Beat The Winter Blues With Barre

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Claire Toone explains how you can beat the Winter blues with Barre.

As the weather gets colder and there are fewer daylight hours, it’s common to experience changes in our mood and behaviour. You might start to feel more lethargic and begin to experience fatigue, decreasing motivation and are less interested in getting out and being social. This is what’s known as the ‘winter blues’ and the good news is, there are ways to beat it!

Exercise is one of the best ways to get through winter and beat the ‘winter blues’ as it releases feel-good endorphins which will increase your mood instantly. Instead of sticking to your normal routine why not mix it up with something new to get those endorphins flowing? We love Pilates and yoga at Noosa Flow but have you tried Barre?

Barre class is a workout inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates, that focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements. It works on the core muscles that often become lazy when we spend longer amounts of time indoors and sitting (hint: Netflix and blankets). Barre is the greatest way to feel a gentle burn and burn calories all at the same time.

Why we love Barre:
STRENGTH & TONING
When you work your thighs in a Barre class, you target that muscle group from all angles. Three thigh exercises will work to fatigue the front, inner and outer thighs, strengthening the muscles from joint-to-joint. The same goes for your butt, abs, arms, and back. By strengthening each muscle group thoroughly, you are not only creating amazing definition, but you are also strengthening muscles that are often underused and underdeveloped.

ENDURANCE
Each Barre class includes different types
of movements, but most are known for their use of isometric contractions and small isotonic movements. In an isometric contraction, you tighten or contract the muscle without changing its length. Think plank position or those poses where you hold completely still as your legs start to quiver and shake. These contractions utilise slow-twitch muscle fibres that can increase stamina and improve endurance.

FLEXIBILITY
You don’t need to be flexible to practice Barre, but the amount of stretching in each class can help improve your overall range of motion and reduce your risk of injury. Tension and tightness in your muscles and the tendons around them can lead to back pain and poor posture and can make everyday tasks like bending down to tie your shoes more difficult. Stretching your muscles will help relieve stress and allow you to move with more ease.

POSTURE
Core muscles are engaged throughout the entire class, and they can be used for the primary focus of an exercise or for stability as the moves target your thighs or butt. The most common issue for clients is back pain that usually stems from weak core muscles and hours at the computer. As you strengthen your core, you will sit and stand taller and your lower back will take less stress and tension throughout the day.

Come in and try a class and instantly feel that motivation again. We have three months of winter left and so why not start your new routine now! www.noosaflow.com.au

About the Author /

deb@innoosamagazine.com.au

Deb has 25+ years' experience providing strategic communications and brand reputation advice to clients in the government, business and not-for-profit clients. She is passionate about Noosa and is an active member of her community, providing PR to Slow Food Noosa and other clients. Her passion lies in working with small businesses to help them succeed. She is planning to release the Tastes of Noosa cookbook with Matt Golinski in 2019.

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