Learn About our 3 Core Class Formats: Barre, Bootcamp, and Brawl® – Group Fitness Options For Everybody!
The Barre Code is a best-in-class group fitness program offering cardio, strength, and restoration. Our mix of classes is one of the many things that differentiates us from other barre studios (and is something our clients rave about) but choosing your first class – or trying a new format – can sometimes be daunting given all the options. That’s why we’re breaking down our core formats so you know exactly what to expect and can make a choice that is right for you. No matter which 50-minute class you start with, you can expect to be challenged and supported by your instructor and by a studio full of other encouraging babes, all while sweating to music that drives you under our invigorating blue lights. Let’s jump in!
BARRE CLASS
Pulse and shake in our signature class that combines barre work and isometric movements with constantly changing routines and a variety of props. Our barre props consist of light hand weights (2 lbs. or 3 lbs.), a small squishy ball, a balance disc, resistance bands, and ankle weights. Barre class is all about small, isometric movements – pulses, tucks, and wraps, to name a few – combined with full-range of motion movements – plies, oblique twists, and lunges – for the ultimate burn. By alternating between isometric and compound movements, as well as final holds, you’ll work your seat (our term for your glutes), thighs, core, and upper body together for a comprehensive workout. You can expect your muscles to feel an intense burn, and your body may even start to shake! Don’t be alarmed when you do; these sensations are signs that you are building strength and working your muscles to fatigue. At select franchise locations, we also offer a “BarRestore” class, which consists of 30 minutes of Barre work followed by 20 minutes of deep, restorative stretching and meditation. Barre is a great low-impact workout and introduction to our studio. Whether it’s your first class or five-hundredth class, you can expect an experience that challenges your mind and body.
BOOTCAMP CLASS
Lift and sweat in our Bootcamp class that improves cardiovascular conditioning and functional strength through use of heavy weights, resistance bands, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and strength training circuits. Like Barre, our Bootcamp classes feature ever-changing props and an endless variety of strength training and HIIT variations. You’ll move at your own pace while using props like a 12-18 pound body bar and 8–12-pound medicine ball, which are much heavier than our classic barre props. Your instructor will lead you through strength training circuits to build muscle, increase bone density, and improve your ability to perform functional, everyday moments like push/pull, hip hinges, squats, and lunges. Short bursts of cardio are also interwoven throughout class to build stamina for cardiovascular endurance. Each Bootcamp class will leave you satisfied with your hard work, and your sweat on the mat will be proof of a job well done. You can also check out Bootcamp’s sister class – “Strength” – which is similar to Bootcamp with the sole focus on building strength through interval training without the cardio and HIIT. Both Strength and HIIT class, in addition to “HIITRestore” are available at select franchise locations.
BRAWL® CLASS
Recognized by SELF Magazine as “one of the best workouts in the country,” Brawl® will have you kicking, punching, and sweating your way through a high-energy class that incorporates cardio kickboxing sequencing and strength work. This is our most intense class with more cardio than any other Barre Code format. It is also a community favorite, for good reason! During Brawl® your instructor will teach you a choreographed kickboxing sequence set to a 140 beats per minute playlist filled with your favorite high-energy tunes. The instructor will break down the sequence one move at a time, which makes the class accessible to everyone regardless of prior experience with kickboxing or dance. Between the cardio sequences, your instructor will guide you through 10 minutes of active recovery, consisting of low-impact, strength-based exercises like what you’d see in our Bootcamp classes. The purpose of the active recovery portion is to train your muscles to work at a high level, which supports the cardio sequence you learn. Brawl® challenges both your mind and body in ways that you won’t experience anywhere else. We recommend giving this format a try at least three times to build muscle memory and confidence. You simply cannot find another group fitness class like Brawl®!
For a well-balanced group fitness plan, we recommend embarking on a healthy mix of 3-5 classes per week, incorporating different class formats to experience cardio, strength training, and restoration. No matter which class you start with, or which one becomes your favorite, remember that your first class and the first few months of group fitness at your studio is a learning experience. Be patient with yourself and be proud of your decision to try something new. As you return to class each week, you’ll grow stronger in mind and body and better internalize what each move and position is called and how it feels. We encourage you to be open to this amazing experience, trust the process, and rely on your community and instructors at your local studio to guide you.
