Move
WHY BARRE3 CORE SLIDERS ARE A GAME-CHANGER FOR YOUR WORKOUT
Can a pancake-size, plastic and felt disc actually make that much of a difference in a workout? In a word, yes. We sat down with barre3 Lead Instructor Catie Farhner to hear how Core Sliders help us slow down, who should be using them, and how they get our muscles to engage instantly.
B3 MAGAZINE: Hi! Let’s get to it. We already have Core Balls, resistance bands, and handheld weights in our workouts. What do Core Sliders offer that our other props don’t?
Catie: Adding a new prop to the barre3 class is a big deal, and we don’t take it lightly. We will only add a new prop if we feel like it brings a significant value to our workout. Core Sliders specifically accomplish this through the approach of BALANCE: They create an environment of instability so that when we use them we MUST slow down and focus inward in order to strengthen our muscles within a move.
B3 MAGAZINE: Okay, so by increasing instability, our bodies have to fight harder to balance. What was the development process like for getting them integrated into workouts?
Catie: Core Sliders have been on our radar for a while, but we needed to take our time vetting them. The barre3 Training Team is laser-focused on researching ways to enhance balance within the body in a way that leaves our community feeling empowered. So we needed to address certain questions: Would Core Sliders pass this test and fit within our Class format? If so, where would we use them? Which postures? How? Through various rounds of exploration and testing, we came to the conclusion that Core Sliders will absolutely enhance the barre3 workout experience.
B3 MAGAZINE: Now, perhaps most importantly (or, at least, the little voice in our heads needs to know this for when our muscles are on fire): What are some of the biggest benefits of Core Sliders?
Catie: There are so many! One of the most significant—and surprising—benefits is that they help you be more present in our workout. This is because when you use them, you have no choice but to slow down and use controlled movements, which trains not just your core muscles but also your “focus” muscles. The Core Sliders also help balance your body by creating resisting movement in both directions—a sort of a push-pull effect that helps your muscles engage correctly. Another major benefit is an instant connection with your muscles. When you use the core sliders, your muscles engage quickly, giving you a high-sensation type of muscle feedback that creates a new challenge for your that builds both physical and mental strength.
B3 MAGAZINE: Who is this prop best suited for?
Catie: Everybody! Every client has the potential to benefit from using core sliders in their barre3 practice: We all need core strength, and most of us would agree that we need to practice the art of slowing down in all areas of our life.
The beautiful thing is that (just like with any other prop at barre3) you always have the power to modify when using core sliders. You can modify based on how your body feels, and you can modify based on what your energy level is in that moment.
B3 MAGAZINE: Love that! As many of our readers know, we 🧡 modifications. Speaking of making barre3 your own, how will each of us know if the Core Sliders are working?
Catie: One of the great things about core sliders is that you can feel them working right away. When you use them, you’re resisting in both directions, and that LIGHTs up your core muscles. It’s an instant sensation—you’ll feel muscles getting hot, and you’ll feel your heart thump and your breath deepen.
B3 MAGAZINE: Where in our bodies will we feel it the most?
Catie: The dominant muscle-burn you’ll feel in your body will change depending on the move, but some of the key areas you’ll feel light up are your glutes, hips, abs and mid-back postural muscles.
B3 MAGAZINE: Can online clients use Core Sliders?
Catie: Yes, absolutely! Core Sliders are a great way to enhance your at-home practice, and since they’re so light and packable, they’re ideal for workouts while traveling.
Ready to take your workout to the next level? Grab your pair of Core Sliders and start your 15-day free trial of barre3 online today! Want to move with your local studio? Sign up for an in-studio or livestream class.
Can a pancake-size, plastic and felt disc actually make that much of a difference in a workout? In a word, yes. We sat down with barre3 Lead Instructor Catie Farhner to hear how Core Sliders help us slow down, who should be using them, and how they get our muscles to engage instantly.
B3 MAGAZINE: Hi! Let’s get to it. We already have Core Balls, resistance bands, and handheld weights in our workouts. What do Core Sliders offer that our other props don’t?
Catie: Adding a new prop to the barre3 class is a big deal, and we don’t take it lightly. We will only add a new prop if we feel like it brings a significant value to our workout. Core Sliders specifically accomplish this through the approach of BALANCE: They create an environment of instability so that when we use them we MUST slow down and focus inward in order to strengthen our muscles within a move.
B3 MAGAZINE: Okay, so by increasing instability, our bodies have to fight harder to balance. What was the development process like for getting them integrated into workouts?
Catie: Core Sliders have been on our radar for a while, but we needed to take our time vetting them. The barre3 Training Team is laser-focused on researching ways to enhance balance within the body in a way that leaves our community feeling empowered. So we needed to address certain questions: Would Core Sliders pass this test and fit within our Class format? If so, where would we use them? Which postures? How? Through various rounds of exploration and testing, we came to the conclusion that Core Sliders will absolutely enhance the barre3 workout experience.
B3 MAGAZINE: Now, perhaps most importantly (or, at least, the little voice in our heads needs to know this for when our muscles are on fire): What are some of the biggest benefits of Core Sliders?
Catie: There are so many! One of the most significant—and surprising—benefits is that they help you be more present in our workout. This is because when you use them, you have no choice but to slow down and use controlled movements, which trains not just your core muscles but also your “focus” muscles. The Core Sliders also help balance your body by creating resisting movement in both directions—a sort of a push-pull effect that helps your muscles engage correctly. Another major benefit is an instant connection with your muscles. When you use the core sliders, your muscles engage quickly, giving you a high-sensation type of muscle feedback that creates a new challenge for your that builds both physical and mental strength.
B3 MAGAZINE: Who is this prop best suited for?
Catie: Everybody! Every client has the potential to benefit from using core sliders in their barre3 practice: We all need core strength, and most of us would agree that we need to practice the art of slowing down in all areas of our life.
The beautiful thing is that (just like with any other prop at barre3) you always have the power to modify when using core sliders. You can modify based on how your body feels, and you can modify based on what your energy level is in that moment.
B3 MAGAZINE: Love that! As many of our readers know, we 🧡 modifications. Speaking of making barre3 your own, how will each of us know if the Core Sliders are working?
Catie: One of the great things about core sliders is that you can feel them working right away. When you use them, you’re resisting in both directions, and that LIGHTs up your core muscles. It’s an instant sensation—you’ll feel muscles getting hot, and you’ll feel your heart thump and your breath deepen.
B3 MAGAZINE: Where in our bodies will we feel it the most?
Catie: The dominant muscle-burn you’ll feel in your body will change depending on the move, but some of the key areas you’ll feel light up are your glutes, hips, abs and mid-back postural muscles.
B3 MAGAZINE: Can online clients use Core Sliders?
Catie: Yes, absolutely! Core Sliders are a great way to enhance your at-home practice, and since they’re so light and packable, they’re ideal for workouts while traveling.
Ready to take your workout to the next level? Grab your pair of Core Sliders and start your 15-day free trial of barre3 online today! Want to move with your local studio? Sign up for an in-studio or livestream class.
