Frequently Asked Questions
What is ReBarre?
ReBarre is a unique, interval-training based class inspired by the original work of the Lotte Berk Method and Callanetics. Our high-intensity, low-impact system is designed to safely strengthen, develop increased muscle tone, and create a body that is strong, yet flexible. All major muscle groups are worked in a one-hour class of carefully designed strengthening, and orthopedic stretching techniques. We fuse weighted balls, resistance bands, gliders, mini-mats and more to create a barre experience unlike any other. Find ReBarre, yoga, meditation, pilates, stretch and unparalleled customer service in our welcoming and fun environment.
What do you do in a ReBarre class?
Each class begins with a warm up followed by upper body exercises to work upper arms and shoulders using light weights, plank, and push up variations. The class then moves to the barre for thigh work, seat and hamstring work, with deep, releasing stretch segments that complement each intense section. The focus then moves to the abdominals, empowering your core. The ballet barre (or stabilizing option at home) is valuable in different positions of abdominal work with the help of straps, balls and varying positions against the wall and floor. The final section is thorough and deep stretching.
The entire class is set to lively and flowing music which helps to inspire, focus, motivate, and finally relax the student throughout the hour. Although many of the movements are ballet-inspired, there are no choreographed sequences, and grace is not required to enjoy this class! Your instructors will guide you through the movements to ensure that your posture, alignment and form are correct for safe, optimal results.
How is ReBarre different from other fitness studio programs?
The class is non-impact yet weight-bearing, which gives you the most efficient method to exercise, with reduced risk for injury. Unlike a mainstream cardio or conditioning class, you receive individual attention and constant encouragement, without jumping, bouncing, or jarring movements.
How often should I take ReBarre classes?
To see significant change in your body, we recommend 3 - 4 classes per week. When you are consistent with your attendance, you can expect to feel a marked difference in your strength, flexibility and muscle tone in about 6 weeks. Of course, you are welcome to join us more frequently... we will have a spot at the barre for you!
Do I need to be a certain fitness level or age to do ReBarre?
No, you don't! Every level of "fit-ness" is safely welcome at ReBarre. Anyone, at any fitness level and age, can benefit from the ReBarre technique. The class atmosphere is always supportive and non-competitive. Each student can be challenged at their own level without affecting anyone else’s workout. We encourage beginners to stick with the basic modifications, and to rest at any point during the class. As you increase your stamina and fitness level, you will be able to add more advanced variations and complete longer segments of each section.
My muscles tend to “bulk up” when I work out, will ReBarre do that?
If you tend to bulk up, ReBarre is the perfect workout for you. ReBarre focuses on precise, high repetition movements using very light or no weight at all. After each muscle group is worked, the muscle is then thoroughly stretched in order to lean out the muscle. Areas that are most affected by ReBarre are inner core strength, overall stamina, flexibility and stability.
Please know that the process of building strength and stamina takes time. During the initial stage of training, some clients feel that their muscles are fuller then become discouraged. Trust us that the results of this process WILL happen ~ your body will feel stronger, your stamina will improve and your muscle tone will be more defined class after class. After about six weeks of consistent attendance, the progress will be undeniable!
I am not very flexible, can I still do ReBarre?
Yes, in fact ReBarre is the perfect class to help you safely increase your flexibility. If you have trouble placing your foot on the ballet bar during stretches you can use the stall bar, which has lower bar access for you to use until your flexibility increases. Additional straps can also be used to aide in stretching sections. Because of the alternating strength and stretch format of the class, ReBarre thoroughly warms your muscles, which allows them to release more effectively during stretching sections.
How are the benefits of ReBarre different from Yoga?
Yoga can increase muscle stamina and flexibility very effectively using only a mat. However as one gets stronger, the need to challenge muscles further arises. Some yoga moves can even be intimidating to attempt at best, and may not be achievable for all body types. ReBarre increases muscular challenge by varying strengthening exercises in a way that all clients can attain utilizing. Barre can also help change the angle or range of motion of an exercise.
Why does ReBarre use a ballet barre?
The ballet barre serves a number of different purposes depending on the exercise performed. It helps to align the body properly for thigh and seatwork, and it provides added leverage in order to get fuller muscle contractions and muscle group targeting. The barre is effective in increasing strength and flexibility and is simple enough for anyone to use.
Can I take class if I’m pregnant?
Yes. ReBarre is a safe and effective workout for pre- and especially post-natal care with a few minor exercise modifications. Many clients have continued to take ReBarre classes throughout their pregnancy, and have seen great improvement in their post-natal recovery when resuming classes after child-birth. For the sake of your safety, we require written consent from your doctor to continue with exercise after you find out you’re pregnant, and again when you are cleared to resume exercise post-pregnancy. If you have no history of exercise prior to becoming pregnant, we will ask that you wait until after you have your baby to begin an exercise regime.
Can I take class if I’m injured?
Yes, for most injuries, ReBarre is a very safe form of exercise based on orthopedic strengthening and stretching exercises. Every position and movement emphasizes correct alignment and accuracy of form. Muscles surrounding and supporting your ankles, knees, hips, spine and shoulders will be properly stabilized and strengthened. The exercises are designed to increase flexibility in all of these joints and areas of the body to ensure improved posture, reduced soreness over time, decreased lower back pain, and overall energy increase. We recommend consulting with your treating doctor before exercising when injured.
Why does ReBarre focus so much on the core?
Just as Pilates emphasizes, the core is the “Powerhouse” of the body. Without a strong core, our other body parts cannot move freely or efficiently. Instead, muscles in the lower back, and other major joints take on additional stress to create movement, often resulting in common injuries, aches and pains. Every movement in ReBarre emphasizes tightening and engaging the abdominal muscles, even if the primary focus is on another muscle group such as the quadriceps or shoulders.
What should I wear to a ReBarre class?
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that you can easily move in. Try to refrain from over-sized or baggy clothing that can hinder the instructor’s ability to see your form. Socks are required. And please, no bare midriffs! Masks are required for all in-studio clients.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
For online classes, our system charges your account for any classes not cancelled before the online class start time. However, in understanding of the many challenges we are all navigating during this time, all late-cancellation fees will be waived for now.
For in-studio classes, because classes require limited attendance to adhere to health and safety protocols, cancelling your registration more than an hour before a class allows another client to attend. For that reason, cancellations occurring an hour or less before class start time will incur a charge: the loss of 1 class for clients with class-pack purchases OR for monthly, yearly, and autopay packages, a $10.00 cancellation fee will be charged. However, in understanding of the many challenges we are all navigating during this time, all late-cancellation fees will be waived for now.
We are grateful for your understanding and appreciate your every effort to cancel far enough in advance that wait list clients are able to attend.