Pure Barre
Pure Barre is a popular style of barre exercise—a ballet-inspired workout marked by its use of the ballet barre to support individuals during practice. Carrie Rezabeck Dorr founded the method in 2001, when she opened her first studio in Birmingham, Michigan. Eight years later, it evolved into one of the largest barre franchises in the United States. As of February 2014, there are 200 studio locations around the nation.[1]
The Method
Pure Barre exercises specifically target areas of the body that are troublesome for women, such as the abs, arms, hips, thighs and seat.[2] Each series of movements is performed at the barre or on the floor. Aiming to create a lean, dancer-like physique, the workout concentrates on small, isometric movements rather than high-impact cardio exercises.
Each class lasts 55 minutes and is divided into strength- and stretching-focused sections. Students are encouraged to exert their muscles until they pass the point of fatigue in order to maximize their caloric burn. Once the targeted muscle group begins to shake, they perform stretching exercises to elongate their now malleable muscles. By following each strength section with a stretching section, the routine helps build long, lean musculature rather than bulk.[3]
Health Benefits
While most cardio workouts utilize high-impact movements, barre workouts utilize low-impact movements, which reduce the risk of injury by alleviating pain in the joints. Moreover, Dorr’s method successfully targets hard-to-reach areas of the body by incorporating the use of stretching bands and weighted balls. Practicing this total-body workout consequently results in stronger arms, legs and abdominal muscles.
Since barre classes incorporate elements of yoga, it’s no surprise that they also produce many mental health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety. The immense concentration required to perform isometric exercises also increases mental clarity.
Teacher Training
Barre instructors must complete an approved teacher training program to become certified in the Pure Barre technique. This training is typically coordinated by a local studio owner and conducted at a corporate training facility. For more information, visit www.purebarre.com.
Insurance
NACAMS provides Pure Barre instructors and students with the most comprehensive liability insurance available at the lowest cost. NACAMS Insurance Plus includes professional and general liability insurance, $2 million per occurrence, $3 million individual annual aggregate, $2 million products individual annual aggregate; $100,000 rental damage insurance; an identity protection plan; and $1,000 stolen equipment insurance. Each barre instructor also receives access to a professional website, monthly newsletter and directory listing, as well as exclusive member discounts on health and wellness products, all at no additional charge! Learn more about our barre liability insurance program at http://www.nacams.org/barre-instructors/.
For more information about NACAMS, call 800-964-0158.
References:
[1] Fitness News Desk. “Pure Barre Reaches Milestone of 200 Studios Nationwide.” www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfitness/article/Pure-Barre-Reaches-Milestone-of-200-Studios-Nationwide-20140210#.Uw-YkfldXkJ. Accessed Feb. 25, 2014.
[2] “Technique.” PureBarre. www.purebarre.com/technique/. Accessed Feb. 24, 2014.
[3] “Technique.” PureBarre.