Today’s tip: Try Barre3.
You’ve seen the same tips over and over: Mix it up and cross-train! Set realistic goals! Find workout buddies! Barre3 is one way to accomplish all of those.
Barre3 is a 60-minute total body workout that incorporates yoga, pilates, and ballet barre. It incorporates both small, one-inch movements, large, functional movements, and stretching. I think Barre3 is especially beneficial for runners. We as runners sometimes become hyper-focused on the numbers–miles and pace–instead of how our body really feels. When runners try to “tough it out,” it can cause or worsen injuries (you all know somebody who’s done it… and maybe you’ve overdone it!).
Working on balancing out muscles can help prevent injury and can also help your running, too. My runner friend Destry started doing Barre3, and feels like she’s seeing a difference in her body by adding Barre3 once a week: “Barre3 has helped me strengthen muscles that I neglect running. I have noticed a big difference in my strength running hills and trails. My feet feel strong and able to react better to the different surfaces of running from the road to the street. I like it uses different muscles that I do not use as much running and cycling but they complement each other so well and provide a more complete workout.”
Barre3 focuses on listening to your own body, and modifying and adjusting to what works best for your body, while still challenging your body. If your legs are shaking, you’re doing it right!
Barre3 studios often have challenges to encourage members to commit to a certain number of classes a week, and oftentimes includes nutritional suggestions as well. However, it’s not an “all or nothing” challenge, nor is it a competition–the focus is on realistic and sustainable ways of living a healthy life.
If you’re looking for workout buddies, a Barre3 studio is a good place to start! I’ve had runner friends come to my studio and they love how friendly and welcoming everyone is. The instructors make a point of learning your name, and other studio members are supportive of one another. It’s a community.
There are other barre workouts, but I personally love the vibe and style of workout at Barre3 studios. If you do decide to give Barre3 a try for the first time, I’d love to hear what you thought about it!
