Have You Gotten Your Booty to the Barre Lately?

Barre fitness classes utilize the ballet barre and they are incredibly popular right now. There are probably more barre methods out there than you realize! Some focus on small movements and repetitions. Some originate from calisthenics and ballet floor barre. Some use music and other props such as weights, bands and balls. My first experience with a barre program was The BootyBarre Method. The fitness club where I worked decided they wanted to bring a barre program in. My coordinator tried a bunch of different styles and felt that BootyBarre was a great fit. BootyBarre is not a franchise so once an instructor is certified they can teach anywhere they like. This way dance studios, community centers, and independent fitness studios can have barre classes as part of their programming. As a dancer and Pilates instructor I thought I was in pretty good shape until I got into that class! The creator Tracey Mallett who is a Master Pilates instructor and world renowned fitness and wellness expert, taught the certification course. Originally from London she now resides in Los Angeles. She is full of energy, passion and totally down to earth! I fell in love with the method. Because it's foundation is in Pilates, the focus is purposeful movement, quality not quantity, proper alignment and bio mechanics. There are also endless modifications for different fitness levels and physical needs. As a Pilates instructor I was able to see the integrity of the method and the amount of work that went into creating this fun flowing class. Part of the integrity was the certification process. We were required to send in a video of us teaching the class within 90 days. You pass or fail and get feedback on what was good or needs improvement.This type of follow up is so important since a good instructor needs to verbally and physically correct form in order for the client to reap the full benefits of the exercises. BootyBarre works with a neutral spine which basically means you are working in the healthiest position for your spine. This position increases pelvic floor strength,back stability and balance in the hip joint. Small isometric exercises are balanced with large fluid movement to create better joint function. The cardio intervals in BootyBarre Plus class get that heart rate up and burn calories. The BootyBarre Flex and Flow class doesn't have cardio intervals and uses a theraband tied to the barre to create resistance for arm work. BootyBarre Plus uses free weights. Both classes finish with abdominal, back, and stretching exercises. This is all done to great music. My favorite playlist is my 80's BootyBarre Mix! I have been doing BootyBarre for a year and can't believe how much stronger I have gotten. Even fitness instructors have their physical issues. I struggled with weak glutes and hamstrings and a rotated pelvis. BootyBarre has helped immensely with this. I also love the creativity instructors can have with exercises so class is never exactly the same but it still follows a familiar format. The icing on the cake was being asked by Tracey to become a Master Trainer for The BootyBarre Method. I get to travel to studios and fitness clubs and teach future BootyBarre instructors. We have Master Trainers in Europe, Japan, Dubai, Australia, South America and the US. Wanna get your booty to the barre? Check outwww.thebootybarre.com   or www.eqpittsburgh.com!