Last week, I was lucky enough to be able to take a ballet barre class at Boston Body Pilates' new West Newton studio.
Since Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman transformed their bodies into ballerinas for Black Swan the ballet barre fitness trend has swept the nation! Recently, it's completely taken over the Boston area with no less than six different studios offering their takes on the fitness movement.
I was extremely nervous walking into the studio as I really haven't worked out in any form in years. I danced ballet as a child (it was a required class at my snooty middle school...yes, seriously) and was on the cheerleading squad in high school but I can't even remember the last time I did a serious workout as an adult!
I needn't have worried; Melissa (my instructor and the manager of West Newton) understood my reservations and made me feel immediately comfortable. While Boston Body has locations all around the greater Boston area that offer Barre, Pilates classes, private lessons, and spinning, the recently-opened West Newton studio is focused solely on their Body Barre program. The lobby is bright and welcoming with plenty of space to store your stuff and a nice reception area. I went to a class in the middle of the day so it was peaceful and Melissa was able to give students a lot of individual attention.
Boston Body Barre is a combination of Pilates and dance based cardio that incorporates a ballet barre. The idea is to use only your body weight as resistance but do a lot of reps of each exercise to build long, lean muscles.
I was honestly expecting to be standing at the barre the entire time and basically just doing ballet exorcises the entire time. I could not have been more wrong! While you do use the barre for stretching and balance the class is very much a cardio workout mixed with Pilates mat work set to really fun music like Rihanna.
(The West Newton Boston Body Barre studio)
Melissa was incredibly encouraging and helpful. I was sweating hard by the middle of the 60-minute class but Melissa encouraged us to listen to our bodies and take breaks as needed. I definitely needed a couple, so I just sipped on my water and watched the class from the back. No one made me feel bad or uncomfortable for stopping and when I re-joined the group I got a lot of encouraging smiles from the other girls.
I'm not going to lie, it was difficult and, at times, my muscles were screaming, but it was also really fun and when the class was over I felt amazing. It really made me feel powerful and strong. It was a great experience and I'm definitely planning on going on a regular basis.
Interested in trying it out? I definitely recommend that you do!
This summer the West Newton studio has a special where first-timers can drop in to the 5:30 PM class on Wednesdays and try out Boston Body Barre for free. You just need to register for the class online beforehand!
Boston Body Pilates has five locations in the Boston area (including one right on Newbury St in Boston) so its easy to find a location and class that's convenient for you!
If you stop by tell them Bostonista sent you!
Thanks to Melissa, Maura and everyone from Boston Body for inviting me to take the class and making me feel so welcome!
