One of my goals for 2012 was to try to expand my workout options. I love running, yoga and weights but I need something new every once in awhile for a little extra “umph!” I tried Aerial Yoga at Rasamaya and it revived my inner Yogi.

After that class, I bought a 10 visit pass. While perusing their class schedule, I saw a description of Barre.

Chris Day, Papaya Images

I had heard about The Barre Method from celebrity magazines (Kelly Ripa and Drew Barrymore are fans in case you were wondering) and other bloggers. The class description sounded interesting:

RASAMAYA® BARRE is an athletic workout specifically designed to strengthen and lengthen your body. Classes are fueled by upbeat music and efficiently flow through all muscle groups. Create endurance and stamina through isometric strength training and increase your flexibility through focused stretching. The barre method is influenced by classical ballet barre technique, Pilates, yoga, and orthopedic exercises.  Barre is one of the fastest and safest ways to create results in your body by targeting those difficult to tone areas. The class is taught in a group setting, but offers personalized attention through verbal and hands-on corrections.

An athletic workout that strengthens and lengthens? I’m in! Just don’t ask me to do any pirouettes.

I arrived at the studio a little early since it was my first class. I met a couple of other women who were also taking the class for the first time. I was glad I wasn’t the only newbie! Our instructor, Carrie, showed us around and let us know what gear we would need for the class — yoga mat, a peanut shaped ball, weights (1 or 2 pounds), yoga strap, yoga block, and socks with treads. Most of us didn’t have any socks so we were able to purchase a pair for $12. Once we were all geared up, we laid our mats against the wall under the barre.

Carrie put on some rockin’ music (gotta love anything from Prince in the ’80s) and got us warmed up. We went through a mix of yoga, pilates and ballet inspired moves that focused on postural strength and alignment. We then moved on to upper body exercises. First up — planks and push-ups. Hello arm muscles! Just as the sweat had started to form on my brow, it was time for the weights. One of the regulars of the class told me to grab the one-pound weights. They would seem light at the beginning but I would thank her later. She was so right! I never thought I would feel such a burn from such a light weight. My triceps were screaming from such intense little moves. I love to work hard so I welcome that kind of muscle contraction. Short blocks of stretches were incorporated in between exercises for a “rest” period. After we went through the upper body, it was up to the barre for the lower body, abs and flexibility training.  It was then that my muscles really began to quiver like an 8.0 magnitude earthquake! “If it’s quivering, it’s working” said Carrie. The last part of the workout was down on the mat for core work and a final stretch.

Chris Day, Papaya Images

This workout was unlike anything I’ve ever done before. The small, precise movements required me to focus on my body placement more so than any other pilates or yoga class has ever done. The exercises were unique but still based on traditional moves. The momentum of the class and enthusiasm of Carrie definitely kept me interested and motivated. A great overall workout that is effective and fun!

Angela Bekkala is an Exercise Physiologist in Cardiac Rehabilitation. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, twin toddlers and a crazy Lab. Visit her blog at Happy Fit Mama.