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I recently introduced a new programme to my clients: “Body Barre Fitness”. My interest in Barre fitness stems from my love for ballet. You however, do not need to be a ballet dancer, or a dancer at all, to participate in a Barre fitness programme. Barre fitness classes are ballet-inspired, incorporating a ballet Barre and elements of pilates, dance, yoga and functional training. Barre workouts are great not just for toning, but, also for alignment and posture. Each class provides a cardio element in addition to a strength and stretch element. Here are a few reasons you should try Barre fitness: 1. Barre classes are non–impact, therefore easy on the joints. Non-impact exercises are a good choice if you are overweight or suffer from foot, ankle, knee, hip or back problems but still want an effective cardiovascular exercise. 2. The isometric movements in Barre fitness programmes protect your bone health, and also increase your percent of lean muscle mass – the higher this percentage, the more calories you will burn throughout your day. Pair the Barre exercise routine with a healthy diet and you will absolutely see the results. 3. We all have different fitness levels, strengths and challenges. You need not worry about not having any dance experience or being a beginner to exercise. There are modifications for each exercise to suit the beginner, intermediate and advanced student. Always measure progress against yourself; not the person next to you! 4. Barre workout targets trouble zones with a fun approach to toning your arms, stomach, hips, thighs and butt. 5. Body Barre focuses on stretching which, with practice, improves one’s range of motion. Sometimes people are flexible but not strong, or strong and not flexible; Barre classes teach your body to be both. Having flexibility and strength allows you to enjoy a longer, active life free of injuries. 6. By doing Barre regularly, you’ll also notice a remarkable improvement in your core strength and posture. While a tight core will give you a taller appearance, it will also keep you safe from injuries. Body Barre emphasises engaging your core throughout the class for compounded results – so even if you are working the arms or thighs, you are always engaging, and therefore strengthening, the core as well. A strong core can increase your performance in all other activities in life, from playing sport, to carrying a baby. Without a strong core, your muscles cannot move freely or efficiently, so you will tend to overuse your lower back muscles and put additional stress on other joints- commonly leading to aches, pains and injuries. 7. Body Barre workout differs from pilates and yoga in the following ways: –  Pilates works smaller muscles that realign the core and help to stabilise it, while the Body Barre workout works most muscles, small and large, by using body weight to isolate these muscles. – Yoga offers a more comprehensive approach to health because people can work on their physical, mental and sometimes spiritual dimensions of health. The Body Barre workout focuses on fitness specifically by strengthening and stretching the muscles to provide overall power, grace and stamina. Barre fitness is not very popular in Nigeria, but I am pretty sure it will be once people begin to see the benefits.     About the Writer: Ibifaka Ben-Kalio (also Known as Fabila) is an energetic, fun-loving and passionate licensed Zumba Fitness, Zumba Toning and Sentao Fitness instructor. She is also a Body Barre Instructor professionally trained in Ballet and Modern Dance techniques at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, New York. A lawyer by profession, Ibifaka resigned from Legal practice to pursue her passion for helping others reach their fitness goals. She is the founder of Fabila’s Fitness Club and runs a health and fitness blog in the same name. She incorporates dance techniques with aerobics and believes that exercise can be made fun. Ibifaka has participated in a number of Fitness Conventions including the last Zumba Fitness Convention held in Orlando, Florida where she got to meet the founder of Zumba Fitness. She is the creator of Shape Up Naija Fitness Carnival, a yearly event which brings together fitness professionals and enthusiast from all around the country. Connect with her on fabila@fabilasfitness.com/ Instagram: @fabilasfitness
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This article was first published on 21st September 2015

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