Why Isometric Movements in Barre Fitness Classes are so Effective

Barre fitness classes offers a unique full body workout and there are a number benefits offered by going along to barre regularly including lengthening and strengthening your muscles, improving your posture and working your core. One of the most important aspects of barre fitness is the focus on isometric movements to get results. Today, we’ll be looking at why these small movements are so effective.

What are isometric movements?

An isometric movement is when you work your muscles without moving your joints. While many traditional exercises require you to stretch out the muscle and lock your joints at the end of each exercise, isometric movements don’t require you to lengthen your muscle fibres and there is no movement at the joints – instead, tension is created in the muscles without you actually moving. Although it can look as though nothing is happening with an isometric movement, holding the positions, such a squat or lunge, takes a lot of strength as your muscles work to hold the pose.

What are benefits of isometric movements?

Isometric movements may not look like much, but they really pack a punch and you’ll definitely feel the burn! They’re a great way of increasing your muscular endurance and strength as they still cause the muscle fibres to fire. The beauty of isometric movements is that although they work the muscles, they don’t place strain on your joints so are a low impact way to challenge your body. Because of the lack of strain they place on joints, isometric exercises are a good option for injury rehabilitation. If you’re not used to isometric exercises, you’ll feel your muscles shaking from the effort of holding the muscle contraction – remember not to push yourself too hard at first and rest if you need to. Isometric exercises are also great for mental stamina as it takes a lot of concentration to keep strong during the more challenging holds!

Isometric movements in barre fitness

If you’ve ever been to a barre class before, you’ll already know that isometric exercises are one of the main focuses of the class. You’ll be required to hold many of the positions to challenge your various muscle groups and these muscle holds are combined with reps using tiny movements of an inch or so. The combination of isometric movements and tiny pulses help to deliver the amazing benefits that come of going along to regular barre classes.

KĀYA Health Clubs offer authentic barre classes using genuine barre method. Our classes combine elements of classical ballet, Pilates and functional movement for a dynamic and effective whole body workout. Whether you’re coming along for the first time or have previous barre experience, our teachers will be able to provide the right modifications for a personalised experience. For one of Melbourne’s leading barre method classes, speak to us today.

To get started with barre fitness, contact KĀYA today on 03 9090 1000. We’re conveniently located in both the Melbourne CBD and Prahran.