Barre Blast Instructor Barbie Milliken Kinlaw gets up close and personal with Movement Works about the benefits of Barre class.         

                                                                                        

Barbie has spent years developing her passion for fitness and dance into a lifestyle reality. You may already be familiar with her Zumba classes where she infuses the positive power of dance with a calorie-burning, body reshaping dance fitness party. But did you know that Barbie also teaches Barre Blast, a combination of postures inspired by ballet, yoga, and Pilates. Don’t worry, you need never to

have stepped into a pair of ballet slippers to participate in Barre Blast. Here Barbie walks us through the Barre philosophy and why it’s so beneficial as an exercise routine or any age and athletic-level.

MW:  First things first… Barre Blast is NOT a dance class. Tell us what it is exactly.

Barbie: No, it’s not a dance class. I think people get scared off by the “barre” name and automatically think ballet.  It is a highly effective full body workout that fuses Pilates and ballet postures to strengthen and tone your entire body. Each class consists of a warm up, an upper body work with hand weights, a combination of high intensity sequences of thigh, seat and core exercises at the barre, mat work involving planks, push-ups and abdominal exercises. We finish each combination with a releasing stretch to lengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

MW: How did you get interested in Barre fitness, and where did Barre Blast come from?

Barbie:  While searching for my next fitness routine, I came across a barre class and was hooked. After completing a training course I teamed up with friend and fellow instructor, Rhyne Page, to create Barre Blast Fitness. We don't follow any particular barre method, but pull from her extensive dance background and my group fitness experience. I am a licensed Zumba and certified Barre instructor. 

MW:  What are the benefits of Barre Blast?

Barbie: Barre blast has many benefits, a stronger core which results in better posture, a lifted and toned backside, more muscle definition in the arms and thighs, and the overall feeling of peace and serenity that the Pilates elements bring to the workout. I have many students tell me they feel tired, but more grounded and relaxed after class, the long stretch at the end is nice way to finish.

MW:  What age groups and skill levels does Barre benefit?

Barbie: Barre Blast is very inclusive. We have all ages and skill levels in our classes, and there is no need to have a dance background as this is a fitness class not a dance class. There is zero impact on the joints and everyone can move at their own pace. We are here to help and love what we do, all questions and concerns before, during, and after class are welcome. Don't be afraid to ask for help! 

MW:  So what can someone expect from the first class?

Barbie: I would suggest arriving about 15 minutes early for the first class so you can speak with me and I can explain how to hold your body and perform the exercises correctly. It is important to have correct form in Barre Blast for the movements to be effective and safe. You will need hand weights and mats, we have these available or you can bring your own, I also suggest grippy socks, but they are not required - barefoot is acceptable.

MW:  Any final words of wisdom you can give us?  

Barbie: I have so many people tell me they are intimated to try this class! Please be assured you will not be walking into a class full of ballerinas doing pirouettes. You will however get a great workout and meet some awesome, supportive people in a judgement-free and caring environment. Come by and see me, I can't wait to help you achieve your fitness goals! 

We hope you’ll come check out Barbie’s Barre Blast fitness classes Movement Works in Calabash on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Let Barbie help you get over your fear of the barre and have a blast!