Barre Workouts

Barre Basics: 7 Barre Moves to Tone + Tighten

These 7 ballet-inspired barre exercises really hit the spot; all the ‘trouble spots’ that is, from thighs, to arms and abs. 

Trouble spots, yes, we all have them. You know, those areas you pinch and push on in the mirror after you get out of the shower. I’m not condoning this behavior by any means, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t do it too. 

We are all a work in progress right? And working on loving every part of my body is something I’ll always be working on. But I have to say, I do a lot less thigh pinching since I’ve been teaching barre.

I always thought you had to go all out, HIIT-training, everyday in order to see results. But I’ve been amazed how much pulsing chair squats in relevè {on your toes} have leaned out my quads, and isometric lateral shoulder holds with 3lb dumbbells have sculpted my shoulders. Not to mention, teaching a 60-minute class that requires constant core engagement has done wonders for my midsection. 

So have I convinced you to give barre a try yet? I have several ballet barre-inspired workouts for you to try in the comfort of your home.

And you can do these 7 barre moves right now. All you need is a chair and optional set of light dumbbells to tighten and tone your quads, arms and abs. 

Remember this is a core-centric workout, so brace your abs in tight during all 7 exercises. And you can make each exercise more challenging by coming into relevè and pressing up onto the balls of your feet.

{Music: alex midi, magic featuring elle vee, get more songs currently rocking my workout playlist here}

The Workout: Barre Basics 7 Barre Moves to Tone + Tighten 

Complete 20 repetitions per exercise. Complete the entire sequence on the right leg/arm and then repeat the sequence on the left leg/arm. Repeat this sequence x 2-3 sets for best results. 

1. mermaid squat + reach
2. chair pulse + front raise
3. tuck, release + bicep curl
4. single leg standing crunch
5. snowball, snow angel arabesque
6. side leg lift
7. front attitude leg extension + internal curl

See video above for complete workout and proper exercise form.

Mermaid Squat + Reach

Chair Pulse + Front Raise

Tuck, Release + Bicep Curl

Single Leg Standing Crunch

Snowball, Snowangel Arabesque 

Side Leg Lift

Front Attitude Leg Extension + Internal Curl

And if you’re looking to really amp up your barre workout, check out my barre + HIIT combo workouts: 

• 30 minute barre strength + tabata workout
• barre cardio bodyweight workout
• 3 ways to HIIT the barre
• barre amped {barre + cardio + strength training}

The Workout: Barre Basics 7 Barre Moves to Tone + Tighten 

Complete 20 repetitions per exercise. Complete the entire sequence on the right leg/arm and then repeat the sequence on the left leg/arm. Repeat this sequence x 2-3 sets for best results. 

1. mermaid squat + reach
2. chair pulse + front raise
3. tuck, release + bicep curl
4. single leg standing crunch
5. snowball, snow angel arabesque
6. side leg lift
7. front attitude leg extension + internal curl

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