Different options for putting a Barre into your gym space.

What is a Barre, its benefits & history.

A Barre is a long, narrow piece of wood or metal that is used as a support in ballet and other dance forms. It is typically placed at waist height, and dancers use it to help them maintain their balance and alignment during exercises.

The history of the barre can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it was used as a support in ballet classes. Ballet dancers would use the barre to help them maintain their balance and alignment during exercises.

In the 1950s, Lotte Berk, a German dancer and choreographer, developed a new fitness method that incorporated elements of ballet, yoga, and physiotherapy. Berk called her method the Lotte Berk Method, and it quickly became popular in London.

The Lotte Berk Method used the barre as a support for a variety of exercises that focused on toning and strengthening the muscles in the arms, legs, core, and buttocks. The method was low-impact and gentle on the joints, making it a good option for people of all fitness levels.

In the 1970s, the Lotte Berk Method was brought to the United States by Lydia Bach. Bach opened a studio in New York City, and the method quickly became popular there as well.

Today, there are many different barre workout methods available, but they all have their roots in the Lotte Berk Method. Barre workouts are a great way to get a full-body workout without putting too much stress on your joints. They are also a good option for people who are new to exercise or who have limited mobility.

Barre training is a type of workout that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga. It uses the barre as a support to help participants perform a variety of exercises that focus on toning and strengthening the muscles in the arms, legs, core, and buttocks. Barre workouts are typically low-impact, but they can be challenging and effective.

Barre training is a great way to get a full-body workout without putting too much stress on your joints. It is also a good option for people who are new to exercise or who have limited mobility. If you are looking for a challenging and effective workout that will help you tone and strengthen your muscles,

Barre training is a great option to :-

• Improve posture and alignment
• Increase muscle strength and tone
• Increase flexibility
• Improve balance and coordination

Barre Considerations in your space

• Space: Barre workouts require a fair amount of space, so you'll need to make sure you have enough room for the barre and for you to move around freely. If you have a small space, you may want to consider a portable barre that can be folded up and stored away when not in use.

• Height: The height of the barre is important for safety and comfort. You'll need to find a barre that is the right height for you, so you can reach it comfortably without having to overreach or bend over too much.

• Material: Barres are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic. Wood barres are more traditional and offer a smoother surface to grip, but they can be more expensive and require more maintenance. Metal barres are more durable and less likely to warp or crack, but they can be cold to the touch and may not be as comfortable to grip. Plastic barres are the most affordable option and are easy to clean, but they may not be as sturdy as wood or metal barres.

• Stability: The barre should be stable and secure so you can safely perform exercises without it wobbling or tipping over. If you're using a freestanding barre, make sure it's placed on a level surface and that it's anchored to the floor or wall. If you're using a wall-mounted barre, make sure it's installed properly and that the wall is strong enough to support the weight of the barre and the user.

How high should a Barre be?

The standard height for a ballet barre is waist level for an average adult. This is approximately 42-44 inches from the floor. For children, the barre should be 32-34 inches from the floor.

If you are taller or shorter than average, you may need to adjust the height of the barre accordingly. You can do this by using a portable barre with adjustable height or by installing a wall-mounted barre that can be raised or lowered.

Here are some tips for determining the right height for your ballet barre:

• Stand with your back against the wall and your arms at your sides.
• Place your hands on the barre at shoulder height.
• If your elbows are bent, the barre is too high.
• If your elbows are straight, the barre is too low.
• The ideal height is when your elbows are slightly bent.
• You should also consider the type of exercises you will be doing when determining the height of the barre. For example, if you will be doing exercises that require you to reach overhead, you will need a taller barre.

It is important to find a height that is comfortable and allows you to maintain good form. If the barre is too high or too low, you may put unnecessary strain on your muscles and joints.

 Barre Options  for your Gym Space

 

Integrated Barres: These barres are built into a mirror, which allows you to see your form as you exercise. They are a good option for people who want a more immersive workout experience. Our professional studio range of Freestand Barres are lightweight but extremely sturdy. They come supplied with adjustable feet to allow for uneven floors.

Constructed from aluminium and finished in smooth silver with an option of either beech or aluminium barre. Additional components can easily be added to make the Barre longer or to create right angles or shapes. Specialist brackets including ‘Under Window’ and ‘Floor Mounted’ are also available to order.

Custom designed brackets and non-stock colours can be manufactured to your specification. Please contact us with your requirements. Ballet barres are only supplied and installed in conjunction with our mirrors.

Read more about our mirror supply service.

Portable single Barre: These barres are freestanding and can be easily moved around. They are a good option for people who want to be able to work out in different places, the 6ft Merrithew stability Barre in grey is shown above, it is also available in white.

• Stability Barre^™ is easily adjusted to a variety of heights
• Available in two lengths to accommodate various studio sizes and needs
• Available in choice of grey or white finish
• Professional grade, solid and supportive
• Weighted circular base add stability, along with a non-skid grip on a variety of flooring surfaces
• Completely free standing – does not require wall mounting

Portable double parallel Barre: These barres are two single barres that are connected together. They are a good option for people who want to do partner exercises or who want to have more space to move around. The 12 ft Merrithew Stability Barre in white is shown above, it is also available in grey.

• Stability Barre™ is easily adjusted to a variety of heights
• Four Stability Barre™ Connectors included
• Accommodate various studio sizes and needs
• Available in choice of grey or white finish
• Professional grade, solid and supportive
• Weighted circular base adds stability, along with a no-skid grip on a variety of flooring surfaces
• Completely free standing – does not require wall mounting
• The barre can be easily removed from the supports for storage when not in use
• 6' Parallel Stability Barres can accommodate 4 exercisers, 2 on each side of the barre, the 8' accommodates 6 exercisers, 3 on each side of the barre and the 12' accommodates 8 exercisers, 4 on each side of the barre