Do I Need A Yoga Mat For Barre Class

If you re looking to create a true barre class experience at home a freestanding ballet barre is a must.

Do i need a yoga mat for barre class. So i wanted to share with you a few items that are key to your first barre class. Before you snag a mat and toss off your shoes here s everything you need to know about tackling your first barre class. Some studios have carpeted studios and they do not want you to bring your mat. Here s the basic 101 rundown.

You will need a yoga mat if you plan to do at home yoga or pilates and core portions of barre. Personally i don t like the really thick mats because it feels too squishy so i. Be sure to register online well before your desired class date. Come ready to work hard.

While you can learn how to do each exercise in barre class you might not be familiar with the terms your instructor uses. Looking to try a barre workout class for the first time but don t really know what the heck to expect. Most barre based classes use a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other disciplines like yoga and pilates says sadie lincoln founder of barre3 fitness. Not much came up.

Unlike yoga where you can use a light weight sticky mat barre requires a thicker mat to offer the right about of cushion for your spine and hips. I tend to reach for my manduka when i m barefoot it s stickier and go for my lulu when i wearing my barre shoes. It combines the movement of ballet the strengthening of pilates and the stretching of yoga all within one 45 minute class. A thick pilates mat is key for barre workouts.

The barre is used as a prop to balance while doing exercises that focus on isometric strength. Unlike yoga and pilates classes that often require quiet self reflection having fun is acceptable and encouraged in barre classes. You won t be standing on the mat so you don t need to worry about it in terms of balance. The actual barre in class is used as a prop to help you balance leaving you to focus on isometric strength exercises i e holding your body still.

I recommend investing in a good mat. Get one that is at least 6mm thick these shouldn t set you back more than 30. My mat photo above is. There s plenty of opportunities for quiet concentration when you are focusing on the tiny muscle movements that are working your entire body from head to toe during every class.

My studio has hardwood floors which i prefer. The cushion of the mat will help protect your joints throughout practice. Everything you need to participate in the class including yoga mats will be waiting for you in the studio. I alternate between my 5mm lululemon mat and my manduka mat.

Those 10 ones break down so quickly you ll end up having to replace them over and over again. It helps strengthen the core and booty as well as tone inner thighs for best results hold a light grip on the barre to focus on boosting your balance and posture. The low impact conditioning class is a total three for one.