Move
The One Simple Shift That’ll Transform Your Workout
We’ve all been there: the moment in class when your muscles start to shake, your breath shortens, and your instructor offers a modification. And even though your body is calling for it, you hesitate. Because somewhere along the way, you were taught that modifying means you’re falling behind.
But what if that story isn’t true?
What if workout modifications are actually a powerful way to build strength and cultivate presence? What if the most effective way to move is to listen — to your body, your intuition, your needs in that exact moment?
That’s exactly what we believe at barre3. And that’s why modifications are built into every single workout — not as a backup plan, but as your clearest path to strength, mindfulness, and long-term health.
Rethinking Modifications: They’re Not a Step Back
In many fitness spaces, modifying is framed as doing “less.” As something you turn to when you can’t keep up. But that message is not only outdated — it’s harmful. Because it disconnects us from the most powerful tool we have: body awareness.
We see things differently. Modifications are not a last resort. They’re how you work with your body — not against it.
Whether you’re dialing up the intensity or creating space for support, modifications are intentional choices. Each one is an opportunity to check in, be present, and move in a way that feels aligned.
And that’s not just smart — it’s transformational.
The Science Behind Modifications
At barre3, we believe the smartest kind of strength starts with mindfulness. When we’re fully present — tuned into how we feel and what we need — we move with intention. And that’s exactly where modifications come in.
“Modifications aren’t about doing less,” says Natalie Bodenhamer, barre3 Product Manager. “They’re about honoring your body and deepening the impact of each movement in a way that’s right for you.”
Said differently: modifications don’t make a workout easier — they make it more effective.
Our needs are constantly shifting. That’s why barre3 instructors proactively offer built-in options: “Modifications are choices — whether small adjustments or alternate postures — that help us shape the movement to meet our needs in the moment,” Natalie explains.
“When we choose an option that supports us fully, we move from a place of strength — and that’s when we get lasting and effective results.”
But that strength starts with tuning in. As Natalie shares, “We don’t have the awareness to leverage modifications if we aren’t present or paying attention.”
Why One-Size-Fits-All Workouts Don’t Work
Your body is constantly evolving. From season to season, day to day (even hour to hour), your needs shift. Energy levels fluctuate. Life changes. And your movement practice should evolve right along with you. That’s why we don’t just allow modifications at barre3 — we design for them.
Every cue from our instructors is an invitation to ask: What do I need right now? Whether it’s a grounding variation or a new challenge, the choice is yours. And that choice is powerful.
What Modifications Look Like at barre3
Your workout should reflect your body’s wisdom — not override it. That’s why our instructors are trained to offer multiple variations of every movement. Not as “easier” or “harder” options, but as equally valid paths to strength and mobility.
Modifications in barre3 help you:
-
Move sustainably, without burnout
-
Protect your joints and avoid injury
-
Maintain a consistent workout routine, even when life is unpredictable
-
Deepen your connection to your body and build trust
The result? Progress that’s rooted in presence, not pressure.
How to Practice Modifications in Your Next Workout
Ready to put it into practice? Here’s how to embrace modifications with confidence and clarity:
-
Check in before you begin. Ask how your body feels today. What kind of movement feels nourishing?
-
Stay present throughout class. Each cue from your instructor is a moment to reassess. Would a modification serve you better right now?
-
Celebrate your choices. As we often say: you are your own best teacher. When it comes to your energy, your body, and your needs, you are the expert. Choosing a modification is an act of leadership — not a concession.
Redefine Progress. Trust Your Body. Make It Your Own.
There’s no reward for pushing through pain. No gold star for ignoring what your body needs. The most meaningful results come from listening deeply, adjusting intentionally, and moving with care. When you choose modifications that meet you where you are, you build more than physical strength—you build trust.
You create a relationship with your body based on respect, resilience, and intuition. At barre3, we don’t just give you permission to modify — we celebrate it. Because your workout should fit you. Not the other way around.
Experience the power of modifications at your local barre3 studio for free or try 14 days of barre3 online — on us.
We’ve all been there: the moment in class when your muscles start to shake, your breath shortens, and your instructor offers a modification. And even though your body is calling for it, you hesitate. Because somewhere along the way, you were taught that modifying means you’re falling behind.
But what if that story isn’t true?
What if workout modifications are actually a powerful way to build strength and cultivate presence? What if the most effective way to move is to listen — to your body, your intuition, your needs in that exact moment?
That’s exactly what we believe at barre3. And that’s why modifications are built into every single workout — not as a backup plan, but as your clearest path to strength, mindfulness, and long-term health.
Rethinking Modifications: They’re Not a Step Back
In many fitness spaces, modifying is framed as doing “less.” As something you turn to when you can’t keep up. But that message is not only outdated — it’s harmful. Because it disconnects us from the most powerful tool we have: body awareness.
We see things differently. Modifications are not a last resort. They’re how you work with your body — not against it.
Whether you’re dialing up the intensity or creating space for support, modifications are intentional choices. Each one is an opportunity to check in, be present, and move in a way that feels aligned.
And that’s not just smart — it’s transformational.
The Science Behind Modifications
At barre3, we believe the smartest kind of strength starts with mindfulness. When we’re fully present — tuned into how we feel and what we need — we move with intention. And that’s exactly where modifications come in.
“Modifications aren’t about doing less,” says Natalie Bodenhamer, barre3 Product Manager. “They’re about honoring your body and deepening the impact of each movement in a way that’s right for you.”
Said differently: modifications don’t make a workout easier — they make it more effective.
Our needs are constantly shifting. That’s why barre3 instructors proactively offer built-in options: “Modifications are choices — whether small adjustments or alternate postures — that help us shape the movement to meet our needs in the moment,” Natalie explains.
“When we choose an option that supports us fully, we move from a place of strength — and that’s when we get lasting and effective results.”
But that strength starts with tuning in. As Natalie shares, “We don’t have the awareness to leverage modifications if we aren’t present or paying attention.”
Why One-Size-Fits-All Workouts Don’t Work
Your body is constantly evolving. From season to season, day to day (even hour to hour), your needs shift. Energy levels fluctuate. Life changes. And your movement practice should evolve right along with you. That’s why we don’t just allow modifications at barre3 — we design for them.
Every cue from our instructors is an invitation to ask: What do I need right now? Whether it’s a grounding variation or a new challenge, the choice is yours. And that choice is powerful.
What Modifications Look Like at barre3
Your workout should reflect your body’s wisdom — not override it. That’s why our instructors are trained to offer multiple variations of every movement. Not as “easier” or “harder” options, but as equally valid paths to strength and mobility.
Modifications in barre3 help you:
-
Move sustainably, without burnout
-
Protect your joints and avoid injury
-
Maintain a consistent workout routine, even when life is unpredictable
-
Deepen your connection to your body and build trust
The result? Progress that’s rooted in presence, not pressure.
How to Practice Modifications in Your Next Workout
Ready to put it into practice? Here’s how to embrace modifications with confidence and clarity:
-
Check in before you begin. Ask how your body feels today. What kind of movement feels nourishing?
-
Stay present throughout class. Each cue from your instructor is a moment to reassess. Would a modification serve you better right now?
-
Celebrate your choices. As we often say: you are your own best teacher. When it comes to your energy, your body, and your needs, you are the expert. Choosing a modification is an act of leadership — not a concession.
Redefine Progress. Trust Your Body. Make It Your Own.
There’s no reward for pushing through pain. No gold star for ignoring what your body needs. The most meaningful results come from listening deeply, adjusting intentionally, and moving with care. When you choose modifications that meet you where you are, you build more than physical strength—you build trust.
You create a relationship with your body based on respect, resilience, and intuition. At barre3, we don’t just give you permission to modify — we celebrate it. Because your workout should fit you. Not the other way around.
Experience the power of modifications at your local barre3 studio for free or try 14 days of barre3 online — on us.
