With a million and one workout classes, methods and so-called miracle routines out there, it can be hard to know what’s actually worth your time – and your sweat.
It was this exact conundrum that led YouTuber Keltie O’Connor – a long-time practitioner of Barre, yoga and Pilates – to break down the differences between them, who they suit and what benefits each practice can offer.
Here’s what she found over three years of training – and how to incorporate each into your own routine.
Barre
Barre is a low-impact workout that blends elements of ballet, Pilates and bodyweight strength training. It uses a ballet barre to support holds, stretches and balance work. A typical class focuses on low-weights, high reps and controlled movements to create a deep muscle burn – as Keltie puts it, ‘it’s like a Pilates workout and a ballet class had a baby.’
The benefits
Unlike traditional strength training, Barre focuses on muscle endurance and precision of movement.
‘They’re almost always a full-body workout focused around muscle endurance,’ Keltie says. ‘The goal is to fatigue each muscle through small, targeted movements with high reps and lighter weight.’