We can’t deny the trend we’ve seen combining yoga techniques or stretches with barre exercises. Barre and yoga workouts go together like peanut butter and jelly, making the barre and yoga experience unique for some. Others lean toward either barre or yoga exclusively. While it’s not entirely rare to encounter studios and gyms providing both types of classes, the manner in which these classes are presented can significantly influence the overall experience. For example, certain studios seamlessly integrate elements from both practices within a single session, fostering a harmonious fusion that amplifies the advantages ofbarre and yoga experience. Conversely, others opt for separate classes, enabling participants to immerse themselves fully in one discipline during their workout sessions.
Barre and yoga experience shared by our instructors
Some studios offer these combination classes. IBBFA-certified instructor Chelsea Hanson teaches at Zenergy Pilates in Austin. She says her studio decided to create this combo class when one instructor was scheduled to teach a barre class followed by a yoga class and saw a divide in the clients who came on those days. The result was a 75-minute class combining barre and yoga techniques to improve flexibility.
“People like the class because it’s longer than the typical barre class (50 minutes) and they get some more flexibility work at the end with the yoga,” Hanson says. “I love being able to use the strength work and choreography in barre and add it to the breath and flow of a yoga class. I wish I could add 15 minutes of stretching to the end of every class to further enhance the experience!”
IBBFA-certified instructor Heidi Kambour says fusion or combo classes are becoming extremely popular at her studio. Heidi teaches a class called BARREyasa, a play on “barre” and “vinyasa,” at the Lotus Loft Yoga Studio in Palm City, FL. She says the class starts as a traditional yoga session on the mat beginning with flows, then weights are incorporated into some warrior flows. The class begins with traditional routines at the ballet barre. Then, Heidi incorporates yoga poses such as pigeon pose, tree pose relevés, and cat/cow, using the barre for support.
Some studios offer these classes separately. IBBFA-certified instructor Lucie Beeley teaches barre classes at her predominantly yoga studio, 229Yoga in Albany, GA. She says adding barre sessions to the studio simply made good business sense because they are the only boutique fitness provider in the area. And while the classes are separate, Lucie explains why taking both barre and yoga throughout the week provides a well-balanced fitness regime.
“Barre classes are excellent for toning and building lean muscle,” she says. “Yoga connects movement of the body and mind to enhance flexibility. Taking both classes provides a complete full-body enhancing barre and yoga experience.”
The key to encouraging students to take both classes for those studios that offer them separately is educating your clients. Lucie says at 229Yoga, they encourage yoga students to take barre and vice versa. “We also take into consideration each student’s goals and any physical limitations they might have and suggest classes based on those factors to optimize their overall experience.”
Chelsea adds, offering combo classes is a way to introduce students to a new workout. This is a nice change for those who primarily do only one type of class, and it also is a nice intro into yoga for people who may not normally go to an entire 60-minute yoga session,” she says.
Whether barre and yoga are taught as separate classes or combo classes, there are some real benefits from offering both at your studio.
Turn your passion for Barre into a fulfilling career, whether you envision yourself teaching, owning a studio, or pursuing other opportunities in the fitness industry.
Joining the IBBFA Barre Certification program offers more than just a credential; it’s a pathway to realizing your dreams and meeting your fitness career aspirations. With a comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, teaching techniques, and practical assessments, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the world of Barre instruction. Accredited and recognized globally, your certification opens doors to a multitude of opportunities, whether you aspire to teach locally or across the globe. The flexibility of the program allows you to tailor classes to suit your clients’ needs, enhancing retention and satisfaction. Moreover, with access to unlimited online support and a thriving community of fellow instructors, you’ll find the guidance and camaraderie essential for success. Beyond teaching, this certification can pave the way for studio ownership and entrepreneurial ventures, empowering you to be your own boss and inspire others in the process. And with a risk-free trial period, you can embark on this journey with confidence, knowing that your investment is protected. By choosing IBBFA, you’re not just earning a certification; you’re investing in your future, realizing your passion for fitness, and joining a network dedicated to excellence in Barre instruction.
