11 best ballet barre workouts

Ballet barre workouts are a form of exercise that draws inspiration from ballet and incorporates elements of dance, strength training, and flexibility exercises. These workouts have gained popularity among individuals seeking a low-impact yet effective fitness regimen. Here's what you should know about ballet barre workouts:

  1. Origins: Ballet barre workouts were initially developed by ballet dancers as a way to enhance their dance training. Over time, these exercises were adapted for non-dancers looking to benefit from the strength and flexibility training inherent in ballet.

  2. Equipment: Ballet barre workouts typically require a ballet barre, which serves as a stable support during exercises. While these workouts are often done in a studio with wall-mounted or portable barres, many fitness centers and home enthusiasts have adapted to using sturdy chairs or countertops as makeshift barres.

  3. Exercises: Ballet barre workouts consist of a series of movements that focus on toning muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing balance. Common exercises include pliés, tendus, développés, arabesques, and relevés, among others. These exercises target various muscle groups, including the legs, glutes, core, and upper body.

  4. Low Impact: One of the key benefits of ballet barre workouts is that they are low-impact, making them suitable for individuals of all fitness levels, including those recovering from injuries or looking for gentler exercise options.

  5. Isometric Movements: Many ballet barre exercises involve isometric contractions, which means holding a position without joint movement. This helps build endurance and strength in specific muscle groups.

  6. Muscle Engagement: Ballet barre workouts often focus on small, controlled movements that engage and strengthen muscles deeply. These exercises are designed to create long, lean muscles and improve overall body awareness.

  7. Core and Posture: Core engagement and improved posture are fundamental aspects of ballet barre workouts. Participants work on strengthening their core muscles and maintaining a tall, aligned posture throughout the exercises.

  8. Variety: There is a wide variety of ballet barre workouts available, ranging from traditional ballet-inspired routines to more contemporary versions that incorporate elements of Pilates, yoga, and cardio. Classes may be offered in studios, gyms, or through online platforms.

  9. Benefits: Ballet barre workouts offer several benefits, including increased muscle tone, improved flexibility, enhanced balance and stability, better posture, and a sense of grace and fluidity in movements. They can also be an effective way to burn calories and promote overall cardiovascular fitness.

  10. Attire: Participants in ballet barre workouts often wear comfortable fitness attire, including leggings or tights and a form-fitting top. Ballet or grip socks are commonly worn to provide traction and support during exercises.

Ballet barre workouts have become a popular fitness choice for those looking for a unique and effective way to stay in shape while enjoying the grace and elegance of ballet-inspired movements.Whether taken in a group class or practiced at home, these workouts offer a balanced approach to fitness.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best ballet barre workouts on the market
  

Element: Ballet Conditioning

Anchor Bay Entertainment

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ballet Dancers always have slender bodies that are both strong and lean with lovely proportion and gorgeous body lines. One of the greatest secrets to a dancer's body is ballet conditioning which focuses on all muscle groups. In this unique program, your muscles will work smoothly in unison to create a long, streamlined silhouette with flat abs, a lean lower body and beautifully defined curves. Moving gracefully and fluidly through this series of exercises, you will strengthen and stretch your way to a dancer’s body.

About the Actor

Elise Gulan has over 18 years in dance education including Ballet, Pointe, Tap, and Jazz. She was a principal soloist for the Virginia Ballet Company where she danced for seven years appearing in productions such as Copelia, Swan Lake, and Nutcracker Suite. She brought her love of expression through movement to her new career as a certified personal trainer and instructor of Yoga, Core Fusion and Core Energy Flow. Elise enjoys helping her students to find their inner strength and to energize their joy of life through physical and mental fitness.

Ballet Beautiful - Classic Body Toning and Cardio Blast DVD Workout Bundles. Mary Helen Bowers Barre Dance Inspired Fitness DVD

Ballet Beautiful

Based on 137 reviews Check latest price
  • Mix-and-Match Workout Series: This DVD includes five of our most popular exclusive streaming videos for a full body Ballet beautiful burn: Supermodel Bridge, Supermodel Abs Mix, Supermodel Inner Thigh, Supermodel Outer Thigh with Weights, and Supermodel Cardio Burn.
  • Supermodel Results: Intense ballet-inspired workouts designed to deliver the results that our supermodel clients adore! Targeted toning, mat work and cardio shape long, lean ballet muscles, elegant posture, build confidence, and burn fat.
  • About Ballet Beautiful: Professional ballerina and Ballet Beautiful Founder Mary Helen Bowers created Ballet Beautiful as a way to share the grace and athleticism of dance with others. Mary Helen danced for 10 years with the New York City Ballet before training Natalie Portman for her award-winning role in the blockbuster film Black Swan.

User questions & answers

Question: What region are these dvds
Answer: Excellent poached eggs
Question: Do you need a ballet bar for this dvds
Answer: I say a 10! I love Starbucks egg bites but didn’t want the preservatives and price every morning. This was the next best thing! If you’re looking for the EXACT same flavor profile, you may be disappointed in your own culinary skills because you would have to reproduce their exact flavor combination (slightly impossible without a recipe). I can tell you that using a food processor and cottage cheese in your egg mixture will create fluffy and delicious egg bites. I’ve had fun experimenting with different cheeses and other ingredients. Good luck!
Question: Hello, do you send all the 4 dvd? thank you
Answer: Thank you for your question. Yes, this appliance can be used to make both egg bites and classic poached eggs.
Question: I just purchased these dvds, is there a streaming option
Answer: It uses the normal voltage! I plug it into my regular everyday outlet.

Barre Fitness: 3 Ballet Inspired Cardio, Strength + Abs Routines to Sculpt, Slim with Jessica Smith

Based on 386 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tone, sculpt and stretch your body from head to pointed toe with this ballet-inspired workout program. This DVD, filmed outdoors by the water in sunny Florida, includes three workouts that can be done separately, or all together for one complete class session: CARDIO BALLET (20 Minutes): Forget that boring treadmill — burn calories with the grace of a ballerina! This fat-burning, ballet-inspired session works up a surprising sweat in a small amount of space, no equipment required (both high and low impact options shown). BARRE BURN (20 Minutes): Lift, shape and define your entire body with this cardio sculpting barre workout. A sturdy chair and a set of light hand weights (2- to 8-pounds, depending on level) are recommended for this routine. FLOOR BARRE (20 Minutes) Cinch, tighten and stretch -- without ever leaving the ground -- with this total body, core conditioning, Pilates infused routine. A mat and a small soft ball or pillow are recommended for this workout. Total Run Time: Approx 60 Minutes

Ballet Barre for the Adult Absolute Beginner

Based on 67 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ABOUT THE TEACHER: Finis Jhung performed with the San Francisco, Robert Joffrey, and Harkness ballets, on Broadway, and in film, before founding his own Chamber Ballet U.S.A. Now, he is a master ballet teacher, the creator of more than 50 instructional dance videos, and the author of The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique: A Guide for Teachers & Students. ABOUT THE VIDEO: Here is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of ballet dancing for those who have never studied ballet or haven't danced since childhood - a "Do-Along" video you can actually follow and do. Get in touch with your body and your senses while learning how to do the basic movements that are the essence of ballet dancing. Each exercise is first shown and explained in detail by Finis Jhung, and then it is demonstrated by a student while Finis stands by and coaches. Get ready to make an intense inner journey with beautiful music and movement that can transform your body and your soul. EXERCISES are listed on the back cover of the DVD image above. SPECIAL FEATURE: Play the video in 3 modes: Full Class, Individual Exercises, or Workout Mode where you can play the video without instruction.

Ballet Beautiful - Classic Body Toning and Cardio Blast DVD Workout Bundles. Mary Helen Bowers Barre Dance Inspired Fitness DVD

Ballet Beautiful

Based on 532 reviews Check latest price
  • AT HOME: Get in great shape anywhere and anytime for a grueling yet graceful workout perfect for men and women with NO gym OR equipment needed
  • BODY BLAST: Sculpt a lean long dancer's body with four 15-minute targeted workouts. Mix and match these workouts to tone your arms abs and butt!
  • ATHLETIC: Our workouts are designed to target and sculpt long, lean muscles in the legs, butt, core, and upper body for ALL AGES and FITNESS LEVELS with no dance experience needed!
  • QUALITY: Mary Helen Bowers' professional expertise brings an authenticity unrivaled by any barre workout which is what makes her desired among the stars
  • WHAT'S INCLUDED: Ballet Beautiful Swan Arms 15-minute Ballet Beautiful Body Blast Butt Series Part 1 Butt Series Part 2

Ballet Body Training System - 4 DVD Kit and Workout Guide

Leah Sarago Fitness

Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This system includes all four of the Ballet Body Signature Series DVDs including Total Body, Lower Body, Upper Body, and Core in this special bundle. Use the 16 week workout guide included with the DVDs to help you achieve the best results with these Ballet Body workouts. You can perform these workouts in the privacy of your home with minimal equipment needed. Equipment needed: light dumbbells, yoga mat, and a sturdy couch/chair back or a wall-mounted barre. This is the most complete barre system available. Join the others who have achieved incredible results using this barre workout system. This system challenges all fitness levels with modifications and advanced variations to tailor the workouts to your level. Digital version available: leahsaragofitness.vhx.tv

  • Exercise DVD At-Home Training System
  • Barre Workouts
  • Includes Ballet Body Lower Body, Upper Body, Core, and Total Body Workout
  • Complete working training guide easy to follow for best results

User questions & answers

Question: Is there anything in this set that you wouldn't get by buying the four DVDs separately
Answer: Hi! No built-in barre needed. We actually use a chair for all the barre work in this workout.
Question: Does this set teach you ballet positions and moves
Answer: Hi! You'll need a pilates ball, but if you don't have one you can always use a small pillow or a foam roller. Hope this helps!
Question: would you recommend for a total beginner
Answer: sorry I can't help, it was given away as a gift.
Question: Features list says barre. So is it included
Answer: Works like any DVD player. Plays both DVD & Blue-ray good.

Jessica Smith Feel Good Fusion: Barefoot Cardio, Strength, Pilates, Barre and Yoga Mix DVD, Fat Burning, Sculpting, Toning Low Impact Exercise (No Floor Work)

In Wellness Systems LLC

Based on 349 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Surrounded by blue skies and sunshine with the ocean as our backdrop, these two barefoot routines develop balance, coordination, strength, endurance, but overall, a sense of well-being, enjoyment, and energy! The true key to long-lasting results and benefits of exercise lies with consistency and including workouts like these into your regular plan can help you achieve and maintain your goals over the long term.



This floor-work free program contains two complete sessions:



Session #1: Fusion Strength (47 Minutes) - Sculpt and build functional strength and stamina while staying in the aerobic zone with the freeing range of motion of light weights and high reps. A set of hand weights (between 2 - 8 lbs, depending on level) is recommended for this routine.



Session #2: Flow Cardio (35 Minutes) - Let go of the idea that every workout has to be all-out effort, all the time — this flowing LISS (lower intensity, steady state) cardio session helps build cardiovascular endurance, improve circulation, burn fat and balance out the stress of high-intensity training on the body.



Approx. Total Run Time: 82 Minutes

Ballet Beautiful Ballet Workout DVD - Sculpt & Burn Cardio Blast. Mary Helen Bowers Barre Dance Inspired Fitness DVD

Ballet Beautiful

Based on 156 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Shape a lean and long dancer's body with Sculpt & Burn Cardio Blast with Mary Helen Bowers! With her 10 years of dancing in the New York City Ballet AND personally training Natalie Portman in her Academy Award-winning role in 'Black Swan', her expertise is unmatched. Form trim legs, a tight butt, firm core and strong upper body with low-impact cardio elements, light weights and targeted mat work. Includes two 30-minute total body toning workouts to really get your heart rate up!



Total Body Strength & Cardio: Engage your core with standing abs, and sculpt long, lean ballet muscles with total body toning, cardio elements and light weight work.



Total Body Toning: Sculpt a tight core and butt with mat work, then really work to elongate the legs with focused exercises and light stretching.

HIPSHAKE Blissful Barre Workout DVD. 8 Barre Workouts for Women. Low Impact Strength Training Workout Program (Beginners & Advanced).

Hip Shake Fitness

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price
  • SMALL MOVEMENTS, BIG RESULTS: Each workout starts with a mantra to get yourself in the right mindset. Afterwards, you will be lead through a series of small movements that are inspired by ballet, yoga and pilates. These movements are specifically made for toning women's bodies. You don't need a ballet barre because we've adapted the barre workouts for your home.
  • LOW-IMPACT EXERCISES: Barre workouts strengthen, lengthen and tone with minimal impact. You can do these workouts even if you have bad knees but if you don't you can always maximize the strength training by adding resistance. You can do these workouts with or without equipment and we always provide modifications for different levels of fitness.
  • 8 BARRE WORKOUTS 15-35 MIN EACH: Each DVD includes 8 barre fitness workouts that are professionally shot from our studio in Los Angeles. We make sure to include dancers with different body types that are all learning together with you! We're in this together babe.
  • FOR BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED BARRE BABES: You don't need any experience to get started. We're providing 2 different workout programs just for you. BEGINNER BARRE BABE is for perfect if you have never tried a barre exercise class before and want to get the basic barre moves down. BLISSFUL BARRE BURN will turn your fat burning up a notch with a total body muscle toning barre workout program. You will gain strength, flexibility and stabilize your core!
  • FREE GIFT & MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: As free gift from us, with each DVD comes a 7-DAY PLAN that includes 4 bonus workouts from our dance studio and 10 healthy recipes. We guarantee every DVD we create and if for any reason you are not satisfied, get your full money back without any questions.

User questions & answers

Question: Does this require a built-in barre or can a chair be substituted
Answer: Hello. This unit does not play 3D. You would need the BDP5502 for that feature.
Question: What kind of ball do I need for the workouts? It doesn’t say in the description
Answer: Yes, it works fine on my 1080p HD television.

Product features

Blissful Barre DVD 1: 4 Complete Workouts

  • BASIC BARRE (30 min) - This total body workout will help get you started in your barre journey by going through basic moves and we're providing modification for the moves as well.
  • TUCK & TONE (15 min) - Master the art of tucking with moves that helps you get a natural arch on your back and improve your posture. This barre workout is core focused.
  • POWER & FLOW (30 min) - This total body workout will take your barre game to the next level. You're gonna get tones and feel like your muscles are still burning a few hours after.
  • CORE VALUES (15 min) - This is an intense core focused workout using small movements with maximum impact. Meet you at the barre!

Blissful Barre DVD 2: 4 Complete Workouts

  • TREASURE CHEST (15 min) - This workout is focused on a body part we should all be proud of, our chest. Let's tone and tighten that upper body together.
  • BOTTOMS UP (30 min) - This barre workout is all about the booty and legs. Get ready to tighten, tone and strengthen those muscles.
  • LONG LEAN LEGS (15 min) - We're giving that lower body focus with squats, leg raises and more. Get that booty baby!
  • HUSH PUPPIES (30 min) - This barre workout is focused on our arms, chest and abs. Challenge yourself with weights and a pilates ball. You got this!

About Diane Numark

This former Emmy-Winning Producer began her love of dance at the young age of three, started teaching jazz, tap and ballet classes at sixteen and added Circus Choreographer to the mix at eighteen. She decided to shift careers and focus on broadcast journalism. After ten-years working for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, she decided it was time to take a “break” to focus on her kids. Then, she discovered Barre and credits it for getting her body back. She is now the proud owner of Barre Works Studio in Redondo Beach and has felt the happiest and strongest that she's ever been.

Ballet Barre Stretch & Strength

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ABOUT THE TEACHER: Finis Jhung performed with the San Francisco, Robert Joffrey, and Harkness ballets, on Broadway, and in film, before founding his own Chamber Ballet U.S.A. Now, he is a master ballet teacher, the creator of more than 50 instructional dance videos, and the author of The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique: A Guide for Teachers & Students. ABOUT THE VIDEO: This is a perfect barre workout for beginners as well as advanced dancers. Finis Jhung first shows and explains each exercise in detail: he tells you why it is important, breaks it down count-by- count, and shows you how to do it. The exercise is then demonstrated on both sides and then repeated entirely. All the while, Finis is on camera making pointers and coaching. The barre progresses and advances slowly and methodically, gradually increasing in intensity, speed and range of movement. This is a comprehensive workout for the entire body (and mind): beginners will learn the essential ideas of the ballet movement process while advanced dancers will be reminded of the often-neglected basics that make the difference. Welcome to the Finis Jhung Ballet Technique! EXERCISES are listed on the back cover of the DVD image above. BONUS: Finis chats with Melissa Elstein. SPECIAL FEATURE: Play the video in 3 modes: Full Class, Individual Exercises, or Workout Mode where you can play the video without instruction

Booty Kicker – Home Fitness Exercise Barre, Folds Flat, Portable, Storable, Strong Angular Design for Pushing, Pulling, Balance & Ballet Exercises, Perfect for Barre Workouts

Savvier Fitness, LLC

Based on 984 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The portable, storable, affordable home fitness barre that kicks your booty! Do your favorite barre exercises in the comfort of your own home - work your arms, legs, core and booty. Perfect for strength, cardio, ballet and barre. Unique design provides stability for many push, pull, and balance exercises. Rated for 250 pounds downward vertical pushing force. Pulling force will depend on amount of weights loaded into racks and the angle of your pulling force. The final assembled size is approximately 37" tall, 38" wide, 34" deep. When folded, it is 34" deep, 38" wide and 5" tall with weight rack (3" tall without weight rack). The top of the wooden barre is 37" off the floor, it is 38 inches wide, and has a diameter of 1.75 inches. Weights are NOT included with the Booty Kicker. The weight racks hold 3 sets of weights - the openings are approximately 1.5" wide and 2" deep. The weight racks are removable. We find most people can assemble their Booty Kicker in about 30 minutes, after watching our easy assembly video. After the unit is assembled, then it easily folds up or down in less than a minute, and you can conveniently store it in a closet or slide it under your bed.

  • Patented Weight Balancing Angular Design. Unique design provides stability for pushing and pulling.
  • Hinge Design & Quick Release for folding flat. Rolling Wheels engage when tilted up.
  • Authentic Wooden Barre. Durable Steel Construction. Beautiful White paint with Nickel Plated accents.
  • Weight Racks (weights not included)
  • Gripping rubber feet for any floor

User questions & answers

Question: what is the depth of the legs on the bottom - I need to know how much space it takes
Answer: The final assembled size is approximately 37 inches tall, 38 inches wide, 34 inches deep. When folded, it is 34 inches deep, 38 inches wide and 5 inches tall with weight rack (3 inches tall without weight rack). The wooden barre is 38 inches wide, has a diameter of 1.75 inches, and the top of the barre is 37 inches off the ground.
Question: Is it adjustable
Answer: It is not and if you are tall, it will be way-way too short! I'm 5'8" and the barre is ~ 4" lower than my hips. :/ it's super nice and I wish it was adjustable!
Question: Can the dumbbell holder part be taken off
Answer: You have to install the dumbbell holder yourself. It works just fine if you don't put it on.
Question: Is the "Booty Kicker" panel removable
Answer: YES! It is a cloth banner that can be added or removed!

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