So, I finally did it. After days of procrastinating, I attended my very first barre3 class on Friday. I decided to try it out since it sounded like what I needed in a fitness regimen: something to keep me fit and lean and strengthen my core (to improve my bad back).
So despite the fact that I’ve been clocking 11-12 hours per day at the office all week long and despite the fact that my body is screaming for sleep, I rushed straight to the barre3 studio at The Spa (The Fort), where I signed up for 10 classes. I figured a good workout is a great way to release all of the week’s stress.
Sounds funky…What is it, exactly?
barre3 (simply pronounced as “bar three”) is a revolutionary class that combines the grace of the ballet barre, the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates. This vigorous 60-minute workout is made up of a highly effective sequence of exercises designed to transform the body to one of equal balance, strength and flexibility. Every second in this workout counts for fast body shaping results and long term postural benefits.
I was a little worried about the vigorous part. I’m not into fast workouts ala aerobics. But as soon as the routine started, my worries were soon dispelled as I learned that the moves do not necessarily go with the fast beat of the music. Whew.
After the required stretching exercises, we started with the ballet barre, which I really loved. It was my first time to use one, haha. I liked that I can always grab on to it whenever I lose my balance.
I started out OK but 20 minutes into the routine, I was already feeling the pain. I am out of shape!! I haven’t been exercising diligently with belly fancing for the past months so I kinda expected that I would get tired easily.
But our teacher, pretty and svelte Celine, kept on reminding us that anytime we feel the strain, we should rest for a bit and let our muscles recover. Ah, how I needed that.
We had some exercises with 2kg weights then on to the mats. I was thinking, “yay, finally a chance to lie down – this should be easy”. NOT.
My legs and torso were trembling whenever I have to use my abs intensely, and I had to pause every now and then. My physical therapist used to tell me I had weak abdominal muscles (that’s the reason why I have bad posture) and that thought kept running in my head as I was sweating on the mat. Grrr, I have to get better at this!
After the end of an hour’s training, I was so tired and muscles were burning. But Celine assured me that it will get better and the pain will only be for the first few sessions.
I loved my very first class – I liked that i am able to check my posture (or my teacher’s) in the mirrors no matter which direction we were facing. Also, Celine keeps on going around during the entire hour to correct our positions and postures. Because there were only 4 of us in the class, she can keep close watch on each one of us. It’s like having a personal trainer without the extra cost, haha.
That night, I slept like a baby for more than 10 hours…and woke up with an extremely sore body, haha. Oh well, it will get better 😉 For now, painkillers are my best friends.
Really excited for my next class…and for a Daniela Ruah body!
Click the link below for Miss Daphne Osena’s personal experience with barre3. 🙂
http://daphneosena.livejournal.com/195167.html
Photo credits:
barre3 PH website
