Move
Why is barre3 a 60-Minute Core Workout?
“Barre3 is a 60-minute core workout!” Have you ever heard your instructor say that in class and wonder what it meant? How can it really be a core workout when you’re focusing on so many other parts of the body? And why is it so important to build core strength anyway? Today, we’re breaking it down for you.
Your Core Defined
Your core is actually everything from below your head to your tailbone, including your back-body muscles, abs, glutes, and hip flexors. That’s over 40 muscles working in harmony to support and protect your spine as it moves and twists in all directions. Check out the visual below, which shows many (though not all) of the core muscles:
As you can see, the core includes much more than just the “six-pack” area. “A lot of barre3 clients say, ‘I need a stronger core, so I want to focus on my abs today,’” explains VP of Research and Development Lisa Schale Drake. “Believe me, barre3 works your abs, but it also works your entire core. When you focus on your whole core, that’s when you get the results you want.”
Why It’s Important to Strengthen Your Core
While it’s true that a strong core can lead to flatter abs, what’s even better and more essential is that a strong core helps us find balance in our bodies so we’re moving with more freedom and joy.
The truth is, our modern lifestyle brings our bodies out of balance and out of proper alignment. We end up sitting for long periods of time at our desk and in our cars. We hunch over our smartphones texting and answering emails. As a result, some muscles weaken and lengthen while other muscles tighten and shorten. This leads to aches and pains, tension headaches, poor posture, belly bloat, and decreased energy.
Also all strength is dependent on core strength. You can build a toned upper-body or rock-hard quads, but without a strong core, those muscles won’t be as effective. Nearly every movement we do originates from the core. Think of it as the strength hub of your body. If it’s not functioning well, neither is the rest of your body.
So what’s the solution?
Barre3 is part of it. Every single moment you spend with us is geared toward strengthening your core. Postures like Boat Pose and Knee Catches are the obvious examples, but even moves like chest openers, Sumo Squats, twists, side-body stretches, Carousel Horse, Bridge Lifts, All Fours, and Crescent Lunge help you strengthen your core and balance your body. Ever notice how, even when you’re in a posture that seems to target legs or arms, your instructor will say, “Pull your navel towards your spine” or “Lift tall though your spine”? That’s because every posture stems from the core.
What else can you do to keep your core strong? Keep moving throughout the day in a way that brings you joy. Maybe it’s a brisk walk with your dog, a hip-hop dance class, or a barre3 Online 10-minute workout with a co-worker at lunch. Sitting and especially slumping are the core’s enemy, so when you’re at work or even just curling up with a good book, make sure you get up to stretch and move around a couple of times an hour—maybe breaking out a few cat-cows or side-body stretches. You’ll find that the more in tune you are with the core, the more natural it will become to focus on it, not just in barre3 class but in your daily life.
Inspired to work your core? Try one of our favorite barre3 Online total-body standing core workouts!
“Barre3 is a 60-minute core workout!” Have you ever heard your instructor say that in class and wonder what it meant? How can it really be a core workout when you’re focusing on so many other parts of the body? And why is it so important to build core strength anyway? Today, we’re breaking it down for you.
Your Core Defined
Your core is actually everything from below your head to your tailbone, including your back-body muscles, abs, glutes, and hip flexors. That’s over 40 muscles working in harmony to support and protect your spine as it moves and twists in all directions. Check out the visual below, which shows many (though not all) of the core muscles:
As you can see, the core includes much more than just the “six-pack” area. “A lot of barre3 clients say, ‘I need a stronger core, so I want to focus on my abs today,’” explains VP of Research and Development Lisa Schale Drake. “Believe me, barre3 works your abs, but it also works your entire core. When you focus on your whole core, that’s when you get the results you want.”
Why It’s Important to Strengthen Your Core
While it’s true that a strong core can lead to flatter abs, what’s even better and more essential is that a strong core helps us find balance in our bodies so we’re moving with more freedom and joy.
The truth is, our modern lifestyle brings our bodies out of balance and out of proper alignment. We end up sitting for long periods of time at our desk and in our cars. We hunch over our smartphones texting and answering emails. As a result, some muscles weaken and lengthen while other muscles tighten and shorten. This leads to aches and pains, tension headaches, poor posture, belly bloat, and decreased energy.
Also all strength is dependent on core strength. You can build a toned upper-body or rock-hard quads, but without a strong core, those muscles won’t be as effective. Nearly every movement we do originates from the core. Think of it as the strength hub of your body. If it’s not functioning well, neither is the rest of your body.
So what’s the solution?
Barre3 is part of it. Every single moment you spend with us is geared toward strengthening your core. Postures like Boat Pose and Knee Catches are the obvious examples, but even moves like chest openers, Sumo Squats, twists, side-body stretches, Carousel Horse, Bridge Lifts, All Fours, and Crescent Lunge help you strengthen your core and balance your body. Ever notice how, even when you’re in a posture that seems to target legs or arms, your instructor will say, “Pull your navel towards your spine” or “Lift tall though your spine”? That’s because every posture stems from the core.
What else can you do to keep your core strong? Keep moving throughout the day in a way that brings you joy. Maybe it’s a brisk walk with your dog, a hip-hop dance class, or a barre3 Online 10-minute workout with a co-worker at lunch. Sitting and especially slumping are the core’s enemy, so when you’re at work or even just curling up with a good book, make sure you get up to stretch and move around a couple of times an hour—maybe breaking out a few cat-cows or side-body stretches. You’ll find that the more in tune you are with the core, the more natural it will become to focus on it, not just in barre3 class but in your daily life.
Inspired to work your core? Try one of our favorite barre3 Online total-body standing core workouts!
