Raising the Barre - New fitness class test

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Imagine ballet with a twist of pilates and a hint of strength training – you’re left with Barre. Taken from the studios of LA with roots in classical ballet, this new class at Virgin Active is sure to make you feel the burn and take your strength training to first position.

The class itself delivers a fun but intense work out that will strengthen and tone like pilates, with added fun thanks to the chart hits that were pumping in the background. Although I may have been mistaken in thinking that ballet is for the weak-hearted with it delicacy and frills, all I had to do was take one look at extreme ballerina Agathe Petrini who was a guest in the class, and promptly think again. Not only is her body a temple of strength, as she is built with exemplary posture, but Agathe is strong and incredibly toned – a walking testament to the benefits of ballet.

The session brought me back to the ballet classes of my childhood, however this time I was considerably more challenged by the movement and I could instantly feel the benefits as the familiar burn began to take hold. The class, which is informally known as the bootyburn class, began with a gentle warm up that took us straight into the ballet side of things with lunges and plié squats to engage our glutes and hamstrings. Secondly, weights were introduced to allow for strength training in the arms. This was surprisingly challenging and included bent over rows and deadlift front rows, which certainly got the muscles firing. The third phase of the class took us to the notorious barre where our glutes and core were pushed to burning point with squats and pliés.

The class was more diverse than expected with the incorporation of weights for arm strength, and a pilates ball on the barre. Despite sweating and certainly feeling it in my legs, I thought that one thing was missing – that all-important cardio. However I think that Barre could be a crucial part of your ideal workout if incorporated into your own regular fitness schedule.

The aim of the class is to take ballet beyond the preserve of prima ballerinas into the fitness scene of the 21st century. Barre at Virgin Active certainly achieved this. The hour-long class left me feeling stronger and more toned as a result.

Extreme ballerina, Agathe Petrini who joined us at the Barre class at Virgin Active told us her thoughts:

What are the benefits of Barre as a workout?
It’s not like ballet because the shoes and movement are different. It’s more like jazz because of the music, which makes it more friendly so I found it more fun than just a ballet class.

Did you find it to be a good workout?
Yeah definitely, it works your body more than classical ballet does and I could really feel it in my legs.

What is your workout schedule in a typical week?
I have been teaching dance lessons from 10am-4pm this summer and then afterwards I go and do my own sports like swimming, fitness or skiing. I do something everyday.

As an extreme ballerina, where is the most exciting place that you’ve ever done ballet?
We did some photos with a friend on the Alps. So we went on the glacier with a helicopter which was scary because there can be a big drop just where I am dancing. It was minus twenty degrees and at the time it was horrible, but I think it was the most beautiful photo that I’ve ever had.

Do you think that other women should get involved with ballet?
Yes, I am a dance teacher and I work with a range of people. I try to make dance accessible to more people – of all abilities at any every age. I think that Barre is a great way to start. This is good for working on your body and your core. This is a good foundation for learning good practice and building strength.

If it isn’t enough that Agathe Petrini has endorsed the Barre class herself, then the only thing left to do is try it and see if you can feel the burn.

Barre is available exclusively at selected Virgin Active Health Clubs from August. To find your local Virgin Active visit www.virginactive.co.uk

Sacha Shipway, Sportsister
The Women’s Sport Magazine

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