Trying Out Barre3

One of my 2014 goals is to be more fit. Nope, I don't want to lose any more weight! I've been curious with barre3 for the longest time, so last weekend I finally signed up for the Monthly Unlimited classes. I did this an hour before my second underarm diode laser treatment at SKIN Laser & Dermatology Center. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone, since both of the places I went to are just located inside The Spa Wellness in Shangri-La East Wing. I just love being here since the place smells so good all the time - like peppermint!

barre3 Studio inside The Spa Wellness, Shangri-La Mall

barre3 is the revolutionary workout that delivers the benefits of Pilates, Yoga, and ballet barre in one powerful 60-min class. Leveraged on the strength and sexy lines of Pilates, the wisdom and alignment technique of yoga, and the grace and efficiency of the ballet barre, it provides the ultimate head-to-toe workout designed to lengthen and lift the whole body. Because of this three-fold foundation, students experience their bodies transforming into one with the length of a dancer and the strength of an athlete.

barre3 is equally challenging to beginners and fitness buffs alike, appealing universally to men and women between 25- 35 years old who are up to the barre3 challenge.

The studio set-up has 3 corners of the wall with ballet barres which is essential in the work out together with yoga mats, yoga straps, dumbbells, and fit balls. The cork flooring that is both soft and sturdy protects the spine and joints during positions.

Benefits of barre3:

• Builds longer, leaner muscles and a strong core.
• Energizes and increases stamina.
• Develops muscle balance leading to a well-proportioned body with less risk for injury.
• Increases flexibility and creates a natural flow to the body.
• Motivating group environment builds connections and community, both important in making exercise a regular part of life.
• Connects mind, body and breath and relieves stress.

With Teacher Patty and my classmates at barre3 Shangri-La

barre3 has three class types that has different difficulty levels – advanced, foundations and open-level classes. Since it was my first time to try out this type of exercise, I went to the open-level class with Teacher Patty. She was friendly, encouraging, and yet her moves were also challenging but with a more zen approach. I was "first day of school" scared before the session. We used the ballet barre for support for certain poses, dumbells to tone the arms some more, and the fit ball for the legs and back. My legs shook involuntarily during some poses (like the plank), and I know I need more practice. I felt great afterwards, and got sore muscles on my body (most particularly my legs and abdominal muscles), but it's all good, since I know I worked it!

Just yesterday, I went back to class again for the second time! This time, I went to barre3 in Trinoma instead (which is just 10 minutes away from my office). My teacher this time was Karen; her style was more upbeat and fast-paced. I found myself to be less shaky today, hope it's a good thing! Also, the teaching style really varies. Yesterday's workout had minimal (or no) planking, thank God. Haha. My muscles were still achy from Saturday's lesson when I went to class yesterday, but I'm glad I went anyway. I feel much better now and I think my body is getting used to all the stretching. Seriously, barre is addictive. I hope to learn more about my body and find out where my strong points are. I also hope I'll be able to maintain this drive, and achieve a more fit and toned body. Gotta make the most out of my monthly unlimited sessions!

Class rates:

• First-timer trial (3 classes in 2 weeks)      P1,500 
• Single Class                                            P700 
• 10 Classes (valid for 2 months)                P5,500 
• 30 Classes (valid for 6 months)                P15,000 
• 1 on 1 Class (Private)                              P2,000 
• Exclusive Class (minimum 2 students)      P1,500/ person 
• Monthly Unlimited                                   P5,500 
• *Quarterly Membership                            P14,000
• *Semi-annual Membership                        P30,000
• *Annual Membership                                P50,000

*Memberships come with privileged access and perks at barre3 as well at The Spa, SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center.

Visit http://www.barre3.com.ph/ and Like barre3philippines on Facebook for the class schedules and more information.

Have you tried barre3? If you currently are, let's be classmates! :)

Love,

Helen