The number of women working out in gyms can sometimes surpass that of men, yet there is still a huge lack of female trainers and workouts that cater to women want. Strength training adds a lot of impact to a work out, but it can be uncomfortable when you’re surrounded by bulky men grunting through their exertions.
If you’re looking for a workout geared towards creating a graceful, long and lean physique all to the tune of a great workout playlist, and a plush environment, try Barre3, a new fitness class described as “ballet barre meets yoga and pilates.”
Designed by American fitness trainer Sadie Lincoln, this workout is now in Manila at several branches of The Spa. Lincoln was in town recently to lead an exclusive workout during the opening of The Spa’s new digs at Power Plant Mall, giving a group of women the chance to experience her classes first hand.
“I’ve pulled together my favorite disciplines—the efficiency of using the ballet barre, with the strength and sexy lines you get from pilates, and the wisdom and alignment techniques of yoga,” says Lincoln, who has twenty years of experience running health clubs and developing group exercise programs.
The sixty-minute class features movements with the ballet barre, as well as a workout ball, straps for stretching, and light weights--all used to lengthen and strengthen the body. Lincoln walked around the room keeping up the group energy while giving each participant feedback on her form.
Sadie Lincoln’s body is enough to inspire the most committed couch potato to try Barr3: toned, but feminine and curvy. Lincoln is a wife and hands-on mother of two, and she developed barre3 around the idea that balance must be achieved in all aspects of life.
“I designed this class based on my need to have a simple, smart, mind-body workout that fits into my busy life as a driven professional, hands-on parent and mind-body practitioner. Each class is 60-minutes to the second and designed to deliver a consistent experience,” she says.
The workout is tough, but the atmosphere is supportive and energetic; participants are free to drop the weights used in the exercises and can opt to use arm strength. The workout is low-impact enough for beginners, but is equally challenging for students looking for more advance training. Movements focus on smaller muscles, which are not utilized by gym machines.
“It’s what you get from dance class without the high impact,” says Lincoln. “The same feel of grace and length.”
Barre3 enthusiasts include yoga practitioners, pilates aficionados, dancers, athletes, or beginners with a passion for good health. Started just two years ago, barre3 is fast gaining popularity, with classes expanding worldwide. Internet reports say Madonna has been doing barre3, but Lincoln declined to comment about this. However, barre3 will be offered at the Mexico City branch of Madonna’s gym, Hard Candy.
Marie Calica, a runner and climber, is one of the local barre3 instructors and teaches class three or four times a week. She says people have told her she looks leaner and more toned. “I noticed the difference after two months. I definitely feel stronger in my core, and I’ve been reaping the benefits in my climbing, because I feel stronger than ever.”
“The benefit clients are most excited about is losing inches around their waists, hips, thighs and upper arms,” says Lincoln. “Clients who conduct a regular barre3 practice of two to three times a week consistently get the best results. We recommend setting an achievable schedule and sticking with it. “
The barre3 exercise studios are found in the following The Spa branches: Alabang, The Fort, Eastwood, and Rockwell. For more information, visit www.barre3.com.ph.
Learn more about Barr3 and other work outs from these articles:
- The Barre3 Workout: Yoga + Pilates + Ballet
- Running 101: 13 Tips for Newbie Runners
- 10 Latest Must-Try Workouts in Manila
(All photos by Patrick Uy, courtesy of barre3 Philippines)
