Day 47 ! Barrecore

And the winner of the What Class Should I Try Next Week competition is…(*drumroll*)…Barrecore!

Not a surprising result – I had also been quite intrigued by these ballet-esque barre classes since they have come over from the US and been taking our good London by storm. With the main “prop” being a relatively simple ballet barre, I was interested to see what the class involved and what the hype was about. And where better to try than the well-known Barrecore?

You may already know that this is mainly a toning class, with some work on the core, bingo wings avoidance and legs sculpting but let me warn you now, you will be surprised at how hard you will work in this class. This is not the leisurely, walk-in-the-park toning class that I had foolishly expected. Silly silly me.

The class was led by Instructor Nicki (who is also Founder Nicki!) who, if she practices what she preaches, is living proof that the hard work will pay off! The aim of the Barrecore workouts is to achieve a lean, strong physique and while some of the exercises involved are toning exercises that you may already be used to, there is a little extra something. Instructor Nicki will take your body to that point where you are expecting to stop and then push you that bit farther. And as she reminded us throughout the class, it’s that extra 20%, where you drive through, where change happens. And I wanted change! I want the lean, strong physique! But my golly, it sure takes work to get there.

The studio is off King’s Road and in what seems to be a quiet office block. But once the Barrecore doors are open, you will be engulfed with chitter chatter and laughter of the friendly receptionists, ladies waiting for their next class and/or those who have just finished. The studio itself is bright, airy and though the carpet was a little slippy at times (there is a no bare feet and no trainers rule), we were told that we could pop out and buy a pair of grippy socks if it became too much.

It’s tricky to describe the exercises themselves (and I know that my past descriptions have been dubious at best) but the highlights are:

(i)           there are exercises at the barre, with or without a ball (similar to Day 29 FrameMethod), probably on your tippy-toes that will make your legs quiver like a vibrating slendertone belt.

(ii)         there are exercises at the barre, with or without a belt, that will make you re-think those core muscles that you thought you had

(iii)       do not be fooled by the innocent pinkness of the looped resistance bands – they will cause you no end of grief. But remember, NO PAIN NO GAIN.

(iv)        Instructor Nicki will look after you - correcting your posture and encouraging you to push through, listen to her!

(v)          you will feel happy tired and achievement after the class. Guaranteed.

One is expected to see visible differences after just 8 sessions and given how challenging this class was, I could see that being possible. I can imagine my flexibility, posture and wellbeing improving!

The Need To Know:

- Where: Barrecore (www.barrecore.co.uk)

- Nearest Station: Sloane Square (6mins)

- When:  Classes throughout the day, 7 days a week.

- How Much: Intro offer 2 classes/£14, else single class/£28 or packages available.

- Special Note: There are a few other classes available too – barreSTRETCH, barreDANCE, barreBOOTCAMP

  

The Want to Know:

- Who’s it For: For those who want some hardcore, low-impact toning!

- Sweat Scale: 7/10. High for a toning class!

- Strength / Cardio / Flexi / Tone: Intensive toning.

- Complexity: 7/10. Attention needed for correct postures.

- Fun Factor: 7/10.

- Changing Facilities: Toilets, a couple of showers, small changing room.

- Instructor Inspiration: 9/10. Fabulously fit!

The Stats:

- Total Time: 56mins

- Calories Burnt: 161. It’s definitely in the intensive toning camp and not the calorie-blast camp.

- Average Heart Rate: 101
- Max Heart Rate: 135

With Instructor Nicki.
See how happy you are after class?

Outside the studio (duh)

In the reception area...