Why an Online Barre Class Might Just Be the Best Fit for You

Written By Jennie Brown

At this stage in life, finding the time for fitness can feel like an uphill struggle.  It’s another thing on the to-do list and squeezing in a workout amidst the chaos of our daily lives seems almost laughable.  BUT, and it’s a big but, there is a way to make exercise fit around your life, and not the other way round.  Online classes.  They’re a game-changer.  They did exist before Covid, but when the gyms shut in 2020, their popularity took off, and they’re not going anywhere.  The proliferation of providers and the amount of choice is immense: why is Meet You At The Barre the right one for you?

1*

Online Barre Is Designed With You In Mind.

You may have noticed that what used to work for you is no longer hitting quite the same way.  Your body may ache more, you might feel exhausted after your workout (rather than revitalised), you may find your body craving something different, but you don’t know what it is.  Barre is an utterly brilliant workout for women over 35 because it is low-impact (jumping is kept to a minimum) so kind to your joints, but high intensity, so you still get the results you want.  My workouts are designed to be both nourishing and sustainable; I very much still intend to be doing barre into my 70’s and beyond.  

2*

The Classes Are Fun (I’m Not Joking).

It’s a simple fact of life: we return to things we enjoy doing.  My biggest aim in life is to get women moving, and to help them learn to love exercise.  Of course it’s different strokes for different folks, but I’m a firm believer in the power of music.  Every track is choreographed to tunes that make you want to move.  I work my butt off to make the choreography interesting and varied so it keeps both you and your body guessing.  But please be warned, I said they are fun, not easy.

3*

They Are As Good For Your Mental Health As Your Physical Health. 

A kind of alchemy occurs in my barre classes: there’s something about the way the music fuses together with the mindfulness of the movements and the endorphin rush to produce a result that is far greater than the sum of its parts.  One of my all-time favourite pieces of feedback is, “Your classes should be available on prescription from the NHS”.  Having had many a battle with my own mental health I find that barre is like a balm to my sometimes-frazzled mind.  You are forced to concentrate on only the moves so all other thoughts are pushed aside. It’s a kind of mindfulness, which when combined with the music and the endorphins produces a result that is far greater than the sum of its parts.

4*

The Convenience Of It.

Forming new habits that stick relies on taking the path of least resistance.  Online barre classes offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to work out whenever works best for you.  No more stressing over class times, gym hours, school pick-ups or work deadlines.  You can do them in your PJ’s, when you’ve just got home from walking the dog, or whilst the kids are watching telly.  Whatever works for YOU.  

5*

Affordable and Accessible: £25 a Month.

… and that’s my most expensive offering.  If you choose the annual plan it’s about £17 a month.  This is less than a couple of trips to Starbucks.  Compared to traditional gym memberships it’s a steal.  You get access to the an extensive back catalogue of classes, plus the 5 classes released each week, including my weekly strength training classes.  There are also additional series for when you’re travelling, starting out on your fitness journey, in need of shorter workouts and many more.  Plus it comes with the added bonus of being able to access the classes whenever YOU want.  The affordability means you can prioritise your fitness without breaking the bank. 

6*

And Phew… Nobody Is Watching.

In your own home it’s just you.  Nobody can see you, or judge you.  It’s easy to feel a little sensitive / insecure in this life phase.  Barre is a whole new way of moving your body, and in the first few classes it can feel like you’re a baby giraffe learning how to walk.  Doing it in your own home means it’s just you and me in a space where you can focus entirely on yourself.  This privacy means you can move freely, try new moves, and truly enjoy your workout without any self-consciousness. Plus you can swear at the screen as much as you want and nobody will judge you.  

7*

You Get To Hang Out With Me.

I realise this sounds utterly solipsistic and arrogant but bear with me.  What do I mean?  I mean that I am just like you – a mid/late 40’s woman, whose had 4 kids and whose body *might* have seen better days.  I understand and relate to all the struggles midlife women have. Hormones, overwhelm, underwhelm, you name it, I’m in this rabbit-warren with you.  I sweat, I mess up and I’m definitely relatable.  Unlike hopping from one instructor to another like you often do in real-life gyms, online classes mean you’re stuck with me.  Think of me as your personal, slightly sweary, cheerleader.  

8*

Pick And Choose According To Your Mood

I’m all about my clients learning to listen to their bodies and tune into what their body needs in that moment.  My platform offers you a wide variety of options.  You can choose classes based on how much time you’ve got, your energy levels or your fitness goals.  Feel like getting hot and sweaty?  Jump into a Barre HIIT session.  Want an hour-long deep dive?  Power Barre all the way.  Just got 15 minutes? Choose the right Barre Snack for you.  Want to protect your bones and get strong?  Upbeat Lift.  There are so many options.  Plus, you can favourite the classes you like the most and revisit them. You will never be bored or stuck with a one-size-fits-all routine. 

9*

Perfect for All Fitness Levels

I suggest everyone, regardless of experience, starts with the Barre Basics course, which consists of 16 classes that go a little slower and break down some of the foundational moves and concentrate on form.  When you’re done there you can pick up with the weekly classes.  There’s a weekly Arms and Abs session, (this does what it says on the tin), a Barre HIIT session (introducing a cardio element to the format), an Express Barre (top-to-toe in 30 minutes) and a Power Barre class (a longer whole body class released each weekend).  On top of all this ...

10*

It’s Good For Your Body 

You may have noticed that your old fitness habits aren’t suiting your body so much any more.  They may leave you feeling achey, exhausted or more stressed.  Raised cortisol levels don’t respond well to stress, and high intensity, high impact workouts are going to stress your body out.  Plus, most women’s joints start to ache in menopause, and adding plyometric  movements (jumping) only adds to the strain.  Barre is low-impact, so kind for your joints, and sustainable. I fully intend to still be in business in 10/15/20 years time.  These workouts are designed to help nourish our bodies in a time of flux.  

To Wrap It All Up …

Fun. Convenient. Good for your body and your mind.  Cheap. Accessible.  Versatile.  What more could you possibly want? 
Jennie Brown