Looking to try a barre workout class for the first time but don't really know what to expect? Today we’re going to provide you “Barre 101”.

"Most barre workout classes use a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other disciplines like yoga and Pilates," says Sadie Lincoln, founder of barre3 fitness. "The barre is used as a prop to balance while doing exercises that focus on isometric strength training (holding your body still while you contract a specific set of muscles) combined with high reps of small range-of-motion movements." Also, don't be surprised if your barre class incorporates light handheld weights to bring the burn during all those reps, as well as mats for targeted core work.

Ahead, more on the barre workout trend, the benefits, and what to actually expect before your barre class.

When Did Barre Workouts Get So Trendy?

Wondering why these boutique studios and specialty classes are popping up all over the place? Lincoln, who opened her first studio in 2008, points to the trend toward community. "Many of us discovered during hard times that we craved smaller and more connected classes. We needed a place where we could balance our bodies and get prepared for our busy and stressful days."

Tanya Becker, co-founder of Physique 57 thinks the results are the reason for the craze (which is inspired by the retro fitness movement launched with the Lotte Berk Method). "Women see results quickly with barre class, it's a one-stop shop that includes all the essentials of a well-rounded exercise program, plus it's perfect for women who are short on time. That's a workout women will always need!" The Benefits of Barre Workouts

Still not sold on barre class? If you're sitting slumped in your chair reading this, then you may want to think again. According to Lincoln, the major benefits of barre class are improved posture, muscle definition, weight loss, increased flexibility, and reduced stress. Plus, women at just about any fitness level can sign up for a barre class: Both Lincoln and Becker say that barre classes are perfectly fine for pregnant women because they're not high impact. They may even help with imbalance—a common issue during pregnancy due to that growing belly—and stability. What to Expect from a Barre Class

You've taken the plunge and signed up for a barre class. Now what? While the experience will differ studio to studio, Becker says that the typical class (such as a Physique 57 beginner session) will take you through a dynamic and invigorating workout. You'll start with a warm up and sequence of upper-body exercises, which include free weights, push-ups, planks and other moves to target the biceps, triceps, chest, and back muscles.

Next, you'll use the ballet barre and your own body weight for resistance to focus on the thigh and seat muscles. Your core will be engaged the entire class and then targeted at the end.

For the cool down, you'll go through a series of stretches to increase flexibility and allow your muscles to recover. Most classes are 60 minutes, says Lincoln, and some studios (like most barre3 locations) may even offer childcare during class. What to Wear to Barre Class

When choosing your workout attire, think yoga wear, suggests Lincoln. Leggings (we adore these more affordable Lululemon look-alikes), a sports bra, and tank will do the trick. As for footwear, you won't need it! Go barefoot or do the class in grippy socks to prevent slipping.

One of the best parts about barre classes is that they combine strength training and cardio, says Becker, so you're burning fat and building muscle at the same time. (This intense barre class at home doubles as cardio!) "Our technique focuses on strengthening the muscles, and muscle tissue burns 15 times as many calories as fat. The stronger you get, the more calories you'll burn 'round the clock."

But it's not all about the competition: Barre is actually one of the best complements to running and other high-impact activities. Time to pump up those plies!

For more information about the Barre, contact Answer is Fitness.

Source: shape.com

Love Zumba? You're not alone! The Zumba program has helped melt the pounds and inches off 12 million Zumba-enthusiasts in 125 countries. The Latin-dance inspired workout features fast and slow rhythms which tones and sculpt the body and burn calories.

We caught up with Master Zumba instructor Staci Boyer to get her top tips for burning even more calories (and having even more fun) during your favorite Zumba class:

1. Let Loose

Zumba is all about having fun, and joining the party. The best way to burn more calories in class is to let go, have fun, and try not to think too much. "Letting yourself go will let the calories go!" Boyer says.

2. Maximize Your Arm Movement

During the moves, be sure to fully extend your arms, Boyer says. You'll boost your calorie burn and engage more muscles by maximizing your arm movements during class. "It's not that tricky and you can do a lot for your body by lengthening, raising, and extending with oomph."

3. Move Up and Down More

"When your instructor takes you through a level change try and do it," Boyer says. All that up and down movement will not only boost your burn, it will also get your glutes, hips, and thigh muscles firing even more. "Sit into your moves, bend your knees, and go up and down and all around as much as you can-level changes burn calories!"

4. Work Your Booty

"There is always a lot of booty shaking in Zumba!" Boyer says. "Just shake it-and shake it good (to best do this, see tip #1)." Boyer recommends pressing through your heels whenever you can to maximize the move's booty shaping benefits.

5. Rock the Moves You Know

So maybe you don't have every move mastered yet, that's OK! You can still get a great workout as long as you rock the moves you've got! "Always accentuate the moves that you are actually comfortable with," Boyer says. "Make the most out of that shimmy you love, or the salsa step you have mastered. Feel confident in adding your own flair to the movement. If you know it, show it!"

For more Zumba Workout Tips, contact Answer is Fitness.

Source: shape.com

You know the expression, "it'slike riding a bike". which means once you have learned how to do something, it is hard to ever forget. Indoor Spinning will let you enjoy the action and you will be pedaling furiously (with a high cadence) on a low gear.

Spinning is a most efficient use of your strength and energy. If you consciously incorporate spinning into your training, you will become more physically fit and better able to achieve high cadences for long periods of time, just like the pros.

An intense indoor cycling workout led by a qualified instructor who will take you through a 40-60 minute program. Usually set to music, these workouts are short but intense, with a focus on building your overall cardio. Depending on your training plan, you most likely have a different goal than simply burning calories. Spin classes will be a great addition to your training and here is why:

• It gets you out of solitary training. Most people work harder when there are other people around, it is just a simple fact. You will likely push yourself more in a class with 20 other people than you would alone in your basement. Having a community is so important, especially for beginners, as it helps you build both muscular and mental strength.
• Effective strength training. Spinning allows you to add some serious resistance. Step up out of the saddle, and really give it everything you have. Yes, it may be different than tackling a physical hill, but it is targeting all the same muscle groups.
• Overall cardio. If you are getting your heart rate up and maintaining for 45 minutes to an hour, you are challenging your cardio ability and conditioning your body to the feeling.
• Pedaling efficiency. Sitting on a stationary bike is the perfect time to focus on your pedaling technique. There are no distractions, so really concentrate on pedaling in a circle, making to most of every part of the rotation.

If you are getting your heart rate up and maintaining for 45 minutes to an hour, you are challenging your cardio ability and conditioning your body to the feeling. Like cycling itself, spinning is a great way to work on your range of motion and better your overall fitness through low impact training.

For more tips on spinning, contact Answer is Fitness.

Source: ilovebicycling.com

It might be time for a fresh start, new beginnings and new goals. Yoga can change your life.

YOGA is not about the shape of your body but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; it is to be lived. You do not care about what you have been. It cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose. And for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.

When breath guides movement, the practice of asana becomes an internal experience. The breath initiates a conversation with the mind, the body and the soul. If we lose the breath, we lose the yoga. Yoga practice connects you to inner joy. It reminds you that it is not about attaining perfection, but about taking failures lightly and not personally. Behind every yoga pose there is many failures, bloopers and laughs. Smile, laugh and stay healthy inside and out.

Invite a graceful beginning to the start of your day:

1. Practice with a beginner’s mind. Bring a special sense of awareness to the beginning of your practice. As you stand in Mountain Pose, focus on how you will bring newness to this pose (that you may have practiced hundreds of times!) It does not have to be something big – a slight shift in your weight or turn in the way you hold your hands.
2. Honor the sweetness of a new day. Perform your poses at a slower pace than usual. Bring awareness to your breath and your movement. Use this ritual to welcome the new day and the new adventures that it might bring. And if you happen to catch the sunrise, take a moment to savor those first few rays of light.

Yoga has become an integral part of your life that there is not a day when you do not do any practice. Yoga happens every day. It is not done just as a part of your dance training or to enhance your dancing anymore (that will anyways happen). Within yoga, your dance is bound to get stronger and more vibrant! Yoga strengthens and makes you a better human being, both physically and mentally. Surrender to yoga and see what it does to you!

For more tips on yoga workout, contact Answer is Fitness.

For male athletes, Pilates is a fitness training vehicle that helps sports enthusiasts improve their game. Men of all ages and physical skill sets gain competitive advantages via Pilates. Men who join Pilates classes enjoy tremendous benefits and here are just a few of them:

1. Minimizes Lower Back Pain

Pilates will teach you how to support the lower back and improve flexibility of the muscles involved. It will help correct postural imbalances which causes pain and discomfort to other body parts.

2. Develops Muscles That Are Less Used

In contrast to strength training workouts, Pilates exercises various muscles that are usually unused. These are the deep muscles which reinforce larger muscle groups so they need to become stronger as well.

It teaches to be mindful of your movements and prevents you from skipping your workouts, thereby, making the exercise more effective.

3. Improves Flexibility

Poor flexibility and reduced range of movement often leads to muscular pain and injury. A lot of sports require greater flexibility so you can execute well with agility. It aids you to perform daily tasks with more ease.

4. Strengthens The Core

It is an excellent workout for toning the core or middle section which is a common trouble area for most men.

5. Enhances Sports Performance

Pilates workout is one of the best exercises for both injury prevention and rehabilitation. It will also help enhance balance and coordination, functional power and strength, improves posture, and enhances body awareness, focus and concentration. 

To learn more about the advantages of Pilates for Men, contact Answer is Fitness.