(And Why Everyone’s Talking About Pilates Right Now)

If you've spent even five minutes on Instagram lately, you’ll know that Pilates is having a serious moment. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, seems to be raving about its core-strengthening, posture-fixing magic. But if you’ve also heard about barre — maybe even seen it on my page — you might be wondering… what’s the actual difference?

If you’re feeling a bit confused about which one is right for you (or whether you need to pick at all), you’re not alone. Let’s dive in.

☝️

First things first: what is Pilates?

Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It focuses on core strength, alignment, breathwork and control — often using slow, precise movements to build strength from the inside out. It’s brilliant for posture, mobility, and strengthening those smaller stabilising muscles that often get overlooked in more traditional workouts.

It's currently having a massive resurgence — and rightly so. In a world obsessed with high-intensity everything, Pilates is the antidote: calm, intentional, and effective. (Also: very aesthetic, let’s be honest.)

🩰

So what about barre?

Barre is a fusion workout — think Pilates meets ballet meets strength training. It’s inspired by ballet barre work but you don’t need to have danced a day in your life. Interesting fact: I’ve never had a ballet lesson.

Most barre classes combine tiny pulsing movements, longer muscular holds, and bigger full-range moves, set to music. It’s sweaty, uplifting and deceptively hard.

Where Pilates is often very focused and slow, barre has more rhythm and flow. Every barre instructor has a different style, but expect classes to include pliés, pulses, glute bridges, planks, or even light weights. And it always has one goal: to work your muscles to fatigue in the best possible way.

🤔

Pilates vs Barre — how are they different?


	Barre	Pilates
Roots In	Ballet, Pilates, strength training	Rehab, gymnastics, yoga
Focus	Endurance, posture, sculpting, mobility	Core strength, stability, control, breath
Style	Choreographed, dynamic, musical	Structured, focused, slower-paced
Equipment	Light weights, balls, bands, barre/chair	Mat, reformer (or other Pilates kit)
Vibe	Upbeat, energising, music-led	Calm, precise, zen
Good for	Midlife women looking for low-impact but strong workouts that feel fun	People seeking control, rehab, or deep core work

💥

So which one is better?

Here’s the truth: they both work — in different ways. And you don’t have to choose.

Barre tends to feel more cardio-y, even though it’s low impact. You’ll feel that burn, you’ll sweat, and you might even be humming along to the playlist. Pilates is quieter, more internal — but don’t be fooled, it’s not easy. You’ll connect to your deep core and finish feeling strong and centred.

Many of my clients who come to barre are already Pilates fans — and vice versa. I wouldn’t give up my weekly Pilates class. They love how barre complements Pilates by adding a bit more spice, variety and musicality. And for women in midlife? The combo is golden: low impact, strength-building, and joy-boosting.

👋

Final thought:

If you love Pilates but want to feel a bit more alive while you work out, give barre a try.

If you’ve done barre but want to improve your core connection, Pilates will help you get there.
And if you’re just starting out and feeling unsure? You literally can’t go wrong with either — just start moving.

Try 7 days for free!

What’s the Difference Between Barre and Pilates?