I signed up for aΒ class at Barre3, Trinoma without knowing anything prior other than that I have to bring a small towel, water bottle, extra clothes and non-slip socks (optional) and that I should not have a medical condition. Also, I had this tiny bit of overview on Barre3 which I read from its website:
“Barre3 evolves the dancer’s workout by combining the grace of the ballet barre with the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates. Barre3 classes are set to an upbeat soundtrack and follow a vigorous pace moving through a sequence of postures designed to shape and lift the entire body.”
As you know (or not), as much as I’m all about food, I’m all about fitness, too! Barre3 is new to me, so I’m more than willing and excited to try it. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is hard but is necessary.
In this post, I will be sharing what I learned from attending the Barre3 community class for the first time. Also, I will listing a set of reminders on how to prepare before attending one (just in case you’re interested to join in).
What to Do in Preparation for a Barre3 Class
1. Wear the Right Clothes
Upon knowing that Barre3 is a combination of Pilates, yoga and ballet, my initial thought for the appropriate attire consisted of: yoga pants, sweatshirt, sports shirt and anything comfortable. High-five if you’re thinking the same. We’re right.
When attending a barre3 class, wearing shorts is not recommended because you will be sitting and lying down on the floor about half of the time. You don’t want your skin to be injured by friction or get really dirty afterwards. Also, Β this is not the time to be wearing a ballerina’s tulle skirt.
2. Wear Non-slip Socks or Go Barefoot
Non-slip socks are those with grips on the bottom and have good traction. Wear these (and not thin socks or regular socks). In my case, since I don’t own a pair of non-slip socks and did not consider buying one for the sake of this class, I just went barefoot which is fine.
3. Eat a Complete Meal
You don’t want to feel your stomach growling because of hunger as you can’t concentrate on the barre3 workout exercises. You also don’t want to fall ill because of lack of energy. Hence, eating a complete meal is ideal to make sure that you have something substantial in your stomach at least an hour before the class.
4. Come on Time (or Earlier to Perform Pre-warm-up Exercises)
In any session, event or activity, coming late is a no-no, in my book. Showing up on time (or early) is a sign of professionalism and responsibility. Plus, if you’re early, you can have more time to prepare yourself by doing pre-warm-up exercises before the actual warm-up exercises. Trust me, you’ll need them.
5. Have the Proper Mindset
It’s good to be prepared both physically and mentally. Know that you signed up for this class not to play around, meet faces and pass time. In addition, having negative thoughts such as “I can’t do it” or “This is too hard” will not do anything beneficial for the exercise. I remember one of my friends say, “It’s all mental” π and he’s right! Expect to feel body pain but accomplish your goal of finishing the class. In other terms, don’t think of giving up.
Lessons Learned from Attending a Barre3 Community Class at The Spa Wellness (Trinoma, Quezon City)
1. Barre3 is Not Easy
Sure, I perform workouts regularly. However, this does not mean that I am not challenged by the exercises in this Barre3 community class. The steps were not all comfortable and familiar. Not one person in the class had been able to perform every single exercise perfectly. In the same vein, not one person in the class was discouraged either. The class had a supportive environment. Everyone worked at her own level, and the instructor was helpful.
2. Persistence is Key
Yup, I felt my thighs shaking. I breathed heavily with the tiny beads of perspiration forming on my back and forehead. Despite that, eyes closed, I thought and smiled to myself: I’m hooked. I may not be the best one in the class but definitely I may be one of the most persistent. When the instructor says last four counts or last 30 seconds, PUSH was all I did.
3. Don’t Compare
Comparing yourself against others will do no good in barre3. It’s better to keep track of your own progress so you remain focused. Don’t see the flaws of others; see yours. Have faith; your mental fortitude is half of the battle.
This is the ends of my post. Hope you enjoyed reading! Now, tell me β have you tried attending a barre3 class before? Did you love it or hate it? Tips are much welcome! To find out more about Barre3 Philippines, check their FAQ page here.
Barre3 Studio Philippines (inside The Spa Wellness)
3rd Floor, Wellness Zone, TriNoma Mall, North Ave., Quezon City, Philippines
For inquiries, contact 9008809
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I haven’t attended any fitness class at all (I know I should). I like your Tip#5, that’s the winning attitude. Lesson#3 hit me on spot.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
xoxo, Wena
Thanks, Wena! π At first I felt awkward but when the exercises become more repetitive then I learned how to handle myself better.
This is the first time I’ve heard of Barre3, I looked it up online to see what the exercises looked like. It seems like a real test of perseverance haha
Oh yes! Ballet and pilates exercises at the barre and on the mat tone your muscles, while complementary yoga postures lengthen and shape your muscles (think long and lean like a ballet dancer!) π
This reminds me that I should start seriously thinking about starting a fitness regimen. With all the food and indulgences we are enjoying, it’s time to get physically fit.
For sure. π If your goal is muscular strength though, you need to do additional weight training aside from cardio. The barre3 class may initially make you stronger, relative to where you start, but since it requires high reps of a light weight, you will develop muscular endurance, not pure strength.
The studio looks very fine! Quite an art. A must see, although not into that kind of stuffs but great to know.
The ambiance is really nice. Helen, a blogger-friend, says that the barre3 studio in the Shangri-la Plaza branch is classier. Yup, it’s a must-see so go try it when you’re free. π
I have heard so much about them but I really had no idea they are already in Trinoma – have to check them out soon!
Go go go! If you have trouble committing to exercise, make a date to attend class with a friend. If you are meeting someone, you are less likely to skip it, plus the social aspect will make the experience more fun. π
I attended this class a few years ago and I had a great time. I want to go back but I haven’t found the time to do so.
Oh check out the schedule on their website and book the closest date that you’re available. π
I’m sure you’ll do well with Barre3 because of your sporty background. I was looking for your Barre3 outfit post. =>
Haha unfortunately I was not able to take a picture of myself! π Maybe next time. π
Looking forward to your next Barre3 post. It’s nice that there are a lot of alternative modes of fitness now.
Yes, in that way, more people will be encouraged to find the one they are most comfortable with. There’s no excuse not to burn those calories and keep on moving! π
I’ve never heard of Barre3 before but it must be an intense one because yoga and pilates are involved. I’ve done some yogilates and that’s a real workout!
Yes, intense! I’m pretty sure youβll be hooked as well when you see how quickly and effectively this workout tones and shapes your body.
Work out is good for the heart and for the body physique. It takes a lot of pain as far as physical exercise is concerned. I don’t know if I am right in my assessment that work out is too expensive… Isn’t it?
Community classes are for free. π
Hi! I am really interested in trying out Barre3, but find it expensive.
When and where are the community classes held?
Thank you.
Hi Jel. You can find the schedules and venue per session via their website. As of date, there is no community class (free session) scheduled this week.
no, i have not tried Barre3 yet, i am interested though π
Yup, it’s something new to most people here so it piques curiosity still.
This sounds great but I am afraid I won’t be able to join it because of the location and also I have not attended any fitness class but if I were to ask I prefer programs like this or anything else like zumba. I hope you will have a good time there.
Oh, I’d also like to try Zumba! Any fitness exercise is good. If location is your concern, the good news is that Barre3 website offers videos (paid) so you can watch the instructor on screen while you perform the steps right at the comfort of your home. π
I would like to enroll myself in this class. Since this combines three different exercise, I think it will work out all parts of my body especially my big thighs and arms.
That’s right. Just come prepared with all those reminders above and you’ll do just fine. Taking a break while in the exercise is okay as well.
Oh M?? I didn’t know that this barre3 exists in Trinoma? how much ito roch?
Free lang pag community class. You can view the schedules posted on their website to see which dates and time slots may free. π If you enjoy the session, you may avail of the “trial classes” – 3 sessions for PHp 1500.
ooohh.. sige nga! ng makaranas ng torture. char! haha
Nyahaha yes you have to. Sobrang relieved naman after. π
Thogh I have neither heard about Barre3 nor took any fitness class previously still I liked your idea.
Thanks! This is good to try. π
This post is perfect for those who want to get fit this summer! Sure it’s not easy but I know you can do it! π
Yes! This is what body-conscious people should be starting to attend. π
Never heard of Barre3 before. Sounds like it needs perseverance and determination — things that I totally suck at. I have to agree with you said about being it. It’s really hard to push yourself out of the comfort zone but if you want to be fit and healthy, you just have to do it. No questions asked. I’m not bendy. I’ve never been so in order to burn some calories and be fit, I play with my hula hoops and do aerobics. Very rudimentary but that’s the only that I can tolerate. Haha! Thanks for sharing this post! I learned a lot! π
Haha this will train you to become more determined and persevere then. π Barre3 is not all about flexibility. Rather, it also challenges your leg muscles, which is where most of your bodyβs muscle mass is found. It also teaches you to isolate specific muscles and use them for sustained periods. Hehe you’re welcome! π
wow! I have to check this wellness spa. Trinoma is very accessible to the place where I stay when I am in Manila.
Yup. The Spa Trinoma offers a lot of services. If working out is not your thing, maybe massage will soothe your muscles down and give you that relaxing vibe you always wanted. π Come check it out. It’s in the garden area.
I also tried Barre3 for 2 months, you’re right about Barre3. My tummy also got smaller even for only two months so barre3 is worth to try for. I also bought the DVD and the Barre3 ball.
Oh wow! That’s so nice to hear. You’re an inspiration, Jien. π
I haven’t tried Barre3, and I don’t think this exercise is for me, since you have mentioned that the steps are not easy hahaha.
Haha it might not be easy but the steps are doable lah. π
I saw a voucher deal of Barre at Deal Grocer. I’m still thinking of trying it out.
Oh you can try even without buying a voucher by attending a community class (free) like I did first. π
I really agree with the 3rd point stated above. Never compare. Just enjoy the moment π
Yeah. When class is in session, it’s actually hard to look at what others are doing and how they are coping with the exercises. They would be the least of your concern since concentration and focus on your own performance are highlights. The instructor will mention your name if you are not getting it right and then correct your posture haha.
I know Yoga but Barre3, this is the first time I had a chance to read about it.
Barre3 is madness. π In each energizing and targeted workout, youβll use the barre and exercise equipment such as mini-balls and small hand weights to sculpt, slim and stretch your entire body.
This sounds very interesting, but really hard too *LOL*. I do yoga regularly and enjoy it very much, but combining it with ballet and pilates takes it to another level altogether!
Yup! I mean I’ve tried yoga and ballet individually but this was the first time that the three are put together into one exercise.
Immediately after the class, I told myself I don’t want to do it again. But now when my muscles are healed, I feel like wanting to go back. π
Attending a wellness class is one of the things in my bucket list..
This is not hard to achieve. π You might want to tick it off the list this year.
I’m with you on the things you learned from Barre3 class, to never compare it with any other workouts but instead focusing on your progress and how well your body adjust to it. I think this def applies to every workout routines.
Absolutely. π
I have never been to this studio. It looks very spacious though.
Yeah, the space is enough for a class of 15-20 people to exercise. π