FEELGOOD FILE
At The Barre
n
o one could ever doubt the physical phenomena of a dancer’s physique. You can train for many hours to achieve muscle definition but the languidity and elegance of long, lean muscles,
correct posture and suppleness has definite appeal.
Being someone who works out regularly, a general lack of any ‘bendyness’ is sometimes a disadvantage. In fact it has to be said that one of my very best friends, who I love dearly, nearly falls off my Christmas card list when we are toe to toe in the gym. Forever supple, she can lie her head along her outstretched legs – yes you’d hate her too – and still achieve a very passable splits.
And so to The Barre. New to the North East, tucked under the Forth Street arches, this compact studio promises ‘a dancer’s workout, without the dance’. A total body workout devised and refined by trained professional dancers, the intimate but not intimidating classes involve a short series of intense movements encouraging individual muscle groups to a fast burn followed by a stretch. The classes combine elements of pilates, dance and resistance training performed on a ballet barre with light weights and using your own body resistance for fast results.
With the idea that I might actually be able to touch my toes some day I signed up with some enthusiasm. On a dark wet night in December I found myself in the very welcoming reception area and even more capable hands of Natalie, the brains behind The Barre. I and nine others then pliéd and stretched, stretched and pliéd until our legs wobbled with the effort. The hour’s workout was intense but manageable and after just one session I was hooked.
The atmosphere at the classes is very professional yet not at all overwhelming. There are various different types of class aimed at different abilities and the number of classes is rapidly increasing as the popularity of The Barre spreads. The Barre also offers a very successful ‘Big White Dress Challenge’, an intensive course designed to ensure brides-to-be look their very best on the big day, and a Rock-A-Barre Pre-Natal class.
After just a few sessions I am definitely infinitely more bendy than before and my arms and legs are less bulky. I have already signed up for my next set of classes and for me, going to The Barre now has a whole new meaning!
The Barre Arch 11
Forth Street
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 0191 340 8834
For an exclusive Living North reader offer at The Barre, see page 85
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO HEALTH & BEAUTY
www.livingnorth.com 57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100