Is barre for you?

I have never felt more sedentary in my life until I had my first barre session at Espace Wellness Club recently. I can’t even remember the last time I exercised.

Barre, a fitness program that combines elements of ballet, Pilates and yoga, has become a staple in gyms and boutique studios worldwide. The workout is designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance and posture through controlled, repetitive movements that target different muscle groups.

Despite its name, barre is not a dance class. While participants use a ballet barre for support during many exercises, no dance background is required. The routines are designed to be beginner-friendly, making the workout accessible to people of different ages and fitness levels.

Aside from traditional full-body classes, many fitness studios or gyms now offer barre sessions that focus on core strength, endurance or higher-intensity training. Some classes are held in heated or infrared studios, while others are available virtually for those who prefer to exercise at home. Sessions typically run from 30 minutes to an hour.

The workout traces its roots to the 1950s, when German dancer Lotte Berk developed an exercise method after sustaining a back injury. She combined rehabilitation techniques with ballet-inspired movements to create a program that built strength without placing excessive strain on the body. Her approach later gained popularity in London before spreading to New York, where it evolved into the modern barre classes offered today.

Benefits of barre

Improves flexibility and mobility. Many barre exercises are inspired by ballet, incorporating stretches and movements that help increase flexibility. The workout also emphasizes hip mobility and lengthening tight muscles, making it beneficial for those looking to improve their range of motion.

Builds muscle strength. Although barre uses light weights or body weight instead of heavy resistance, the high number of repetitions help strengthen muscles. The exercises place particular focus on the core, glutes and legs, while also engaging the back and arms for balanced muscle development.Photographs courtesy of Espace Wellness Club

Boosts muscular endurance. Rather than relying on explosive movements, barre challenges participants to hold positions for extended periods and perform repeated, controlled motions. This helps improve muscular endurance while reinforcing proper form and body awareness.

Low-impact on the joints. One of barre’s biggest advantages is that it is gentle on the knees, hips and ankles. Traditional classes involve little to no jumping, making the workout a suitable option for beginners, older adults and people recovering from certain injuries, provided they have medical clearance.

Supports better posture. Because many movements target the abdominal and back muscles, regular barre practice can strengthen the core and improve posture. Better core stability also contributes to improved balance and coordination during everyday activities.

May help reduce lower back discomfort. A stronger core and improved posture can ease strain on the lower back. While barre is not a treatment for chronic pain, fitness experts say it may help reduce discomfort caused by weak core muscles and poor body alignment.

Works well with other workouts. Barre can serve as an effective cross-training activity for runners, cyclists and athletes who want to improve strength, stability and flexibility without adding another high-impact workout to their schedule.

Strengthens the pelvic floor. Many barre movements engage the pelvic floor muscles, which play a key role in core stability and bladder support. Some instructors recommend the workout for pregnant and postpartum women, although they advise consulting a healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program. Early research has also suggested that regular barre sessions may help improve pelvic floor function in some women.

A wellness home

ESpace Wellness Club in BF Homes, Parañaque brings together Pilates, yoga, barre, spin and recovery facilities under one roof. The two-story wellness space has dedicated studios for each discipline, along with recovery amenities such as a cold plunge and sauna.

Founded by entrepreneurs Mico Vallejo and licensed physical therapist Euriz Bagtas-Vallejo, ESpace began during the pandemic as a small home-based wellness space in Fairview, Quezon City. What started with a few Pilates and physiotherapy equipment pieces has since grown into a multi-branch wellness brand across Metro Manila.

For Bagtas-Vallejo, the goal has always been to make movement, recovery and preventive care part of everyday life. “I’ve always believed that taking care of your body shouldn’t only happen when something is already wrong. Movement, recovery and prevention can be part of everyday life,” she said.

“We wanted to bring ESpace to the South because we saw an opportunity to make the kind of wellness experience we’ve built over the years more accessible to people in this community,” Bagtas-Vallejo added.