For more than half of the population, feeling healthier is one of their main goals and things they feel would make their lives better. They want to be able to move freely and do the things they want to do without pain or exhaustion. 

A key to being able to meet that goal is exercising and moving the body every day. But many aren’t ready to jump into hardcore weight lifting or cardio options. This is where low-impact options like pilates or yoga are great choices. The two get confused and pilates vs yoga is a common question with a lot of people thinking they’re the same thing. 

The two exercise styles are actually quite different and will each have their own set of benefits. We’ve broken it all down for you so you can choose which would be best for you and your body. 

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a type of exercise that dates back to the 1920s. It’s since continued to grow in popularity and even has entire studios dedicated to this single movement type. This is largely due to the fact that it can be done by a wide range of people with very minimal risk compared to other exercise options.

A typical Pilates class will consist of a series of repetitive motions to try to improve strength and flexibility. A core tenant of the practice is combining those two elements. 

In some cases, a pilates class can involve specific equipment called a pilates reformer (or other options) which intensifies the movements and difficulty level. But it can also be done with simple resistance bands or bodyweight for similar results. 

The main goal of the Pilates workouts is to strengthen the connection between body and mind while developing key muscles for overall health. 

What are the Benefits of Pilates?

For a lot of people, one of the harder parts about getting into exercise is dealing with weak joints. The heavy impact classes can cause more damage than do good in the long run. 

Pilates is completely low impact and won’t cause those same problems for those who practice it. In fact, a lot of pilates workouts are designed to target those areas for more strength and stability. Those who are consistently doing these exercises will see an improvement in posture, core strength, and stability. 

At the same time, they’ll likely see an improvement in their flexibility as well. A lot of the exercises include an element of stretching which gives that double punch. 

Those who are practicing pilates will feel like they had a hardcore workout because they’ll be building lean muscle. But also like they had a great meditation session with a lot of stress relief at the same time. 

What is Yoga?

Yoga has a much longer history and has essentially always been around in one form or another. People have been seeing the benefits of this ancient practice for thousands of years. 

In essence, yoga is a slow, concentrated method of stretching while working on your mental strength and clarity as well. 

Someone who is practicing yoga will move through a series of poses, pausing to hold each one. The movement is fluid and often done to relaxing instrumental music in the background. Each class has a goal of getting a little deeper stretch into the pose and stronger in your ability to hold them. 

Meditation and relaxation are crucial elements to the experience as well. One of the main goals is to reduce stress and anxiety through breathing exercises and other calming techniques. 

What are the Benefits of Yoga?

One of the most obvious benefits (and the main reason people are so drawn to this option), it the reduction of stress you can find after a class. There are so many tools you can learn in a yoga class that can be used outside in real-life hard situations. 

But yoga is more than a time to relax and unwind. When practiced correctly, it can also burn a lot of calories, build muscles, and improve flexibility like other types of exercise options. The trick is finding the right type of yoga practice to meet your specific needs and goals. 

Yoga can be much less intimidating for those first getting into moving their body on a regular basis. And it’s easy to follow along with a class, modifying to your ability level along the way. 

Which is Right for Me? 

While one can see the similarities between these two exercise options, the difference between yoga and pilates is also clear. They have different methods and even different desired outcomes for those participating. 

When choosing which class you’d like to go to, it’s helpful to evaluate what you’re really looking for in your exercise experience. 

Once you know that answer, you can look at these options and decide which will better help you get there. If you’re looking to have a calm experience where you can get centered and focused while having a good workout, yoga is likely the better choice. And if you’re looking more for the muscle building and toning option while still protecting your joints, Pilates is for you!

Both will help you experience a happier, healthier life when done on a regular basis, there’s really no wrong choice here! 

Pilates Vs Yoga

The good news is, in the pilates vs yoga debate there is no loser. Both options can bring you closer to your health goals and improve your flexibility, strength, and overall wellness. 

After you’ve made your decision, the key is to be as consistent as you can as that’s where you’ll see the biggest changes. That’s made a lot easier when you love the place you exercise at. You want to feel supported by the instructors and like you have people on your side to help you along the path. 

If you’re in need of this kind of wellness experience, contact us today to hear more about our class options and how to get started! 

Are you planning on setting a fitness-related resolution this year? You’re not alone. In fact, about 95% of New Year’s resolutions are fitness-related.

Only 10% of people think their resolutions will last, though. In fact, about 43% of people give up their New Year’s resolutions by February. 

Instead of giving up on your resolutions in 2022, consider trying something new! For example, you can give Barre Fusion classes a try this year.

What exactly is Barre Fusion? How can it help you accomplish your fitness goals? Keep reading to find out!

After reading this guide, you can determine if this is the fitness class for you. Then, you can set a new resolution to work up a sweat! Read on to learn everything you need to know about Barre group classes today. 

What is Barre?

First, let’s answer the question that likely brought you here: what is Barre Fusion?

These low-impact strength workouts can boost your:

• Muscle tone
• Posture
• Flexibility

When you look good, you’ll feel good, too! Taking these group glasses could boost your overall wellness and self-confidence as a result.

Barre uses a combination of dance, ballet, functional strength, and mind-body-inspired movements. The exercises require concentration and precision to ensure you experience optimal results. During a class, you can modify each movement to suit your strength or skill levels.

You can find group classes for different expertise levels, too.

A typical class is completed at the ballet barre. Exercises can get your heart pumping to boost your cardiovascular strength. At the same time, you’ll sculpt, tone, and lengthen your muscles.

Before signing up for a course, consider your specific fitness goals. Barre is ideal if you want to improve your flexibility, strength, and posture. 

If you already focus on strength training, a class could help you strengthen and lengthen those muscles. 

Barre will also help improve your mobility and core strength. Though it’s a low-impact class, it’s also fast-paced. It’s ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

Though Barre is ballet-inspired, you won’t need to have experience as a ballerina to perform these exercises. Barre is safe, fun, and effective as well.

Some classes involve mat-based warm-ups and core-focused sessions as well. You’ll complete lower body isometric exercises at the bar, too. 

Repeating the same small movements over time will help you build your endurance. You can strengthen muscles without the risk of ligament or tendon strains. 

What Are the Benefits?

Remember, Barre Fusion classes can help sculpt, tone, and lengthen your muscles. It can also get your heart pumping to improve your cardiovascular strength. Other benefits include:

• Improving your fitness level
• Improving your posture
• Burning calories
• Reducing stress levels
• Improving your flexibility

Flexibility can decrease as you get older. These classes could help.

In some classes, you’ll use a barre and your body weight for each rep. These exercises will help improve your muscle endurance. 

Other exercises incorporate additional tools, including:

• Sliders
• Ankle weights
• Free weights
• Resistance bands
• Exercise balls

Workouts are broken into different sections, allowing you to focus on different major muscle groups. These group classes can strengthen your arms, glutes, legs, and core.

The muscles within these core groups are fatigued through small, targeted movements. A higher number of repetitions with light resistance can strengthen each area.

Despite the lighter weights, you will feel your muscles burning after a session.

Parts of each class are also paired with stretching. These stretches can further improve your overall strength.

If you’re searching for group classes that can improve your flexibility, consider giving Barre Fusion a try. 

Most classes keep the movements slow and steady. However, there are different types of “fusion” sessions available. Each group class can accomplish different goals.

For example, some classes combine traditional barre moves with interval training. You could boost your heart rate to get in a cardio session.

Some classes incorporate weights and resistance tools. These group classes are ideal for improving your overall strength.

You’ll also improve your endurance, balance, range of motion, and posture. In fact, these classes can even support weight management. You can sculpt a stronger, more defined core at the same time, too!

Tips Before Class

Barre classes are beginner-friendly. They’re also easily adaptable for different skill sets and ability levels. However, it’s important to note that classes move quickly.

Some first-timers also find sessions challenging.

With that in mind, consider talking to an instructor before class. They could provide you with helpful tips before your first Barre session.

You’ll likely use muscles you never knew you had, too! Don’t worry; you should get the hang of it after three or four classes. Stick with it.

You’ll likely experience results in eight to 10 sessions.

Don’t feel intimidated when trying Barre for the first time. As with any group class, it requires a high level of physical fitness. Stick with it to watch your performance improve over time.

Consider wearing leggings or capris that you’re comfortable in. Pair it with a workout tank or T-shirt. Wearing close-fitting clothing will help your instructor get a better view of your form.

They’ll help by offering advice, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments.

Consider sticky socks to avoid sliding during group classes, too.

Talk to an instructor about the lingo you might hear during a session as well. For example, they might say, “Tuck your tailbone.” If you hear that phrase, draw your abs inward.

Then, roll your hips under slightly, creating a neutral spine. This position can help engage your core.

You might hear “pulse,” too. This phrase means you should move about an inch up and down. These small, controlled movements will ensure your range of motion is more precise.

You’ll have an easier time contracting targeted muscles as a result.

What is Barre Fusion?: Your Guide to Toning Up

To recap, what is Barre Fusion? It’s a fun, low-impact fitness class you can use to tone your body. With multiple sessions, your flexibility, posture, and muscle strength will improve, too.

Consider giving Barre a chance as you set your fitness goals for the year!

Want to give it a try? You’ve come to the right place.

Explore our class schedule today to get started.