Barre Fit: barre method mixes ballet, Pilates and functional –

Have you ever thought about practicing a very different activity, done at the bar and mixing ballet, Pilates and functional movements? If you found the idea encouraging, you need to know the Barre Fit, a method created by the Brazilian Jacque Ruscitto who has already won the hearts of many people!

Jacque, who has been a physical education teacher and Pilates instructor for over 10 years, says that her inspiration came from the Barre Workout — gymnastics on the ballet barre. The practice began in England, in the 50s, with a ballerina who was injured and needed to mix physiotherapy with training on the bar to recover.

The combination worked so well that she ended up showing it to her students, who soon fell in love with the more localized exercises, but still done on tiptoe. “This gained fame until it reached the United States, where it gained several methodologies”, explains Jacque.

It was from the contact with Barre Workout that the instructor began to develop Barre Fit, using some Pilates principles — such as focusing on the shoulder girdle and pelvic region, but never leaving the tip of the foot aside. Today, the method already has more than six years.

“The classes always focus on the execution of the movements, on the evolution of the exercises and on respect for the body. We use the chair instead of the bar for those who don’t have the equipment at home”, she explains.
Classes, which were held in a studio before the pandemic, are now available on a platform (the Arrase), which also has physiotherapists and nutritionists for those looking to change their lifestyle as a whole.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BARRE FIT?

Jacque Ruscitto mentions muscle mass gain as the first advantage of Barre Fit. But does not stop there. There is also increased body awareness, more flexibility (worked dynamically and without suffering) and the feeling of belonging to a community, a great point for mental health.

“Women feel part of a social circle, and they share everything. Some friendships start there, in class.”

As the movements are inspired by ballet, the lower limbs are very demanding in a session (especially the glutes and thighs!). But as the functional is also present, the whole body wins! This includes arms and aerobics.

HOW DO THE CLASSES WORK?

The physical education teacher explains that classes evolve during the week. That is, in the second, the training has fewer repetitions, and the intention is to teach the correct execution of the movements, as well as the possibilities of amplitude (there is always something new, in addition to variations of the basic exercises).

“So, anyone who suffers from an injury or is a beginner, will prioritize Monday and Tuesday classes”. Afterwards, the Wednesday session becomes more dynamic (that is, with more intensity and less rest), and may even involve some overload — with elastic bands and dumbbells.

“I always guide those who are able to make it to Friday’s class with me. For those who aren’t there, I teach them which adaptations to make,” says Jacque.

CAN PREGNANT PEOPLE DO IT?

Yes! “In addition, within the platform, we have specific classes for pregnant women, reducing the risks that the woman’s body runs with wrong exercises (such as abdominal diastasis and pelvic floor problems), concludes the instructor.