If you’ve ever taken a barre class, you know how deceptively hard the slow, repetitive movements can be. Barre is a fantastic form of exercise, blending techniques of dance, strength training, and stability into a total body workout that will leave you shaking and sore – in a good way! Whether you’re an experienced barre fan or totally new to it, barre classes at MINT will offer a safe and welcoming environment to learn, refine your form, and most importantly, have fun.

First the basics – what is barre? 

Borrowing elements of ballet, pilates, yoga, and other body-weight activities, barre classes are full-body workouts that typically involve repetitions of small movements that target and tone specific muscle groups. Most classes begin with a warm up, often low impact cardio like leg lifts or marching in place, to activate your core, lower, and upper body. The bulk of the work is done at the barre, though mat work is a part of many classes as well.  

What do I need to start?

All you need to practice barre is a flat surface and some kind of stable support at roughly rib cage height – in MINT’s studio this will be the barre, a free-standing horizontal handrail – but at home you can use a counter or chair. While some classes might use props like weights, a small inflatable ball, or resistance bands, these are always optional. It’s possible to get a great workout using only bodyweight. Good form is key to an effective workout, and most instructors will offer modifications so everyone feels comfortable and challenged at an appropriate level.

Who can do barre?

As a low-impact workout, barre is a great option for everyone. It will challenge and improve your stability and balance, flexibility, and strength. Because only bodyweight or light weights are used, it’s highly adaptable to all fitness levels, ages, and abilities. 

What are the benefits?

Like most forms of exercise, barre can reduce stress and boost endorphins. With its focus on repeated, precise movement, barre is a great way to improve focus and heighten the connection between your mind and body. Though the movements may seem small in the moment, they are incredibly effective, with nearly every muscle group activated over the course of a workout. Since form is so important, barre can even help improve your posture. 

MINT offers barre classes with two incredible instructors – Jeannie and Audrey – on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Find a class that works for you and check it out! Advance sign-up is recommended but not required.

Do you prefer working out in silence or tuning out the world with earbuds and a great playlist? If you’re pro-playlist, did you know that music can have a significant impact on your workout? A study from the National Center for Health Research found that listening to music while you exercise actually improves the quality of your workout. 

Music can trigger the release of endorphins, which leads to feelings of pleasure and well-being. In the context of your workout, this translates to decreased boredom and greater overall satisfaction. It can also increase endurance, offering a boost of motivation and energy. The BPM (beats per minute) of a song can particularly affect your workout, especially for cardio exercises. Finding a song whose BPM matches your ideal tempo can help you stay on pace, synching your strides or pedaling to the music. Finally, music is distracting – in a good way. When you’re sweating and struggling through that last mile or set of reps, a good song can pump up your mood and override perceived exertion. 

So, how do you build the best playlist for your workout? You can start by choosing songs whose BPM align with the tempo you’re hoping to achieve. For high-intensity cardio, that might mean upbeat, bass-heavy tunes. For a lower-impact routine like yoga or barre, you can get in the flow with chill, slower-paced songs. Gym time can be a great opportunity to explore new-to-you artists or albums. 

We want YOU to play DJ: MINT members can pick the music in the club! Check out the selections on the tablet by the front desk, and queue up your favorite hits for all to enjoy!