No Barre, Barre 101
By Isabel VarnadoHello there, Yoga Heights fam! I am so excited to given the opportunity to teach No Barre, Barre at the Takoma Park studio. I have been a part of the YH family for a few years now, as a student, studio assistant, and now adding instructor to the list. No Barre, Barre is offered at both locations throughout the week, so come check us out.Why Barre?Strength and tone based classes tend to be intimidating, overly prescriptive, and/or simply exacerbate injuries. Plus DC’s fit culture can be intense. Finding a way to take a challenging class that allows for modification, while building a strong muscle base is where No Barre, Barre can fit into your practice. We have removed the bar, but not the challenge.What is the shake?No Barre, Barre is an hour-long low impact strength training class set to energetic playlists that will have you grinning and dancing through the shake. Just imagine if ballet, pilates, and a HIIT class had a magical unicorn child…that majestic creature is No Barre, Barre. Routines are designed to provide you with a full body muscle fatiguing class, where no class is exactly alike. A typical class will go through a warm up including abs and a plank series. We then go through thigh and seat work, arms, and abs. I have added a cardio sprint to each class for a chance to get your heart pumping. This series has four exercises for 90 seconds each and vary from moves like ski jumps or plank jacks. Then we close class with a bridge series and cool down.
There are chances to catch your breath and there is time for stretching and personal stretching – as not every movement is for every body. Each series has modifications and optional challenges. So not only are all welcome, but those looking to experiment should try it! You will most likely have to shake it off and keep it moving ☺ at varies points throughout class.Hurts so good!Props like bands, balls, weights, and sliders to get deep into each exercise will be used. I will talk you through each variation of tucking, rolling, and pulsing. Yes, all of those movements will be happening and yes, you can do them! Getting you to leaner stronger muscle groups. Ensuring you use that face towel is what gets me pumped to teach this class.I take my playlists and getting you to a shake very seriously. In all honesty you will be slightly upset with me, but should find the music carries you through the “I need to stop” zone. I construct playlists to go with each series of exercises: faster rhythms, great beats, or slow controlled jams. If you do not enjoy loud or current genres of music there are several other options on the YH schedule to allow for a comfortable practice.Please shout me a holla if you have suggestions, comments, or music requests. Otherwise I will see you on the mat because No Barre, Barre will get you into Squat Goals shape!
Take class with Isabel Saturday at 12 pm at Takoma!
