The Barre Upgrade That Adds Mindfulness to Movement

The Trend: Barre classes have gotten a recent upgrade with Barre3, a new spin on the ballet-inspired barre class that’s been around for almost 20 years now. Barre3 keeps the signature small holds and pulses of regular barre, then adds full-body movements to raise your heart rate, plus an added focus on mindfulness and breathing. Every class opens with an alignment move called Primary Posture, and modifications come with each exercise so beginners and longtime barre fans can take the same class.

What People Are Saying: People (even committed HIIT and weightlifting types) trying barre are often surprised by the results. One recent reviewer went in skeptical that a low-impact class could do much, but after six weeks of regular sessions, she noticed a stronger core plus firmer arms and legs.

What to Know: If you’re looking to add a low-impact but effective workout, barre is worth a closer look. It puts less stress on your joints than high-impact training, which makes it a good option if you’re easing back into exercise after an injury or break. And all the modifications make it possible to start wherever you’re at.