Welcome back to another Trying New Things! In this monthly column, I try a health, wellness or fitness activity to help you decide if it’s something you might want to try yourself. From recreational softball to crossfit to reformer Pilates, each experience has challenged my idea of what a “good workout” looks like. This month, I finally tried barre, a workout I’ve heard about for years but never actually stepped into.
What Is It?
Quick anecdote, after attending a barre class, I called my Dad to tell him about how it went. He asked, “A bar class? To make drinks?” When I told him no, the other barre, he said “oh, you are interested in law?” Nope, not that either!
Barre (yes, pronounced “bar”) is a workout inspired by ballet, Pilates and strength training. It typically incorporates small, controlled movements, light weights, bodyweight exercises and a ballet barre for balance. While it may look graceful and gentle from the outside, barre is known for targeting very specific muscle groups and pushing them to fatigue through repetition and holds. It’s often described as low-impact but high-intensity, which I quickly learned can be a very real thing.
Two Different Experiences
To get a well rounded sense of barre, I took two classes at very different studios, and similar to my experience at two reformer Pilates studios, the contrast was noticeable.
The first class was at a local, privately owned studio taught by a former ballerina. From the start, it felt serious in the best way. The class was small, the instruction was extremely precise and there was a strong emphasis on form and muscle engagement. We spent a lot of time in deep squats, tiny pulses and movements that didn’t look like much but burned almost immediately. Every adjustment the instructor gave felt intentional, and it was clear she deeply understood how the body should be working in each position. It was one of those classes where you’re shaking, questioning your life choices and yet, somehow, still impressed by how focused it feels.
The second class was at a larger barre studio with many locations. The vibe was more general and approachable. The movements were still challenging but less intense and easier to follow. It felt more like a full body workout designed to appeal to a wide range of people rather than a hyper-focused muscle burn. While it didn’t push me to the same level of fatigue, I still enjoyed the flow of the class and appreciated how accessible it felt. That said, the instruction wasn’t quite as detailed, and I found myself missing the hands-on corrections and depth of explanation from the first studio.
Beginner Friendly?
Yes but, as I’m learning with many fitness classes through writing this column, it depends on where you go.
The larger, multi-location studio felt very beginner friendly. The pace was manageable, the movements were clearly cued and I think it would be a great entry point for someone new to barre or even fitness in general. The private studio, while incredible, was significantly more challenging. I wouldn’t recommend that specific class as a first ever barre experience unless you’re comfortable being pushed and don’t mind feeling sore afterward.
If you’re curious about barre, starting somewhere more general and then working your way into a more intense, technique-driven class might be the best approach.
Did I Feel Like I Was Working Out?
Neither class was cardio-heavy or left me drenched in sweat, but the muscle fatigue was undeniable. The private studio class, in particular, left my legs shaking during class and sore the next day in that deep, targeted way. It was the kind of soreness that makes you very aware of muscles you don’t usually think about. The larger studio class felt lighter in comparison, but still effective enough that I knew my body had worked.
Barre surprised me. What looks subtle is actually incredibly demanding, especially when taught by someone with a strong technical background. While I enjoyed both classes, I preferred the private studio experience. The instructor’s attention to detail and deep understanding of movement made the workout feel more intentional and effective.
Barre may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy structured workouts, precise movements and feeling muscles work in a new way, it’s absolutely worth trying.
