Barre

WHAT IS BARRE?

“Life is the dancer and you are the dance.” Eckhart Tolle

Barre classes blend the grace and elegance of ballet with the alignment and flow of yoga to improve strength, posture, muscle tone, balance and stability. It’s a great way to to strengthen, tone, support injury and burn fat.

The sessions are on Monday mornings with Improvers from 10.30-11.30am, followed by Beginners from 11.45am-12.45pm

WHAT TO EXPECT

A typical class usually starts in the centre of the room for a full body warm up to music.

After that students head to the Barre (or chair back/window ledge) which provides support during exercises where the body is contracted in small, repetitive movements, focusing on the legs and glutes. Movements are repeated on both sides as well as facing the Barre. When at the Barre, it is important to keep the abdominals engaged and the pelvis/tail bone tucked under. You will hear a lot of Ballet Jargon like “plié” and “tendu”. These French words are explained in English too and students usually quickly pick them up.

The second half of the class typically takes place away from the Barre in the centre (on a Yoga mat), with a focus on the core and arms, to strengthen and tone the upper body. Classes finish with a cool down and stretches, and finally a short relaxation.

WHO CAN DO IT?

Barre is suitable for all ages/abilities as it is so supported by the prop and you can allow the barre to take as much or as little of your weight as you want to. The sessions are divided into Beginners and Improvers, where the pace will be faster and more physically challenging.

Benefits of Barre classes include improved strength, posture, flexibility, balance and stability, endurance and potential weight loss. The exercises target muscles that support and stabilise the body which are often neglected in everyday life. No ballet experience (or grace!) necessary!

  • Name withheld
    Please could you let Anneli know how brilliant I think she is as a Pilates teacher. What she does with me is really helping reduce any pain and is increasing my strength and flexibility. Thank you.
    Name withheld
  • Vicky Liddell
    After 6 years, I still look forward to my weekly yoga session. It sets me up for anything that the week can throw at me.
    Vicky Liddell
  • Sarah Towneley
    Coming to yoga with Tamsin is like going on a mini-holiday every week.
    Sarah Towneley
  • Liz Parsons
    Studio Yoga offers the unique opportunity to attend regular classes in a range of Yoga styles in a tranquil dedicated space. I am particularly pleased to be able to attend workshops led by a resident or visiting teachers offering a more in-depth exploration of Yoga.
    Liz Parsons
    MSTAT Teacher of the Alexander Technique
  • Ann Porter
    It is the first time for over 30 years that I have joined a class solely for my benefit. I want to learn yoga properly from the beginning and the Wednesday class is perfect. Thank you.
    Ann Porter
  • Christine Alexander-Smith
    Tamsin is a great tutor, who creates an environment for her students that fosters the spirit of giving everything a go in a safe way. I wholeheartedly recommend Studio Yoga to anyone wanting to increase their flexible and sense of general well-being. The classes are friendly and small and are made up of all ages, sizes and genders. Each session builds on the last; creating a sense of achievement for the student each week.
    Christine Alexander-Smith
  • Emma Todd
    Thank you for a couple of very good years of yoga. I had no experience of yoga before coming to you and you've been a super teacher. I now incorporate yoga into many daily activities - from walking the dogs, working at my to desk, to emptying the washing machine...Your studio is a serene and friendly place, and I've appreciated your immense professionalism and commitment.
    Emma Todd
  • Anna Thomas
    It is a necessary pleasure for me to kick-start my week at Studio Yoga. The Monday morning class sets me up for the week ahead.  Tamsin is a dedicated teacher.  Her classes are varied, her instructions clear and she always has an eye on her pupils individual physical requirements making adjustments that enhance their practice.  I highly recommend Studio Yoga.
    Anna Thomas
  • Dagan James
    I, like many many others have suffered years of lower back problems, not helped by being a livestock farmer.
    Last year I had a prolapsed disc. When it eventually eased I went on the yoga for lower backs course.
    It has been hugely beneficial, not only for building physical strength, but also because it gave me the framework for better and quicker recovery when flareups have reoccurred and the mental strength knowing there is a way forward when things go wrong. The course shows an effective and doable way to really reduce back problems. As long as you do your exercises!
    Dagan James
  • Annie Burchmore
    Since starting Tamsin’s hatha yoga classes a year ago, I have noticed a marked improvement in my balance, core strength and flexibility. Tamsin makes all ages and abilities feel relaxed and welcome and her enthusiasm, warmth and encouragement have created a positive and enjoyable environment in which to practice and learn. I always look forward to my classes and leave feeling calmer, stronger and happier. Thank you.
    Annie Burchmore
  • L.F.
    The Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course has really helped my shoulders and flexibility. I like creating space for me and the calm it gives - thank you.
    L.F.
  • Steve Pollard
    I would highly recommend the Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course to anyone who suffers with back pain. It certainly has been the most beneficial form of treatment for me and has helped me recover from the most agonising painful back period I've ever had. That now seems to be a distant memory. I am genuinely thrilled I came to Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs.
    Steve Pollard