Floor bar exercises: the Barreshape guide
Work your cardio, deep muscles and flexibility to some killer music? Floor bar exercises are becoming a staple of fitness routines, but what are their real benefits and, above all, how do you practice them? Here, we reveal the secrets of the Barreshape floor bar.
What is the floor bar?
Barre au sol yes, but without the barre said Monsieur Kniaseff. Also known as "barre à terre ", floor barre was invented by Russian dancer and choreographer Boris Kniaseff in the 1940s. Unable to attach bars to the walls of his studio, he came up with the idea of moving the usual warm-up exercises for classical barre... to the floor! Today, this method has become a phenomenon, as popular with professional dancers as it is with amateurs looking to tone their bodies while having fun. Who said dancing always had to be serious?
Our practical guide to floor barre exercises
"Not your grandmother's ballet". This is the motto of Barreshape and of Géraldine, the studio's founder, who was inspired by this training to create her own methodBut how do you actually go about it, and why is it good for your body? Far from an ordinary fitness or dance routine, these exercises combine strength and elegance to maintain a slender silhouette.
The benefits of floor barre exercises for the body
The floor bar engages different muscle groups to effectively sculpt the body. Firstly, targeted movements, such as pliés and tendus, which engage the deep muscles of the legs, buttocks and abdominals. This approach guarantees complete strengthening without neglecting any part of the body.
Gaining in flexibility
In addition to strengthening muscles, the floor bar helps improve flexibility. Stretching sequences on the floor bar help build muscular flexibility. Melting beats and lateral stretches, for example, help soften muscles and joints.
Work on posture
Another major advantage of the floor bar is the development of posture. The emphasis is on maintaining an aligned posture during the exercises, helping to prevent back pain and promote that famous dancer's gait. Not only will you tone your body, you'll also gain in flexibility. Stretching and fluid movements from the barre to the floor improve your range of motion, making your gestures more graceful and elegant. And you'll notice progress very quickly! How's that for fun?
Barre au sol and mental well-being
As the song says, it's good for morale ! The floor bar exercise isn't just a workout for the body, it's also a time to take a breather. One moment to let off steam, another to regain your composure. By concentrating on breathing and movement, you give yourself a moment of calm and concentration. It's a bit like a wellness bubble you allow yourself, and it's good to get away from the daily grind.
The Barreshape method that revolutionizes floor bar exercises
The Barreshape touch combines floor barre exercises with Pilates, yoga and cardio. An interesting melting-pot for those who want to find a balance, or who fear being locked into a single discipline.
Our little plus? A lively playlist and highly motivated, caring coaches. With their contagious energy and good humor, they make us want to push ourselves and "let go".
Minimal equipment
No more excuses for equipment. Floor bar exercises are mainly body-weight exercises. In addition to your comfortable clothes, you'll need a yoga mat, a gym ball to work on muscle strengthening, posture and balance, and sometimes small weights or elastic bands. But don't worry, everything is provided by the studio. For the more adventurous who want to spice up their session, it's possible to add more weights, or try more complex variations of sequences - our coaches adapt to all levels! Our tip: a pair of non-slip socks (preferably glittery) is recommended if you want to avoid eating the floor 😉
And 5, 6, 7 and 8! It's possible to have fun while training, and our Parisian studios are sure to charm you! Put on your leggings, your latest bra or your old t-shirt, and you'll be amazed at what you're capable of.
FAQ
Floor barre is a discipline that consists of performing dance exercises on the floor, without a support bar. It's a method of working on strength, flexibility, coordination and posture, using mainly body weight.
Floor barre exercises are suitable for all levels, whether you're a professional dancer or a dance novice. They're also suitable for all ages and body types. Whether you want to improve your dance technique, strengthen your body or simply relax, floor barre can be good for you.
No, you don't need any dance experience to practice barre. The exercises are suitable for all levels, and you can progress at your own pace. So, are you ready to (re)discover your fitness routine?
Regular use of the barre has many benefits. It improves posture, strength and flexibility. It helps strengthen the body's deep muscles, which can prevent injury and relieve chronic pain. What's more, it also helps you relax and reconnect with your body.
To practice floor barre at home, you'll need a comfortable floor mat to protect your joints. You can also use a chair or bar stand to help you with certain exercises. It's advisable to wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement and dance socks or slippers.
