Barre + Yoga: The Power Duo You Didn’t Know You Needed

By Vinita Laroia

Revolution Yoga Instructor

After the pandemic you probably noticed more yoga studios hosting barre classes.

Here’s why:

First off, during the pandemic, many people were exposed to alternative modes of physical fitness. This included barre, pilates, HIIT, and hybridized variations of yoga. Naturally, as yoga studios opened back up after the pandemic, clients wanted a single membership at a single studio with access to some of the same forms of movement they had experienced and enjoyed during the pandemic. 

Savvy studio owners realized they could include many of these same modalities in a single space. Barre basically requires the same landscape as yoga: an open floor plan and a mat.

Secondly, while yoga is sometimes promoted as a complete system of exercise, it doesn't include everything someone might want or need for optimum physical health. In a typical yoga practice, there’s very little cardio and essentially no pulling motions.

Resistance training, like the movements incorporated into a Barre class, can help build muscle strength and stamina. Lifting weight — even body weight — and moving in novel ways actually augments muscle function and overall health. 

Long term studies show that lean muscle mass improves longevity, metabolic health, bone density, and cognitive function. 

Incorporating Barre as a complimentary resistance training can make your yoga practice feel more accessible because your muscles are stronger and more stable. Barre, in particular, offers a sweat session that targets range of motion, muscle coordination, and small stabilizing fibers that make your Warrior 3, planks, and even transitions feel flawless.

Come experience the hype.

Revolution offers multiple barre and core classes a week, including my classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:45 a.m. They are appropriate for all-levels and every teacher is here to help you.  You can learn more about barre positions here. But coming to class is the best way to embody the practice. Hope to see you on the mat.