To Barre or Not to Barre?! 8 Benefits of a Low-Impact Workout

We LOVE Barre here at Her Healthy Habits!

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Okay... back to barre...

Although barre workouts should be used appropriately in any multi-dimensional movement practice of cross-training rather than in isolation, we absolutely love what barre can do for the body.

First of all, it's low-impact.

What does that mean?!

Well, when we think of the benefits of exercise, it is common to think about high-intensity cardio activities that require a lot of physical output (a.k.a jumping around). While those styles of working out have their place, low-impact workouts can pull some pretty impressive benefits too.

Pros of Barre You May Not Know:

• Increases strength endurance
• Boosts metabolism
• Improves cognitive health
• Doesn't require jolting
• No pain or discomfort from impact

Benefits of any low-impact workout are multi-fold & helpful for anyone looking to find movement without too much jarring. These types of movement can still result in toned, lean muscle that improves physical stability, endurance & provides plenty of challenge for those participating.

While both high-intensity & low-impact workouts are recommended in various quantities throughout the week, low-impact workouts are particularly helpful in consistently moving as it takes less toll on the body over time.

Eight perks of low-impact workouts include:

• Improves ability to balance
• Strengthens stability in all the right places
• Improves posture through control of the core
• Less stress on the body, specifically joints
• Increases flexibility & range of motion in a safe environment
• Creates mental strength & improves cognitive health
• Raises the heart rate an appropriate amount to enhance cardiovascular wellness
• Offers alternative movement for any woman experiencing PCNS dysfunction [If you're a female-identified person who suffers from incontinence, diastasis recti, or prolapse we highly recommend learning about how PCNS (pelvic core neuromuscular system) dysfunction can be treated through movement alone!]

Barre stands out as a low-impact workout because it was originally designed to support dancers.

Exercise activities are often centered around specific muscle groups, generic exercises or everyday activities. With a unique integration of ballet positions, barre is somewhat sport-specific but also provides injury prevention-style exercises for all levels.

Lots of the movements done in barre are similar to those given by physical therapists that encourage tiny motions with higher repetitions. Utilizing low weights or resistance (i.e. bands or balls) & a higher repetition count builds smaller muscle groups that synergistically support larger muscle groups as primary movers.

Barre feels streamlined with seamless transitions, similar to a dance or yoga class.

It provides many of the benefits of a low-impact workout including core strengthening, improved balance, & increased flexibility. There are many variations of barre today, some of which provide a cardio component while still remaining low impact.

Barre offers an overall challenging workout while minimizing stress on the body, so we suggest you give it a go & join in on our challenge this week!

Need a great at-home barre workout that's simple & targeted?! Try this calf-toning workout created by us & shared so well by POPSUGAR.Fitness!!!