Whether you’ve been curious about barre classes for a while or just recently learned about them, you’ve probably heard them described as a great full-body workout. Barre workouts are incredible for toning and strengthening the body, but you might be surprised to learn that they can also be used as cardio. Here’s how barre classes will get your heart pumping.

What Is Barre?

A barre class combines elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates, selecting low-impact, high-intensity movements to increase strength, agility, and flexibility. While Pure Barre is a total body workout, there are also speciality barre classes like intensives which may have specific focuses, such as reshaping and toning major muscle groups and enhancing coordination and balance. These programs mainly utilize the barre and the weight of your body, but you might also use equipment like free weights, resistance bands, sliders, tubes, step platform and barre balls.

How Does Barre Count as Cardio?

Cardio is any physical activity that raises your heart and breathing rates for a prolonged period of time, which strengthens your heart and lungs. Barre classes certainly fit this definition. The dance-inspired moves used in barre keep you moving rhythmically and fluidly while developing your stability and balance, increasing your oxygen intake and getting your heart rate up. 

However, to count as cardio, you’ll need to keep your pace throughout the whole class. Push through each movement to maintain constant motion and keep your heart rate up. In a beginner’s barre class, where you are still learning the moves and may stop for instructions often, you might not get the full benefits. As you master the basics, you should be able to achieve a good cardio workout and try more intense moves and advanced classes. 

Do You Need Cardio If You Take Barre Classes?

Regularly participating in barre classes provides a good cardio workout, but whether you need to do more depends on your goals. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. That means taking a 50-minute barre class three days a week is sufficient for a healthy lifestyle. If you do need to fit more cardio in, consider taking a brisk walk or bike ride around your neighborhood a few days a week.
 

Improve your heart health and overall fitness by taking barre classes at Pure Barre® in Southern Pines, NC. With over 500 studios across North America, this gym is well-known for creating supportive fitness communities that go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals. Their group fitness classes combine cardio, flexibility, and strength training to give you a total body workout. For full class descriptions, visit their website. Call (910) 246-2164 today to try a free class.