Barre workouts have been around since the late 1950s as a way for ballerinas to cross-train. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it gained popularity in the fitness industry. This dance-inspired, low-impact, high-intensity workout has evolved since then to include elements of yoga and Pilates. It has become quite the popular total body practice for people of all ages. Now barre3 has made its way to South Florida, located at 5030 Champion Boulevard in Boca Raton.
The all-female-owned franchise was founded in Portland, Oregon in 2008 and now has 160 studios spanning across the U.S., including Florida with locations in Tampa, Orlando, and Boca Raton. The company was founded on the premise of designing classes that would increase strength, reduce stress, improve balance, and ensure a mind/body connection.
Rachel Engstrom, Boca Raton’s studio owner, always had a passion for fitness, but it wasn't until she found barre3 that she realized it was more than just a great workout. She first discovered barre3 while living in Washington DC and dreamed of owning her own studio. When she moved to South Florida in 2018 she realized how much she missed barre3 and the feeling that it brought her, so she decided to open the first studio in South Florida bringing this new approach to group fitness, a great full-body workout, and the barre3 community to Boca.
Her studio offers 60-minute classes by highly-trained instructors. Classes involve the use of small balls, resistance bands, and hand weights throughout the class, and focus on proper alignment with a blend of cardio, strength training, flexibility, balance, and core conditioning. Don’t let the word low-impact fool you. By the end of this hour-long class, you will be drenched in sweat after targeting the hips, glutes, abs, and arms.
Classes are also designed to include modified versions for each move allowing people of every fitness level to participate and embark on their own fitness journey. This holistic approach is truly felt throughout the class as the instructor guides you through each phase. You can expect some classic dance moves such as plies and static stretches combined with some small-range, isometric movements that will have your muscles shaking and feeling the burn. Classes end on the mat for some core work and finally a yoga-inspired cool-down for mindful restoration.
The studio livestreams all of their classes and also offers an on demand library. Currently, the specials for new clients are first class $10, 3 classes for $49 and 2 weeks unlimited for $59.
For more information visit www.barre3.com or find them on Instagram at @barre3bocaraton.
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