Mostly low/no-impact workout, but still gets heart rate up. There were so many benefits of doing a program as low-impact as “Xtend Barre” or “4 Weeks for Every Body.” First, having less jumping and bouncing is easier on the joints.

Yes. Barre can be effective when you're looking to get your heart pumping, build strength, lose some weight, or all of the above.

As a good rule of thumb, you should aim to workout more days than you don't. If you are just starting out or getting back into it, set a goal of taking two barre classes a week. You can then ease your way to 3-4 and really start seeing and feeling those results!

Because barre focuses heavily on balance and strength, your core is an integral part of the training. “As you use the abdominals to hold the body in a correct alignment, barre classes will give you a heavy core workout - perfect for keeping toned tummies in check,” says Willoughby.

But potentially slimmer thighs aren't the only benefit of this sculpting powerhouse of a workout. Barre strengthens and works the whole body, including your thighs. But to be clear, you can't burn fat in an isolated area of your body.

Yes. Barre can be effective when you're looking to get your heart pumping, build strength, lose some weight, or all of the above.

Pilates and barre are excellent workouts for building muscular endurance and strength as well as bettering your balance; however, neither of the two are exercises that primarily burn fat. If weight loss is your main goal, these types of physical activity shouldn't be the focus of your exercise program.

One thing that helps with weight loss is having an exercise regimen like Barre workouts. These classes not only provide tons of physical benefits but also help to contribute to weight loss in several different ways.

Pilates and barre are excellent workouts for building muscular endurance and strength as well as bettering your balance; however, neither of the two are exercises that primarily burn fat. If weight loss is your main goal, these types of physical activity shouldn't be the focus of your exercise program.

Cons of Barre Classes

• Torque on knees and lower back.
• Extreme positions that can prevent proper contraction of targeted muscles.
• Excessive pressure on knees during extreme moves leave you vulnerable after (both short term and long)
• Low energy expenditure.
• Low cardiovascular benefits (like a slow walk)

“Within just a short amount of time, you'll be feeling a difference in your body. You might feel stronger, more energetic, less stiff.” While you might only feel changes at first, Xtend Barre will also help you to change your body. After a few weeks of consistent classes, you can begin to see a difference in your body.

Yes. Barre can be effective when you're looking to get your heart pumping, build strength, lose some weight, or all of the above.