Try Barre Class
I’ve taken yoga, power stretching, and Pilates classes before.
Granted, that was a long time ago and about fifty pounds lighter ago, but still! I had experience!
I became interested in barre because I wanted a workout that would challenge me while incorporating body weight strength training.
And, of course, being the Plan A anxious queen that I am, I immediately went to social media and the internet to research what to expect at my first barre class.
I needed to be PREPARED.
After doing some research and making a few purchases, including grip socks and a yoga mat, I felt ready.
Then I got to class and realized…
I forgot my damn yoga mat.
Thankfully, they had spare mats available, so crisis averted.
And then class started.
Is Barre Class Hard for Beginners?
There is really no elegant way to put this:
Barre whooped my ass.
If you’re wondering whether barre class is hard for beginners, my personal answer is YES.
Do not walk into your first barre class thinking you’re about to have a cute, slow, relaxing yoga moment.
Absolutely not.
Barre felt like Pilates and aerobics got together and decided to choose violence.
And don’t let that ballet barre fool you into thinking you’re about to gracefully channel your inner ballerina either.
The music wasn’t slow.
It wasn’t classical.
It wasn’t peaceful or zen.
It was upbeat and BOOMING.
My heart was racing. I was sweating. My muscles were screaming. I discovered muscles I didn’t even know existed.
At one point, I genuinely thought my body was trying to lock up and file a formal complaint against me.
My muscles were probably cussing me out during class, after class, and possibly into the next morning.
But despite struggling and silently questioning every decision that led me into that room, I was determined to finish.
And I did.
At Least I Wasn’t Suffering Alone
Thankfully, I wasn’t the only barre beginner in class.
There were a few other people taking barre for the first time, which turned the whole experience into a beautiful little misery loves company situation.
Shoutout to them.
We tried our best.
I also met a few new acquaintances who were really friendly, and the barre instructor was incredibly helpful and patient, especially with those of us who were new.
After completing my first barre class, I treated myself to some green tea because apparently that is who I am now.
Health. Wellness. Suffering. Green tea.
✨ Balance. ✨
Will I Take Barre Class Again?
Yes.
But not anytime soon.
Barre, baby, you won this round.
My first barre class taught me that I need to build my strength, flexibility, stamina, and endurance before jumping back into another class.
For now, I want to go back to basics.
I’m planning to start with beginner yoga to work on my flexibility, mobility, balance, and body awareness. Then I want to move into Pilates and gradually build more strength and endurance.
After a few months of building myself up?
I’ll be back, barre.
And hopefully next time, my muscles won’t threaten to leave my body.
My Advice for Barre Beginners
My biggest piece of advice for anyone thinking about trying barre?
Never underestimate barre.
It may look innocent from the outside, but those tiny movements will humble you QUICKLY.
I still think everyone who is curious about barre should try a beginner class at least once and decide whether it’s right for them.
But if you haven’t been very active lately, especially if you work a desk job like me, I personally recommend starting slowly.
Build up your stamina and endurance. Try beginner yoga. Get your body moving and work on your flexibility. Then give Pilates a try and start building more strength.
Once you feel ready for something more intense, step up to that barre and see what happens.
Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
As for me?
I’ll see barre again when my body and I are back on speaking terms.
