According to ABC Action News, barre group exercise classes are growing in popularity, specifically in Tampa Bay, Fla.
ABC Action News reported, in reference to barre, “both men and women are finding relief from their busy days by trying the latest fitness craze.”
Barre is a group fitness class that incorporates yoga, Pilates and ballet, in order to sculpt and tone those participating. There are multiple barre studios across the country, many of which are rapidly growing.
For example, since becoming a barre franchise in July of 2009, Pure Barre has opened around 100 franchises in 33 states. Founded by Carrie Rezabek Dorr, a dancer and choreographer, Pure Barre started in the basement of an office building in Birmingham, Mich. in 2001.
Colorado Athletic Club Inverness (CAC), in Denver, Colo. began offering barre group fitness classes in 2011, after Pure Barre and another barre studio, the Barre Method, opened up in Denver.
According to Lexi Bulich, the regional group fitness and Pilates manager for CAC, CAC’s barre group classes have an advantage — they’re free. “At a barre studio our members would pay between $20 and $30 per class,” said Bulich. “When they take the class at our club, the price is worked into their membership.”
Barre at CAC differs in class structure as well. “Barre studios follow a very specific format,” explained Bulich. “We allow our instructors to be creative.”
Bulich said she has seen barre classes grow in popularity, especially at CAC. “Our barre classes our super well attended,” she said. “People love it. We typically have limited space. It’s a lot of fun.”
If you’re interested in offering barre classes at your club, contact your continuing education provider, to see if they offer barre certifications your instructors could earn.
Rachel Zabonick is the Assistant Editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
Group fitness classes have always been my favorite! And Barre has done a wonderful thing specially the combination including yoga and ballet!! Would love to have a class!