Sue Harragan discovered this technique at Komick's Manhattan Beach studio and was instantly hooked. With a busy lifestyle, Sue was looking for a great total body workout and found the perfect match with the barre technique. The muscle building and toning combined with a bit of cardio gave Sue results she could really see. After a recent move to Nevada Sue realized there was an amazing opportunity to bring the barre workout to Las Vegas. Sue's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the barre workout inspired her to open Barre Las Vegas™. Always a fitness enthusiast, Sue began extensive training of the barre technique both in LA and New York and also holds personal and group fitness training certifications. You'll find that Sue's meticulous attention to form and the barre technique will ensure Barre Las Vegas will provide students with rapid body-changing results and an experience that is addicting. Sue is excited to finally share the barre technique with others in Las Vegas.
What is the barre workout?
The barre workout is a unique total-body workout method set to motivating and upbeat music. Focused on precise movements to strengthen the muscle followed by orthopedic stretching to lean out the muscle, the results are impressive. The barre workout has evolved over the years from the Lotte Berk Method and Callanetics. Using fat-burning interval training principles, the results are a lean, flexible, healthy body. At Barre Las Vegas ™ we teach the barre physique™ technique which is the interpretation of the barre workout from our sister studio Barre Physique Manhattan Beach™. Each class follows the same format but with the hundreds of exercises variations, no two classes should ever be the same. There isn’t any choreography and flexibility is not required to enjoy this class!
What do you do in a barre class?
Classes begin with a basic warm up then focus on building the upper body strength and muscles using light weights. The class progresses to the barre for stretching before the thigh, hamstring and seat work. Throughout the class, muscles are pushed to exhaustion then followed by a series of stretches to lengthen and stretch out the worked muscles. You might also find push-ups and planks intermittently throughout the class. The class concludes on the floor for the abdominal series and back-dancing followed by final stretches. The ballet bar is used for support while straps, balls and foam are used for variations and extra challenges.
How effective is it and how long does it take to see results?
This workout is extremely effective if done consistently. Many students do lose weight but others find that their body changes so that they lose body size. For example, when taking the class on average of 3-4 times per week over a one month period the average Barre Physique client lost up to 10 inches. As you build muscle and burn fat in class you’ll see that your muscles are getting firmer, leaner and toned.
To see noticeable changes in your body, we recommend that you take class at least 3-5 times per week.
Some new clients notice a ‘lift’ in their seat or fullness in their thighs and think they are getting bigger. However, don’t get discouraged as your body is changing for the better! As you continue taking class your muscles will burn away the inter-muscular fat and leave you with long, lean muscles and a slimmer appearance. For this reason it can take up to six months to see really noticeable results in your body. Once you’ve achieved your desired physique it’s good to maintain your shape by attending class 2-3 times per week. The barre workout is also a great compliment to yoga and Pilates workouts.
Why has it become so popular and do you see this trend taking off in Las Vegas and why?
The barre workout has become effective due to the large array of exercises within the technique and the incredible results seen from it. A lean, strong and toned body is one many people strive for and with this technique, not only do you see these results but you most likely had fun creating them. With the number of different exercises within the technique, you will never take the same barre class twice.
Can anyone do the barre workout?
Yes the barre workout is safe and effective workout. Dance experience, grace and flexibility is not necessary or required even though many of the movements are ballet-inspired. The small class size provides a comfortable environment where students are encouraged to go at their own pace or are challenged to advance. Modifications will be given as needed. Pregnant, post-natal or at risk clients must have written approval from their doctor. We ask that pregnant women who have not taken a barre class before wait until after their birth to start taking class. The barre workout is excellent for post-natal shaping up and we offer a special new-mom package!
Can you modify exercises for people with previous injuries?
Yes and many chiropractors recommend the barre workout since it’s not stressful on the joints and incorporates therapeutic stretching. Since the class is non-impact you won’t find the typical elements of a jumping or bouncing cardio class that often result in injuries.
Is there a beginning, intermediate and advanced level for this technique?
Yes, Level One class is for students that want a slower introduction to the barre workout. There is a Mixed class that is appropriate for Level One or Level Two students. A Level Two class will be offered in 2010. In addition there will be a Technique Class offered once a month. This is a free class where students can come and perfect their form and technique.
Are all the classes the same or will they be different each time you go?
The class format is always the same but there are hundreds of different variations of the exercises so no two classes should ever be exactly the same. That’s what keeps the barre workout so fresh!
What do I need to wear to class?
Be sure to wear comfortable yet form-fitting workout clothes so you (and the instructors) can ensure that your posture, alignment and form are correct for optimal results. Long pants or pants that cover at least your thighs are suggested to keep your muscles warm during the exercises. In addition socks are required. The best socks to use have ‘sticky’ grips on the bottom so that your foot can stay firmly attached on the barre when needed. We sell Crescent Moon grip socks in the boutique.
What do students need to bring to class?
Everything you will need is provided except water, which is also sold in the boutique. We use light weights and do multiple repetitions to build long lean muscles and not bulk up.
Sometimes we use balls or foam for a variation, extra challenge and support. We also stretch using mats and straps.
How long is each class?
Each class is one hour. Private and Semi-Private sessions are also available.
Do all instructors need to be certified in the barre workout?
All instructors are certified to teach the barre physique™ technique.
What is the cost of a class? Do you have packages and if so what is the cost?
A single class is $20 unless you buy a package, then the price per class goes down. All new clients will be offered a one-time $99 month unlimited special.
What will the hours of the boutique be?
Monday through Friday 10am-noon then 4pm -8pm. We will be open from 10am-8pm throughout December. We proudly feature lululemon athletica and other fitness related merchandise.