DOES BARRE WORK? | brutally honest opinion

Does barre work? Keep watching to find out the real benefits of barre workouts and see who should actually take the workout.
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[@MatthewDFritz]

I am a 49 yr old male competitive athlete who has trained regularly since I was 13 (many years of weight training, body weight resistance training, intervals, cardio, & endurance). I've plateaued in everything many times over. I just started Pure Barre (21 classes so far) and I'm getting murdered in there every day. The ladies are doing circles around me. My thoughts about this review: 1) There are various methods for different types of muscle building. Body builders lift heavy weights with low reps to build (dangerously) bulky beach muscles, while sprinters (like me) use high reps and lower weight to build fast twitch muscle fibers. So Barre is more on the functional muscle strengthening end of the spectrum, which I prefer. 2) I agree that weight resistance is the most efficient muscle building technique, but there's not a lot you can do with weights to build a strong core. For core strength, nothing I've ever done even comes close to Barre. 3) Muscle lengthening sounds incorrect, but I think they are simply implying is increased flexibility, not the length of attachment points. It's pretty obvious that flexibility (lengthening) is something humans need to work at to achieve. Barre is great for that. 4) Pure Barre does offer 3 types of classes, one of which is cardio based. My experience with cardio based (empower class) is that it rivals running a rigorous 3 mile workout run in terms of calories burned and heart rate. So yes, you will burn calories and thereby lose weight in Barre empower. 5) They do change up the workouts slightly from class to class and more drastically on a quarterly basis, so plateauing is very difficult to achieve and you can always find ways to challenge yourself. All told, I love it so far and will stick with it daily along with my running and other sports training. Update: 6 months 270 classes in. I'm still loving Pure Barre. I can do most of the routines without breaking, but I'm still challenged every single time and not plateauing at all. I lost 10 lbs and am staying at my ideal weight. It gave me abs of steel and amazing tone/muscle definition with decent muscle build and increased flexibility. My increased core strength all but eliminated my chronic back pain. I couldn't' be happier with the results.

[@contrarian9999]

Hi Matthew. I loved reading your comment. I don't have any Barre classes near me and was hoping to find KZbin channels that give realistic and practical sessions? Do you by any chance of any good enough to recommend? I'd appreciate your input. Thanks!

[@contrarian9999]

@@MatthewDFritz Ah, thank you for taking the time to search for this, I really appreciate it Matthew! :) Hope you have a great day.

[@MatthewDFritz]

@MarjanBaddestxo haha, thanks, full disclosure, the profile pic is from about 10yrs ago, but compliment appreciated. Enjoy your workouts!

[@contrarian9999]

@Marjan Oh perfect, thanks so much! ❤️

[@kirstytrimalley4037]

Thank you for the great feedback this looks great and I want to try it

[@pougarful]

I have been doing barre for 3-4 years and go about 4-6x per week. I used to run and it did a number on my pelvis, so I had to switch to something else. Barre was a lifesaver. I also have MS, so having something to hang on to in a class is extremely helpful. Barre has helped me gain, stability, balance and some muscle control. However, I do now incorporate some HIIT training to complement the barre training. Love barre!

[@monicamae6219]

I'm beginning to look into barre for the same reasons. I had to stop running due to a pelvis injury. Even with stretching and chiropractor appointments, my hips and lower back can still hurt. Thank you for letting me know there is another option for me that could help!

[@skpn123]

I am warmed by your story which is also the testimony of many of my patients - please ignore the codswallop in this video and enjoy your class! I generally suggest to my MS patients to redo the individual movement videos on the online Barre class section about every 6 months to strengthen that correct body memory - repeating one movements strengthens that muscle memory :)

[@abcisneros91]

Barre has changed my life.

[@MelissaDNunes]

I have found that the Bar Method studio near me has far superior instructors and classes than any other "barre" class I've taken (and I've tried them all!). When I do Mar Method, my posture is amazing, my butt is higher than I ever thought possible, and my aches and pains are generally less. In today's era of "cell phone neck" and horrible posture from sitting in front of computers, I consider Bar Method to be one of the best functional fitness modalities to counteract the long list of ailments brought on by all-things-tech!

[@h.elleegeee5309]

You are making something black and white…….when. It is not……As a Pilates and barre teacher and cancer survivor and having done anatomical courses in bone density, pre and post natal courses barre is hugely efficient. And if you’re a good teacher you can make sure their alignment is correct, no matter muscle length. For example, repetitive pulsing is extremely good for bone health in the spine and is accessible for elderly and if you’re someone that is extremely fit……add resistance. Yes the marketing is portrayed badly a lot of the time for barre…….but barre itself is not pointless. Also with this myth about external rotation, our skeletons are materially externally rotated. So a balance of exercises parallel and turned about are very beneficial for optimal muscle length. Plus, I also trained at the Royal Ballet School, and yes there were many of us with long lines, but a number that did not, so trust me when I say dancers are made with training and determination. If you are a short person with not stream line muscles please don’t think” oh well o want to dance, but I wasn’t born a dancer” ballet is starting to move away from this “thinner the better trend” and is creating athletes. This message is not me coming for you, but trying to give a clear message. The part that you said was factual, about the metabolic rate, triune, but you then clumped everything together as though that was also fact., and it’s not. If you are going to put factual knowledge out there and not opinion I would advise to do more research.

[@danielleball3072]

Extremely well written! You seem very informed and like someone who has an amazing mind body awareness ❤️ i totally agree with you! I love barre and pilates, i struggled with depression and barre and pilates were the only things i wanted to do. I love how i feel so connected to my body and strong! I feel like my endurance has increased as well as my core strength!

[@juntoringo]

Super agree.

[@Desertmoonlight23]

But it does say it’s an opinion

[@RavingKats]

It literally says, "brutally honest opinion".

[@GRACE1ENTERTAINMENT]

I really like this comment. You are educated and know what you are talking about. This girl who made this video should keep her opinion to herself. She doesn’t know what she is talking about. Her video is a waste of time…

[@sandrafranks1854]

I'm 58 and barre is the only excersise class I will do EVER again. I've been exercising pretty consistent since age 16. I've tried a LOT of different things over the past 40 years, including professional trainers. Barre is BY FAR the best! My husband LOVES my results. I'm wearing bikinis without any hesitation. However takes consistency and class variety. I suggest different teachers as they have different methods so no problem with platue problems. I do 3x per week. Saw significant results in about 6 months. I'm on year 3 now. Unexpected upside, I haven't had back issues the last 2 years as it strengthen my gluts.

[@ariannakae1557]

Thank you for clarifying myths about “lengthening” & looking like a ballerina. i’ve grown up dancing and don’t look like a ballerina at all. Barre has helped me get back into a great posture because i have to be so focused on posture while working out. You have to be willing to focus on posture.

[@JustinaErcole]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loriclark505]

I did weight training before I injured my back and now I do barre and my butt is better then ever

[@JustinaErcole]

That's awesome Lori!

[@amazonadireitistaearmada7722]

Awesome! Same here after suffering a figure skating injury, I retired (I’m 41 now and just skate for fun) / and I’m loving barre!

[@speedyturtle1234]

Were you lifting with a trainer? Vs. Doing barre with an instructor?, I thought I was “lifting” but when I saw no results and a small injury, I decided to invest in a trainer that specialized in technique, I was with him for over 3 yrs, he fixed A LOT of issues and I ended up competing... in my experience, a certified specialist in (mostly) ANYTHING will yield better results. Just curious

[@ashleeb9690]

I just injured my shoulder lifting as well. I was a dancer from 2-16 and I agree that barre, yoga, and lower body weight training has been amazing

[@paulagabay9915]

I am 65 with Arthritis and my new love is now Senior Shape with Lauren another influencer on You Tube. She does a lot of Barre with stretching and cool downs and cues are awesome. I got my heart rate up and got very sweaty doing Barre and even feel more comfortable barefoot doing Barre when the Podiatrist sold me expensive arch supports and told me to wear them standing but my feet say otherwise and she does foot stretches that are helping me also.

[@amandaatwood4296]

I love barre- for me, a seasoned long distance runner, it has supported my posture, endurance, and overall tone. And, I love it. I enjoy every single moment of it. I think that’s the key- find what makes you happen, keeps you moving, and stick with it.

[@JustinaErcole]

Amanda I love this and 100% agree. Anything slow is going to be great to support your joints as a runner. Thank you so much for watching!

[@aislingwalshh]

I’ve been teaching barre and taking barre for years. I have done SO many other workouts (running, spinning, resistance training, dance, yoga- I’m also a yoga teacher, HIIT, pilates, you name it), and there’s nothing that has changed my body more than barre. This workout, after five years of doing it, is SO HARD, if done right! I agree that you need to know what you’re doing, but your comment saying that you should run if a teacher tells you to tuck is not true. The tuck is effective IF DONE RIGHT. A good instructor will go over tucking with new students before their first class and demo it during class. I have become more muscular and strong from barre than anything else. I think it helps with stamina but definitely not in the way running or other cardio does. It’s a great workout to add to ones regimen- doing just barre for long periods of time is definitely problematic as you said.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hey Aisling, first of all thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and thoughts. I agree with everything you brought up. I guess I should explain a bit of what I mean when I say tuck or WHEN I say tuck. Obviously if you're in a supine abdominal exercise where you're keeping the low back on the ground, you should tuck the pelvis for sure. But I see so many barre instructors trying to correct an anterior tilt by explaining the neutral spine as a tuck. So that's the instance I was referring to and absolutely should have been clearer. Thanks again for watching!

[@skpn123]

Totally ridiculous and meaningless comment made by Justina about the tuck - this is a fundamental instruction in so many classes not just barre and is meant to go with a physical demonstration and not just verbiage.... your comments are gracious and valuable - I myself do not feel so gracious about people being misled here and misinformed....

[@user-uo6dm2ef1g]

I am overweight and I only see lean skinny women doing barre. Do you think that barre would help me losing weight together with a cardio workout? I also jump with a small trampolín

[@gagabyte5584]

@@user-uo6dm2ef1g diet controls weight, workout controls composition. If you want to lose weight, you have to eat fewer calories than you burn. Most exercises don’t burn that many calories so it really comes down to changing eating habits. To make it more concrete, an hour of most really intense exercises only burns like 400-500 calories which is like a slice of pizza or two bags of chips. “You can’t outrun your fork”

[@102mzr]

There’s more to it than eating less calories. The type and quality of a calorie matters - check out the Optimal Nutrition 101 class from Heroic. Every person’s body is different, find what works for yours!

[@thedarwinist672]

I'm a black belt in taekwondo. I love doing barre for leg conditioning and flexibility.

[@XandriaCross]

Same!! I actually teach both and they go well together!🥋🩰

[@Thatmainchick]

Im taking wing chun kungfu and have a lot of imbalances. I started bar to help with balancing my strength in my legs and back.

[@bessravenwood-rathbourne1792]

I’ve done ballet for more than 20 years and I will not recommend doing barre without supervision by a experienced/professional teacher. Most people could easily injure knees and lower back, so I agree with you completely ☺️

[@JustinaErcole]

Yep! A very proficient instructor is key.

[@Ephesians5-14]

What about those is us who can't afford to go in person? I was about to sign up for an online program.. 🤔😫

[@mariethornton3123]

@@Ephesians5-14 Do it... we did so many on line classes Zoom during lock down and they were great

[@carrots.]

@@Ephesians5-14 i hope you did this! Someone will ALWAY sat DO NOT DO THIS OR THAT! Do what You WANT! Be strong Be healthy!

[@santel2518]

As a physician therapist and personal trainer with 30 years weight training experience, everything you said is correct. However, I have dealt with a ruptured disk for almost as many years and kept surgery at bay through lifting, but I did incorporate barre in my later workout years and it literally helped to erase almost all back pain. To clarify, I have great body awareness and lifting experience and barre was added to my lifting routine. Also, as I have gotten older, I am finding I need to be kinder to my body so I admit to loving barre! Keep in mind, I have changed up my lifting styles since my induction into the bodybuilding world in the early 90’s. So, I in fact, did keep my body “guessing” so that it would not adapt and quit changing. And I need to add you must go to the proper barre studio bc I did some classes that were literally like long stretching sessions 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@sarahwhitney4021]

This was really encouraging and informative for me! I danced from the age of 4, until I was about 22. (Life got busy, and my dance studio is about an hour away from my home.) I have yet to find something that I enjoy doing, or understand, when it comes to fitness. Ballet just makes sense to me. I really appreciate your caution for how barre is not for everyone. That being said, I am overly aware of my sometimes, so I feel like barre might be a good fit for me! I really appreciate your honesty about it! It’s you caring about people’s health and fitness, your not trying to bring people down.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts!

[@jenikb65]

Thank you for this video! You are spot on and exactly what I’ve known to be true all my life. I was about to get sucked in to barre for $$$$$ and tied to only one studio! I travel 50% each month and your reminders saved me from the hype. Thank you!!!!!

[@kellynch]

I've been doing Barre3 for around 3 years and I love it. I am not even remotely athletic, and their program is really good at incorporating different options for people who have knee issues, or shoulder issues, etc. I walk out of class sweaty and wobbly even though I can't do every single move. I may not be able to do a plank on the floor, but doing it at the barre can be very difficult too, if done properly. I never once thought I'd walk out of there looking like a ballerina. I just want to be the best version of me that I can be, and Barre3 has been invaluable to that end.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hey! So I recently did a review of Barre3's online platform and feel exactly the same way as you. I LOVED their classes! Definitely a great functional option for barre.

[@kellynch]

@@JustinaErcole Good to know! I'll look for it. The instructors at my location are wonderful. Very caring, very helpful.

[@dloganable]

Barre3 is functional and incorporates large range and small range (and does not have icky marketing), so if you like barre but want to avoid icky barre stuff I highly recommend it

[@Enne-]

Thank you SO for a no-BS straight to the point informative video! So refreshing after some other reviews Ive seen. I do have a pelvic tilt and another serious back issue, I am so glad I saw your video and now know to avoid it.

[@freebirdmindandbody74]

ballet dancer for over 30 years, barre instructor and personal trainer for 4. I AGREE with you!! Loved all your points in this. Great video!!

[@donnabhavsar6872]

I appreciate your candid thoughts about barre. I have taken barre for 30 days and have noticed I feel more balanced, my core feels stronger, I stand taller, and I also feel leaner. All that is great, whcih is what I was looking for but now I'm ready to build leaner muscles and I don't feel barre will help me do that as much as doing heavier weight lifting/HIIT. Your insight has helped me decide to incorporate both barre and heavier strength training into my regime as I do see/feel the benefits of both together.

[@risebarrepilates]

Barre instructor here! Some people love barre, some people hate it. I personally gravitated towards the barre workout because I grew up as a dancer. It "vibes" with me. I lived in Los Angeles for 9 years and tried classes at SO many different Barre studios. I can tell you that although those methods all stem from ballet and Pilates, they are all quite different. Since I used to be a dancer, I gravitate towards the studios that do use more elements from ballet (Xtend Barre and Cardio Barre). I can tell you that they typically breeze through the Pilates elements in these classes, so I highly recommend taking Mat Pilates classes as well to better understand the principles of Pilates. I tried other classes like kickboxing, body pump, cycling - didn't vibe with me. I do believe these are all great classes that can achieve results, but at the end of the day if you don't enjoy the class, if you don't feel connected, you're not going to be motivated to make it a consistent thing in your life. In addition to Barre and Pilates I do yoga, run, rock climb, and bicycle outside (and it really just depends on what I feel like doing each day). Listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs. Most importantly, enjoy it :)

[@ayaaly2866]

Exactly you've said it perfectly 💜

[@danielleball3072]

Totally agree! I found her examples in the videos extremely choppy, i follow Move with Nicole, and her barre classes really flow, its all about holding your posture and keeping a strong core, not at all similar to weight lifting, you need to be patient and hold your positions

[@adriennabanks2411]

The results from Barre literally come down to the instructor. When Barre was first catching steam (becoming a trend) almost about 10 -11 years ago, I found more instructors to be phenomenal! Especially those teaching at the Barre Method studios. Around 2016 I tried to get back into it bcs I remembered the amazing results it gave, but kept finding my experiences to be sub par. Gave it another try at a local gym recently before the pandemic. Though enjoyable, it was still not the level of expertise or experience I had at the Barre Method studios many moons ago. I always tell people Barre is like the cherry on top. Do it when your at or almost at your fitness goals. It tightens up your loose ends and polishes your physic. Defining and popping all those little muscles we often overlook in the typical workouts. However, you can certainly partake in bar at any stage of your fitness journey. That's just how I lay it to people, from my experience.

[@JustinaErcole]

Ooh I love that metaphor of being the cherry on top. Thanks for sharing this!

[@christinacruz-benton8796]

So true on not all barre classes are created equal. I just started dabbing in barre, i am 61, and i find that isome instructors do not really care what a novice like myself is doing in class....sometimes it is kind of halarious watching the instructor go off into their own little world, while I am off just doing my own thing...dont worry, I use groupon for classes

[@garlicgirl3149]

All I know is I follow some instructors who were former dancers or are still dancing....They look good for a reason. To be honest all types of dance, the dancers are fit. Amazing!

[@cristinapolerina]

Barre teacher here! (don't worry, I'm not going to "come at you" lol). I love this video. Some of the marketing which surrounds barre can be very misleading - as you say, it is physically impossible to lengthen your limbs. It is true that barre can be wonderful for posture, core strength and leg/glute strength - but it does all depend on the class and the teacher and what they focus on. There is soooo much variety in the barre world as your video shows. I teach my own freestyle barre classes and I also teach Les Mills barre. I actually find that the Les Mills barre class has quite a lot of cardio in it - there are fast jumping and travelling sequences often with coordinated arm sequences where your arms are elevated above your head. I've found since teaching Les Mills barre, my cardiovascular fitness has improved a lot.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hahaha Cristina thank you for "not coming at me" :) and thank you for your lovely words. I've never tried Les Mills barre and I'm totally intrigued now. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@ElenasBarre]

Great video, Justina! Thanks for sharing this. I'm a barre instructor and I agree that teachers should be aware of students' previous fitness experience and prior injuries if there are any. I have been practicing barre for over 6 years after doing ballet. I personally love it, it's a relatively safe type of workout with low impact exercises especially if you have knee injuries, however I also find it somewhat limiting, because if you don't vary the movements, your body does in fact become stronger at some parts and less so in others... ;-)

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you so much for sharing your perspective and experience!

[@cristinasantiago5107]

Love this so much! That’s what we need, the real stuff !

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks Cristina!

[@roshpotter06]

Thank you very much for this video. I've just started Barre, and I'm doing it mostly because I really enjoy it, and I'm trying to incorporate a workout into my otherwise stressful and not necessarily sedentary, but definitely not active life that I will want to come back to and stick to, to develop a routine, hopefully also to improve my posture. (I did not take ballet as a kid, but I've always loved watching it.) I think it does help with what I'm aiming at, but then again, I'm not aiming for much of what most traditional barre classes market, so I'm good. However, I do really appreciate you taking the time to talk out all of the myths and debunk them, as that's very important when taking up any form of exercise. Thank you!

[@JustinaErcole]

I think it's GREAT that you found something you really enjoy! That's half the battle right there :)

[@claudiavillegas2195]

Loved this video and love your channel! I completely agree with you.... I do barre 6 times a week and I’ve seen a huge change, but I’m starting to add more weight / go running to change it up a bit.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hey Claudia, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experience!

[@Toothfairy314]

This was the video and info I really needed. I’m just beginning my fitness journey and trying to recomp my body. My goal is to lose around 30lbd of body fat and to tone up. So I attended a Barre class and I really enjoyed it, but I still wasn’t convinced this would be the best, most efficient route for me to take to achieve my goals. Thank you for creating this video. I also have some back issues and some of the movements were a little painful. So now I’m just going to do the traditional gym membership and strength train!

[@pixeldust552]

Everyone has different things that work for their body! For me the most important thing is a workout style that i will consistently stick with, i have tried running, strength training etc which i do think is more effective if you do it consistently but i just never want to do it and end up giving up which doesnt help ! For me barre & pilates are things i will consistently want to incorporate into my daily routine :)

[@janetcannon9842]

I'm a Barre teacher and I thank you for this video. It helped clarify things I wondered about. Hopefully I can use the information to be a better overall teacher in all the formats I teach.

[@JustinaErcole]

You're so sweet, thanks for watching Janet!

[@skpn123]

Ignore this absolute nonsense...... there are qualified people without an agenda to be an inspiration for your teaching and instruction - this XXX not so....

[@lifeofsandy]

Thank you for this clarifying post. I do different kinds of workouts. I like Barre for the fact that it combines different moves from ballet, Pilates, yoga... I do that every time I want to do something without impact but with resistance.

[@martigresham93]

Thank you for your time and honesty! I am reaching new exercises for a new routine in movement for my body and found this helpful!

[@rachelandguyfalleynphillip3375]

Very informative and honest video! Thank you! I have danced for most of my life and can relate to how she’s explaining how the barre movements may / may not fit what one is looking for when it comes to fitness goals.

[@Laviudanegra16]

I love how honest your reviews are. I would be curious to see your thoughts on how to start strength training at home in regards to resistance bands vs. dumb bells vs. kettle bells and which you think is better.

[@JustinaErcole]

Aw thanks Brittney! I think they all serve different purposes so it depends on your goals and your strength. Maybe I'll do a video comparing them all!

[@nekayiashantel]

You can use your body weight to get strong too!

[@debbiemartell8100]

This video was so informative and your critiques make so much sense. I had started to do barre more lately (for all of the reasons you outlined lol) but now will reduce it abit thanks to your insights (that I agree with after hearing them) I will still do maybe one video a week because I enjoy it and it makes me feel graceful.

[@naomiroth8160]

I really appreciate the thoughts about the pelvic tilt issue. I have struggle with that and am always looking for the safest movements to address that/protect my low back.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks for watching Naomi!

[@JC-yz1sf]

I just found your channel and as a very seasoned instructor of 25+ years, at 50 yrs old I completely agree and it’s so refreshing to see you dispelling myths and the BS that is marketed in the fitness industry. I teach many formats (not barre but I am Pilates certified). It’s funny though how as we age the focus can shift from what one does to achieve a certain physical appearance to actually improving quality of life! I love your approach! You’re a wise woman!! Best of luck to you!! 😊

[@Stephrighteous3456]

Thanks for sharing this. I knew I wasn’t Crazy when I wasn’t as floored with my results as I had hoped. Other people swear by barre. I’ve been doing a Barre program for about 8 weeks and I’ll be finishing up this week. This particular program does have cardio intervals so I do sweat a lot. BUT, I have to say, I was my leanest when I did a heavier weight training program. I definitely think Barre has helped sculpt my legs and lift my butt because of the tiny pulses & how I can isolate those muscles. However, I am excited to start lifting heavier this week. The more muscle I have, my body stays in a higher metabolic state & I burn more fat. And no I do not look bulky. I do plan on still incorporating a day or two of Barre or pilates for an active recovery workout cause CrossFit more than 4/5x a week will be a but strenuous at first. Appreciate you posting this. Super insightful!

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts Stephanie!

[@LeiSie]

Love your honesty about every body is built differently. Perfectly accurate on point about the body. Thank you, best wishes to you in all things.

[@irinamaltseva5138]

Barre definitely works. Especially workouts mixed with Pilates, yoga. Greatly increased my core strength and alleviated lower back pain. Barre is fantastic if you want lean longer looking toned legs - my legs never looked better, even in my 20s, and now I am 40 and started barre 4 months ago

[@ilsevherpen]

This is a super interesting video. I'm a martial artist and started "dabbling" in barre recently (alongside my other workouts) because to me it seemed like a great way to build enough leg strength to increase the height of my kicks and being able to hold my leg out for longer. What's your opinion on this application? Or do you think I would be better off doing something else?

[@JustinaErcole]

I honestly think it depends on the instructor or studio method. But in theory, I don't see anything wrong with this idea!

[@traichle]

Yay!! Finally someone my height!! I was a gymnast and I’ve tried so hard to lengthen my body and muscles. My short legs, short torso. Lol. I’m 41 and still trying. So yes my stubborn ego kept trying all these years. Love you!!!! 💞

[@JustinaErcole]

Hahaha oh I was exactly the same (minus the actual gymnast part). Thanks so much for watching!

[@nathalie703]

Lol! I was a 5'9" gymnast always envious of my petit team members. Giants when you're 6 inches taller and 30 pound heavier than your coach was reason enouugh for me to switch roles.

[@thelifeofkeiki]

This was very informative and definitely confirmed a lot of what I knew or thought I knew. If anyone is here on the premises that barre was recommended as a low impact workout for them I suggest watching. I love barre and have taken the full gamut of classes available in Los Angeles but what has come from it is better posture, a little core strength. If you are recovering from an injury like I am,barre done right is great but I can confirm and she’s can validate that weight loss at least quickly is highly unlikely. Glad to know I’m not broken because I’m big and have a lot to lose and was wondering if the results were superficial.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you SO MUCH for watching!

[@sdonna3882]

thank you for your honesty and not making me waste my time rlly appreciate it

[@wendswept1485]

I have had the most amazing results from barre. I’m more lean and muscular than I’ve ever been. My posture has improved and my endurance has improved I’ve the last 7th months. My endurance for cardio is also much stronger.

[@JustinaErcole]

That's great that you've found something that works for you!

[@jogoode1232]

Thank you for setting the record straight! Great info!

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and respond!

[@amberlivesketo3145]

I'm so glad she was honest about who shouldn't do these workouts. I do have hip flexor issues and an anterior pelvic tilt. I'm thankful she saved me the pain .... On to find something my body will thrive at.

[@yoyotatu]

I LOVE barre. I also agree 100% with everything you say in this video. I do it to support certain good habits for ballet and because I enjoy workouts with a balletic inspiration and music. I use weights to actually develop muscle, Zumba or other cardio for aerobic endurance and Pilates for core. So... I hope it’s ok for everyone to recognize it’s limitations! I’ve seen lots of injured knees in both ballet and barre because of what you were demonstrating with turning out from knees vs from hips. Awesome video and very very accurate! It is important to know what you’re really getting or risking in a workout. Thank you!

[@JustinaErcole]

Love hearing your insight! And thanks for watching :)

[@sweetpeachbellini8245]

As a life long dancer, I totally agree with you regarding barre classes. For me, it's the stretching and on some difficult days, pressing myself a bit beyond my normal limits. Of course I end up paying for it the next day (which is usually weight training day lol). Not everyone should be doing barre classes. The chances of injury go up and will often cause the person to think that barre is bad. Not just for them but for everyone. I love doing my barre classes and look forward to end of class when I just let myself go and dance my 62 year old butt off (and trust me, I look better now than I did in my younger years)!!

[@kathryncurtright3970]

I really enjoyed this video! I was also a dancer, although only through high school and never reached your level! I have that lovely anterior pelvic tilt that you spoke of, and I would love a video about how it affects the upper and lower body muscles, and how to strengthen those muscles so it causes less of a problem. Of course I learned how to stand in ballet, but that was a long time ago, and with no background as to how to do that with the tilt, since I was the only one in my classes with that particular problem!

[@nobloomersboomer4936]

This was actually very helpful for me b4 I start my first Barre class next week. Informative, not pushing anything but awareness. Thank you for your sharing of your knowledge.

[@gissellept]

I'm thinking of starting Barre sometime in the comming weeks. How did you end up liking Bare and are you still doing it?

[@itsbonakim]

This is amazing. Thanks for breaking it down. I have a bad posture (rounded shoulder / forward pelvic tilt) and thought barre would be a good exercise for me to correct my posture due to the marketing.. After seeing your video, I’d be def more mindful of taking the Barre class or at least be super careful about my posture to not make my problem worse. Thank you!

[@JustinaErcole]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@frogprincessss]

Thanks for being so honest about this. Very helpful!

[@JustinaErcole]

Glad it was helpful!

[@09pinaytue]

Really appreciated the information. Love to hear someone critique who has a firm understanding of exercise science and anatomy. Will definitely come back to you for other reviews.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks so much Ruby!

[@jessstannage4423]

Thanks for this! I absolutely love Barre but I do have some dance training and am aware of alignment when doing it. I appreciate you bringing some rationality to the world of fitness that's just awash with buzzwords.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts Jess!

[@binbin9196]

Loved this clear explanation. I think if you were a dancer or took dance classes when you were young it will feel like you are coming home. Just an aside, I think a lengthened muscle is a stretched muscle. I remember in 6th grade a ballet school came to interview all the girls. I was so pumped. I had taken ballet and was excited to do it again. I was so disappointed that they were merely measuring us to find their idea of a perfect dance body. The performance (if you can call it that) was kids they chose on a ballet bar with shitty form. I was and still am the girl/woman with a muscular body that has definition - not the ballet aesthetic. It was very telling. Definitely a needed lesson. I could do more ballet then the kids they chose. They didn’t like my body. They weren’t interested in a dancer just a look. If you want a look. No exercise routine will change your body into something it was never intended to be. I love my muscles now. I love that my yoga teacher recognizes that I still have the flexibility I developed from the ballet classes I took as a child. I’m still not going to look like a ballerina. I love and value the strength and flexibility that most people don’t think should be possible for anyone who doesn’t look like a ballerina.

[@SunshineSmiles189]

I guess everyone is different. I absolutely hear what you’re saying about the marketing and I don’t have enough experience with working out to really have an opinion, but I have had such a positive experience with barre. It has absolutely changed my life and my body. I’m not an athlete or fitness junkie or anything, but it really, really has made such an incredible impact on my body in such a short amount of time. I’ve tried other workouts with resistance training with heavier weights and it did nothing for me. Maybe because I wasn’t working out enough or there are other factors too that attribute to why this has been so good for me. I also really appreciate the hands-on guidance from the teachers! I’m kind of a clumsy person. I did ballet when I was younger and I love how this makes me feel beautiful and elegant. But I will absolutely take this into consideration and maybe try a few other types of resistance training too just to mix it up. Thanks for your honesty! Great video.

[@JustinaErcole]

Katie, thank you for this lovely insight! I love that barre has worked for you, that you enjoy it, and that you have hands on instructors to get you in correct form. And you're absolutely right. Everyone is different. I think if you feel that you're plateauing or want to achieve a specific goal, adding in resistance training would be a great thing. But otherwise, keep on doing what you enjoy!

[@antoniadispalato2900]

So you probably already have the ballet type of body from the start (elongated)?

[@SunshineSmiles189]

@@antoniadispalato2900 Not at all! I’m a very curvy pear-shaped girl and I’ve always had more body fat. Never been athletic at all. Building muscle has been very hard for me in the past. I was shocked this worked. Barre totally changed my life and my appearance. I’m 5’8” and about 150 lbs. I had a healthy BMI before barre, but higher body fat %. I haven’t measured it, but I can absolutely see the difference in my body fat composition. I hope this helps!

[@michellechang2538]

Thank you for your honesty and brave enough to come out to tell the truth, thank you 😊

[@samanthat7457]

Great vdo ! I Love Barre , I’ve been doing barre for years. And that’s the key if you doing what you enjoy you will keep coming for more. To keep and stick on your fitness routine is important. I agreed and understand all the myth information you explained. Xo

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks Samantha! Yep if you enjoy it, do it!

[@nattywho]

This was very enlightening and I happen to agree with you! It’s so funny that I can lift heavier weights with no problem and you put me a barre class with those two pound weights and a million reps and I’m dying! I think barre can give you some good results, if you can deal with the torture...lol

[@erisa149]

Barre rescued me from back & knee pain with home workout. I used to have pain from bend over dumbbell rows, lunges etc.. but I tried barre, I didn’t get pain from them and also jumps higher, runs faster. Also I could lift heavier with shoulder press etc. so many good effect, and it’s great workout🧡

[@danielleball3072]

Yes i have gained so much strength and flexibility! I am amazed at how much core strength and endurance i have! Especiallg compared to weight lifting/cardio, i am much more aware of my body and its limits and strengths as opposed to just flopping around

[@contrarian9999]

Do you know of any good KZbin channels to recommend?

[@danielleball3072]

@@contrarian9999 I like move with nicole

[@leahbushpilates]

Great take! Thanks for breaking everything down and giving an honest opinion! I enjoy pilates and am taking my first Barre class on wednesday.

[@yaya4768]

I’ve been doing pilates too and was looking to switch it up. I’m excited now to try a barre class. Can’t wait

[@countesseilene4003]

Thank you this is the most honest commentary of fitness that I have ever hear

[@DeltaChi16]

Whew! I’m so glad I saw this. Definitely working on correcting my anterior pelvic tilt. I will avoid this form of exercise.

[@shainaariane4334]

thank you so much for sharing that barre is not a good option for folks with hip flexor/pelvic floor issues! I tried doing barre once and found it really irritating for those exact parts of my body because I have both hip flexor & pelvic floor issues. Appreciate you spreading the word! Super validating

[@srgriffithauthor]

I like to combine barre through the week with functional strength. Barre just makes me want to do it even if I don't want to exercise at all. Plus the stretching in barre helps my knees soooo much. Although I have to be very picky on my barre. Xtend and the ones like that hurt me so much.

[@JustinaErcole]

That's great that you found a program and balance that works for you. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@missmimi6817]

If you combine it with weights, in my case I do kettlebell it's a great compliment. All workouts are good as long as you know what you're doing.

[@janellebacani6126]

Thanks SO much for this informative video! Your video was eye-opening for me...I realized that I have pelvic and hip flexor issues and the trainers I've worked with never really brought this up, so thank you! I've struggled on and off with back issues. I'm struggling to find a workout regime that works. Researching more, I definitely see benefits to a functional approach like you mentioned.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hey Janelle, thank YOU so much for watching! If you're having pelvic issues, the best the best thing you can do is start to work on your glute and core strength. 9 times out of 10, those are the underactive muscle groups that lead to unnatural pelvic tilts and tight hip flexors. Hope that helps and best of luck!

[@carolinehankins3408]

I have been taking barre for many years, and I agree with a lot of what is said in this video. However, I think that maybe something being overlooked here are the non-barre exercises done in a typical barre class. Most of the barre classes I take incorporate other moves like pushups and planks, which are proven ways to build muscle and increase endurance. I think that pairing these with the small muscle movements done at the barre actually add up to a great workout for someone like me, with a history of injuries. Thank you for this informative video!

[@JustinaErcole]

Hey Caroline, I totally agree with what you said here. The video isn't perfect by any means haha but thank you for your thoughts and for watching!

[@brooklynforever1990]

That’s why I appreciate you transparency and truth.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks so much!

[@meganbelford1546]

Thank you for this! You supported a lot of my suspicions with science.

[@Nerfhunter3000]

Thank you sooo much for being honest! I was the person who did pilates, barre and yoga thinking it would help. But the fastest changes I ever saw happened in like 6 weeks of weight training. And not even super heavy weights. I lost so much weight by strength training in a 6 week period than I ever did in years of barre, pilates, and other women focused exercise. And if you notice people like Andrea Rodgers does weight training in addition to barre. She gets her physique more from weights than barre. I am sadden ro see women get taken advantage of by marketing scams like pilates, barre, yoga to sell us videos and classes at a premium price that arent really effective at burning fat or to get rid of cellulite. Trust me I have thousands of dollars worth of those videos. When all I really need was some 5 and 10lb weights and 15 to 30 mins a few times a week to get the results I was looking for instead of killing myself doing those non weighted work out videos. Ladies if you want a toned, lean body get some Jeri love videos. They will change your life.

[@JustinaErcole]

Love this, thanks for watching!

[@antoniadispalato2900]

But you are a man and your body doesn't t function like a woman s body.

[@pixeldust552]

I love pilates & barre for the mind body connection and how they make my body feel! In my opinion not a scam but maybe not the best for losing weight fast, they still have some benefits

[@carrielight3535]

Love your Channel! You are well educated! Thank You! You Go Girl!

[@JustinaErcole]

Aww thank you Carrie!

[@katriellamusic1372]

Thank you for sharing! Yoga teacher and pro flow dancer (I’m that circus freak dancing with fire on stage). I use to lift with all the body builders hahah. Barre is great supplemental work especially for dancers and definitely will give you subtle tone, a lift, and a nice strong core. It helped me get back in shape and was the only thing I could do when healing from CFS for a year and half. I think one of the real benefits people notice with barre is the extreme amount of body awareness to each little muscle group which prevents injury and also helps you see more results by getting that awareness. I also agree that there are certain types of injuries that would be very unhappy with barre unless they know how to modify.

[@emmax0000]

Thank you very much. This information is exactly what I was looking for🥰🙌🏼

[@janicewood2210]

Thanks! Very interesting about the tilted pelvis thing as when I did try barre I had epic back and hip pain.

[@JustinaErcole]

I would definitely recommend pilates if you're looking for a workout similar to barre - typically they work slower so you're able to get in better alignment.

[@metaphysicswithariyana2794]

😂 I like how you explain the info. Thank you for this helpful info!

[@kittixo]

OMG! I’m so grateful I’ve found your video before starting! First of all I had the wrong mindset and expectations but second and more importantly- I have hip issues and noone mentioned being a problem! I was actually hoping to get it fixed by the workouts 😳👀 I guess my first visit is gonna be with a chiropractor 😮‍💨😪 Thank you for educating! 😘❤️

[@laurabooras6680]

OMG! All of this! So true! I do have a dance background and know about alignment, and I can't tell you how disappointed I was with barre instructors lack of knowledge in how to correct people's misalignment! I stopped going in person bc of that. I believe someone else made a comment about it coming down to the instructor and it's so true! Barre can be incredible with sculpting, esp those small stability muscles that are hard to engage. I think it should be used as cross training, not exclusively. I find yoga to be great with it and weight training and swimming! Started subscribing to your videos bc of this one!

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience Laura!

[@ronaleenjezcamanio6871]

I loved everything about this video! 💯 ....knowing I love barre! Always go for what works for your physique and health 🤍

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and watching!

[@msquaredmediation]

Excellent video, thank you for making it. I appreciate how you use science to back up your points. I'd also add that without proper diet, no program will give the results we're looking for! I want a long, lean look to my body so I need to couple a workout program with the right macros for my body type and goals! Take care!

[@JustinaErcole]

Yes absolutely Melissa! Any type of tissue loss to create a "lean" look is going to be associated with diet. Thank you so much for watching!

[@audrablue515]

Thank you so much for being honest. I'm 55 now and thought it would be awesome to finally live my dream of being a beautiful ballerina, or at least lose enough weight so I could feel like a beautiful ballerina. After your vid, I realise that resistance exercise is the best way to go. I have a lot of body fat to shed and I'd like to be stronger in my older years so I can at least do my own grocery shopping when I'm in my 80s. Keep up the good work. This type of honesty about exercise and fitness is what's needed in today's over hyped marketing buzz word world.

[@auntpurl5325]

Helpful. Sticking with resistance. Thanks for breaking it down. I'll never look like a ballerina. And totally ok with that.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@tadbubs]

Well done. Succinct, science-based, and super simple for those who are unaware. Bravo, Justina!

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks Bill!

[@anbar]

Very helpful and well edited. Thank you!

[@JustinaErcole]

Glad you enjoyed it Amber!

[@psalmethyst]

Barre workouts help my fatty legs look leaner and toned. I follow a Russian ballet Barre workout taught in the world famous Vaganova Ballet Academy and it's the most effective one ever... I get results on my legs and arms within 3 days!

[@JustinaErcole]

Glad you found something you enjoy and gets you closer to your goals! I hope one day though we can stop referring to our body parts as "fatty." The marketing around barre reinforces this gross self-talk.

[@antoniadispalato2900]

Is it on you tube?

[@debradasaro2155]

How can I find this?

[@shaydawindle6380]

thank you for your honesty! I've tried pretty much every single fad workout out there (yoga, pilates, barre, crossfit) and also have issues with my pelvic tilt after babies so understand what you're saying about having to correct certain movements. For me, barre and pilates definitely strengthen my core but I also notice when I start back up there is a plateau. I think barre is a great supplement to anyone who wants to be in shape, but if you really want to stay fit it's not the only thing you should be doing! Cardio and resistance training are probably the bigger things to focus on.

[@JustinaErcole]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

[@lesliemctavish4300]

I like everything you are saying. I cycled 50km a day :×3 days s week and weight trained at home and did body resistant work. I got smaller, stronger, lost 4 dress sizes and 15 lbs in 2 months. I also ate really clean.

[@JustinaErcole]

Amazing!

[@freerangedoodle]

Thank you. This was so enlightening. I very much enjoyed your scientific explanations. It all makes sense. My parents used to say that dancing barre might extend my neck lol. I always suspected ballet doesn't give you a longer neck but rather you don't become a ballerina if you didn't look like the part.

[@mjoycb]

Appreciate your honest feedback.

[@JustinaErcole]

Of course! And remember, this is just my opinion :)

[@brendaknight7100]

Thanks for clarifying always like honest opinions nothing is a quick fix and you always have to change it up!

[@JustinaErcole]

And thanks for watching Brenda!

[@Iamlightning333]

Loved this video, very informative but easy for laymans (like Me) to understand! Barre/Pilates is great for martial artists. Kung Fu practitioner here loving barre! And I’m always the only guy go figure hahaha it’s great for men also 👍🏻😎

[@chewbrookaw8588]

Thank you so much for this video! Both times I’ve tried Barre classes in the past I’ve injured myself after a few classes! I always wondered why I’ve had this happen when I don’t tend to injure myself doing other exercises… but I do have a tilted pelvis and issues with my pelvic floor. So maybe Barre is just not a good fit for me. Thanks for the explanations and dispelling some of the myths surrounding “strength and tone” claims that often accompany classes like this.

[@gracetorres6110]

Love your feedback, it’s very informative. I do love barre workouts but I agree that lifting some type of weights is what will build muscle and therefore encourage my metabolism to work faster.👍

[@thatsnotmyname7659]

Thanks for mentioning the dangers of this if you have an anterior pelvic tilt. I do and was considering barre. I lift weights right now but my husband and I want to cancel our gym membership so we can save for a house. Were trying to find alternative ways to workout.

[@JustinaErcole]

That's already great that you're aware of it though! So many people aren't. If you want to start barre, I would just stay hyper aware of your form. For ATP, I'd really recommend finding exercises to strengthen your glutes and core stabilizers. So tube walking is great, hip thrusts, heavy carries (like suitcase / overhead). Hope that helps!

[@amimartino5364]

THANK YOUUUU….BRILLIANT!!! People need to know all of this!

[@RaiderRising]

Thank you for doing this video.. I am losing weight (body sculpting), and I just changed to understand what a pelvic tilt is, and I looked up toning and strengthening the muscles for home DYI, and it sent me to the bar method, which I am not interested in.. but it explained body decomposition of gain weight from muscle building before losing it... Which is what I have been doing.. I do some rehab exercises with yoga movements and some ball work as I some thing to hold on to. I found this informative.. Thank you for you honesty... I don't see it enough from people.. My rehab stuff looks very bar like.. but different.. I loved the fact that you cover talking about food, and weight barring.. Thanks for sharing.

[@SunnyGonzalezCepero]

Thank you, that was super helpful. Do you happen to have any recommendations for fixing anterior pelvic tilt?

[@JustinaErcole]

Already made a video on it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHnRnWB3Zrp1gac The best thing to do though is work with a PT to figure out exactly what's going on. Hope that helps!

[@kamilareeder1493]

I like your video:) I work as a ballet dancer and a personal trainer and barre makes me a little sad lol. Like sometimes ill adapt some of their excersices, but I often see barre teachers with poor turnout and it makes me sad 🙃 This was a good and fair response 👍🙂

[@lindathomas3727]

Hi! Would you reccomend Barre for " active adults," 65 plus! I am 69, teaching dance fitness & toning with weights at local senior centers. I, personally, love variety, and considering a Barre certification. What are your thoughts? Thank you.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hi Linda, thanks for watching! If you're already teaching fitness then I think it would be great to add barre to your wheelhouse. The biggest thing I see missing with barre instructors is attention to their clients' hips and spinal alignment and it's what I see missing a lot in certifications. So just do your research when you're choosing one. Hope that helps!

[@beachhum]

They’ve done studies that lifting light vs heavy will provide the same muscle growth when exercises are taken to fatigue, which Barre is all about. The difference comes into play regarding strength. Heavier weights will give you more strength. Lower weights will reduce risk of injury and also help the slow twitch muscles which are usually neglected with traditional weight training. Personally, love any type of weights over cardio any day.

[@JustinaErcole]

Yep you can absolutely lift a lighter weight for two, three, or four times the amount of reps to get to the same result. But I prefer to find the most efficient way to work out, so lifting heavier is a better option IMO. And weight has nothing to do with slow twitch muscle fibers. That has to do with working at a slower speed with an increased time under tension, typically for minimum 40 seconds. I totally agree that slow twitch training is neglected in most traditional weight training though.

[@midorimiller4166]

Appreciate your research and feedback. I am a little concern about recommendation you provide especially for those who have hip imbalance and tightness of hips. No matter what types of exercise you do, I believe those imbalance and tightness will impede the effectiveness of exercise and can lead issues. So I feel like it is not barre influenced exercise is the issue. I appreciate that you provide some of the funky claims of barre method thought.

[@eleganttiger2636]

I Have Tried Everything ....Ballet Barre is One of the Best Workouts You can Do Besides Pilates and Weight Training