As I am writing this, I just finished my 50th class at barre3 Knoxville. This milestone felt so far away at the beginning of my journey at barre3, and to finally hit it feels like the biggest accomplishment.
I started going to barre3 after a free, promotional event for college students, and I was hooked from the very first class. The workout pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me incredibly sore and left me with the biggest smile on my face. My exercise level severely dropped off after cheerleading ended in high school, and although I didn’t really experience the freshman 15, I felt my general health and wellbeing sliding during college. I would call my mom while walking to class and be very out of breath by the end of the conversation. Climbing up the smallest flight of stairs left me exhausted. This was annoying, but I have always hated traditional exercise so much that I didn’t really dedicate myself to getting in shape.
This all changed when I experienced the absolute joy that is a class at barre3 Knoxville. I haven’t regretted a single class ever taken, and I leave each one feeling stronger and healthier than I felt before it. I have received a lot of questions from blog readers and friends alike in the past few weeks, and I thought I would quickly summarize my favorite things about the workout and the studio I love so much.
I often get the question, “but what is it??” when I talk about barre3, and I don’t think I ever really explain it right. Barre3’s summary is, “a full-body balanced workout combining strength conditioning, cardio, and mindfulness.” This is a pretty good explanation! Every class features a warm up (which usually makes me sweat, ha), leg work, combo (arms and legs together with small weights), cardio, seat work, ab work, stretching and meditation. All in one, fun hour! All the moves are timed to fun, empowering music, and sometimes I lose myself and feel like I am back doing a cheerleading routine. It’s so much fun and so, so challenging in the very best way.
One of the most attractive parts for me is the low-impact nature of the workout. There’s no running or jumping or aggression applied but instead small, mindful movements that build the burn slowly over time. The “barre” name comes from the ballet bar lining the room which is used for seat and leg work and stretching. There are rare occasions when I feel like I see a hint of ballet, but that really isn’t a strong component. The biggest hint to ballet is the slow, graceful moves and transitions- I feel my most graceful and strong during barre3, and for that I am so thankful.
Barre3 is more costly than your average gym membership, but the normal gym $10 a month access to free weights and machines just doesn’t cut it for me. It gives me nothing to look forward to, no structure and no accountability. Paying for the classes and signing up ensures I will go and make the most out of each and every class. Having the incredible instructors there and dedicated to seeing me grow keeps me motivated to keep pushing myself, without ever feeling like they think I am a slacker if I do need a break.
They provide fresh towels, cold water, a clean shower and bathroom to change in and honestly all the amenities that empower me to keep going. I love all the instructors and get so excited when I have the opportunity to take a new person.
If you can’t tell, I am seriously in love with this workout. My goal is to hit 100 classes before the wedding, but it’s totally okay if this doesn’t happen. Each class feels like the biggest gift, and I am so thankful that I have chosen to set aside 50, 60-minute sessions to better myself this year. Here’s to barre3!!
If you have any questions about barre3, feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram. I also recommend talking to the barre3 account on Instagram, they are so helpful and informative! If you are looking to try this workout before buying a membership, you can usually get three classes for $30 or two weeks unlimited for $50. They also do community free classes and discount weeks here and there!
