My First Barre Class Experience (and Why You Should Try it, Too!)

Lately, I’ve been looking for new hobbies and ways to get out of the house (considering I work from home most of the time)— however, I wanted to find something that would stimulate my mind and body all at once and keep me moving, since remote work life can get a bit sedentary at times.

Enter, barre— a sort of Yoga, Pilates and ballet bar fusion workout that sounded utterly different than any workout regimen I’d tried before. I was hesitant at first (since I hadn’t worked out in a group setting in a long, long time), but after attending my first barre class at The Wall Cycling Studio in Manayunk, I knew I’d found the new fitness regimen and social hobby I’d been looking for!

The class began with a gentle warm up and allowed everyone to take it at their own pace (which was great for a newbie like me!), and I felt right at home. The music was upbeat, the instructor was kind and knowledgeable, and the other class members were so supportive. The space at The Wall is a gorgeous, converted row home with a giant skylight in the ceiling that lets in a ton of natural light. I felt totally relaxed and then worked my muscles and toned my entire body in a way I hadn’t since my hey-days of doing intense yoga back in college.

Barre focused on small muscle groups and the body overall, targeting specific areas then honing in on a full-body burn. Overall, the technique is amazing, the class was so much fun, and the space is welcoming, open and beautiful.

I will definitely be back to barre at The Wall— and you should try it, too!

Xoxo, MM.