I’ve finally found my PERFECT workout technique.

And surprisingly, no it’s not triathlon and doesn’t have anything to do with running … well, sort of (more on the benefits for runners later)!

It combines all of the awesome elements of the workouts I love:

• Yoga: Without the “woowoo” and the headstands.
• Ballet: Without the dance coordination required for the “get in the centre” part of an adult ballet class.
• Strength training: Without the bulk of the heavy weights.

The workout technique?

BARRE!

I am addicted. I am obsessed. I LOVE this workout technique. It honestly makes me so happy!

PLUS, it has so many benefits for new mummas! (Again, more on that later).

AND it’s like doing ballet without the pirouettes and the grand jetés.

my early “ballerina” days

I think my love for ballet began with those ballerina jewellery music boxes and the beautiful ballerina aesthetic promoted in children movies and various childrens cartoons.

Yes, I was very much a pink loving, girly-girl growing up.

Ballerinas were always thought of as beautiful, graceful, poised, and strong … everything I dreamed of being as a young girl.

But alas, my foray into ballet didn’t last very long!

Or not as long as my mum would have liked after she’d spent a good portion of her income on my entire ballet class ensemble and ballet tuition after months of me begging to, well, “do ballet”.

And so …

My ballet days started with a tutu and ballet classes at around age 7 or 8 at a local community hall, and ended with ballet slippers, ballet cardigans, dance leotards, flexibility bands — kind of something like this: dancer.com/product/flexibility-band/ — and those fun pink ballet stockings, when I was around age 10 taking classes at a “super strict” ballet studio in the city.

Well … it may not have been super strict — I mean, we were 10 year olds! — but it seemed super strict to me at the time! Especially when the teacher instructed me to do flexibility exercises — using said flexibility band — at home to well, increase my non-existent flexibility.

Yup! I was made well aware of my lack of flexibility from a very young age!

enter adult ballet

Fast-forward to a few years ago, and ballet re-entered my life in the form of adult ballet classes.

Well, let’s be honest: Did ballet love ever really leave with movies like Centre Stage, Save the Last Dance, Black Swan and The Company — and more recently, Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix) — on constant repeat. Clearly, #obsessed!

I discovered adult ballet classes in Brisbane a few years ago when training for various long-distance run events, as a way of incorporating strength and core training in a fun way … without actually doing plain old “strength” and “core” (read: planks) workouts!

And the classes I attended — every Wednesday night after work — were perfect! Very much tailored for the level of ballet technique/know-how (or lack thereof) in the class.

These classes were not only a fun way to reconnect with your childhood … and the long ago dreams of dancing with the New York Ballet … while also being hugely beneficial for long-distance running (think: injury prevention!).

benefits of adult ballet for runners

Adult ballet classes offer many benefits for runners, complementing run training and helping prevent injuries while enhancing overall performance.

Some of the key benefits I’ve found, include:

1. Improved flexibility: Ballet involves deep stretching and movement through a full range of motion, which can help runners improve flexibility, particularly in tight areas like the hips, hamstrings, and calves.
2. Enhanced core strength: Ballet focuses heavily on core stability and balance, strengthening the abdominal and lower back muscles, which are essential for good running form and injury prevention.
3. Better posture and alignment: Ballet emphasises body alignment and proper posture, which can translate to better running form. Improved posture helps reduce strain on the body, leading to more efficient running mechanics.
4. Increased balance and stability: Ballet’s emphasis on balance, control, and single-leg movements can help runners develop better stability, reducing the risk of falls or missteps, particularly on uneven surfaces.
5. Strengthens supporting muscles: Ballet targets muscles often overlooked in traditional running training, such as the glutes, inner thighs, and smaller stabilising muscles. Strengthening these areas can improve running efficiency and prevent overuse injuries.
6. Greater joint mobility: Ballet’s fluid, low-impact movements promote joint mobility, especially in the hips and ankles, allowing runners to move more freely and avoid stiffness that can limit stride length or cause discomfort.
7. Improved foot strength and control: The intricate footwork in ballet helps strengthen the muscles of the feet and ankles, which is beneficial for runners in terms of stability and reducing the risk of foot injuries like plantar fasciitis.
8. Mental focus and body awareness: Ballet demands mental concentration and body awareness, skills that can enhance a runner’s focus during training and races, helping with pacing and mindfulness on the run.
9. Injury prevention: By improving muscle balance, flexibility, and alignment, ballet can help runners avoid common running injuries like IT band syndrome, shin splints, and knee pain.
10. Enhanced recovery: Ballet’s controlled, low-impact nature makes it an excellent cross-training activity for active recovery, helping runners stay fit and limber without putting additional stress on their joints.

meet me at the barre

Since then … and since having Miss A … I’ve moved on from adult ballet — mainly because I haven’t been able to find the same type of adult ballet classes living abroad — and have discovered my new favourite workout style: Barre.

And it’s been love and first class!

I’ve started attending Barre Essentials classes at Raise the Barre and they’ve been fantastic so far.

so, what is barre exactly?

Barre is a fitness class inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates.

It typically involves performing small, isometric movements while using a ballet barre for balance and support.

The focus of barre workouts is on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and posture through low-impact, high-repetition exercises that target specific muscle groups, particularly the legs, core, and glutes.

Barre classes often incorporate light weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises, and the movements are designed to improve muscular endurance, tone, and stability.

Because of its emphasis on controlled movements and alignment, barre is popular among people looking for a low-impact workout that builds strength without putting too much stress on the joints.

and what are the benefits of barre for mummas?

Barre classes offer several benefits for new mums, providing a low-impact yet effective workout that helps them regain strength and fitness post-pregnancy.

Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Core strength: Barre focuses on core stability and strength, which is crucial for new mums who need to rebuild abdominal muscles after pregnancy.
2. Pelvic floor recovery: Many Barre movements engage and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, helping with recovery after childbirth and improving overall core stability.
3. Low impact: Barre is a gentle, low-impact workout, which is ideal for new mums who want to ease back into fitness without putting too much strain on their bodies.
4. Improved posture: The exercises emphasize alignment and posture, which can help counteract the slouched posture new mums often develop from feeding, carrying, or lifting their babies.
5. Full-body toning: Barre targets small muscle groups, helping to tone and strengthen the entire body, especially the legs, glutes, and arms, without heavy lifting or high-impact movements.
6. Increased flexibility: The ballet-inspired stretches in Barre improve flexibility, which can relieve tension and tightness new mums may feel from the physical demands of motherhood.
7. Boosts energy: Regular Barre classes can help combat the fatigue that often comes with caring for a newborn, as exercise is known to boost energy levels and overall mood.
8. Mental health benefits: The focus on mindfulness and breathing in Barre can provide a mental break, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being, which is especially important during the postpartum period.
9. Community and support: Many Barre classes cater to new mums, offering a supportive, social environment where they can connect with other mums going through similar experiences.
10. Gradual strength building: Barre allows for a gradual increase in intensity, making it suitable for mums to work at their own pace as they rebuild their fitness levels postpartum.

This combination of physical and mental benefits makes Barre a great option for new mums looking to regain strength and connect with their bodies after childbirth.

my new favourite happy hour

It’s official: Barre has officially become my new obsession (sorry, triathlon!).

Whether you’re a new mum getting back into the groove or just looking for a fun, low-impact workout that actually works, Barre checks all the boxes.

It’s like ballet without the awkward leaps, yoga without the “woowoo” and trying to balance on your head, and strength training without, well … turning into the Hulk.

Plus, you’ll get all the #imaballerina feels holding onto that barre … like you’re about to bust out a pirouette (spoiler: you won’t have to).

So if you’re not convinced yet, trust me — try one class, and you’ll be hooked.

And who knows, you might even find yourself at the barre more often than the bar.

Trust me, after one class, you’ll be more committed to the barre than your favorite happy hour. I’ll cheers to that!

x G.

Margaret Mielczarek

editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.