Barre3 Review: Is This The Right Workout For You?

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Boutique gyms promise a new and invigorating type of workout. Barre3 may not necessarily be new to the scene, but the studios are offering a new way to work out that combines elements of other popular exercises.

Husband-and-wife team Chris and Sadie Lincoln founded Barre3 in 2008 to redefine fitness, with a focus on helping people feel present and alive in their bodies. They created a model that combines strength, cardio and mindfulness—which remains the foundation of all Barre3 workouts today.

What began as a flagship studio in Portland, Oregon, has grown to over 185 women-owned franchise studios across the country, plus Barre3 Online, an online workout streaming subscriber program in about 100 countries. 

In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at Barre3, including the pros and cons, how much Barre3 costs, how the workouts are formatted, who it’s best for and how Barre3 compares to other boutique gyms.

What Is Barre3?

Key Features:

• First class free
• 60- and 45-minute workouts that focus on strength, cardio and mindfulness
• Utilizes light hand weights, exercise bands and a squishy Core Ball
• Classes are led by certified instructors
• Variety of membership tiers to choose from

Barre3 is a fitness method and exercise program that combines elements of ballet, yoga, Pilates and strength training into a full-body workout. It has gained popularity as a low-impact but effective way to improve strength, flexibility and balance. The name "Barre3" refers to the three key components of the workout:

1. Low-impact isometric reps
2. Large-range cardio bursts
3. Mind-centered breathwork

All three are weighted with equal importance to strengthen and balance the body and to build a holistic exercise that you can sustain over your lifetime.

“The thing I love about Barre3 is that the workout promotes physical and mental health. While we work on improving our strength and revving our heart rate, we’re also using mindfulness to reduce stress,” says certified Barre3 instructor Colleen Quigley.

A typical Barre3 class involves a series of small, isometric movements that target specific muscle groups, with an emphasis on maintaining proper posture and alignment. The workouts often use light weights, resistance bands and other props to add intensity and variety to the exercises. Sprinkled throughout are bursts of large-range cardio moves that get you warmed up and increase your heart rate. The class ends with mind-centered breathwork and soothing stretches to ease you out of workout mode and leave you better prepared to tackle the day ahead.

Barre3 classes are designed to be accessible to people of various fitness levels, as modifications can be made to suit individual needs. The workout is also pregnancy and postpartum-friendly.

Barre3 has gained a dedicated following for its ability to provide a challenging workout while also promoting mindfulness and body awareness. It's available through both in-person classes at Barre3 studios and online classes, making it convenient for individuals to incorporate into their fitness routines.

Class Structure

Barre3 makes it easy for beginners—and longtime classgoers—to participate. Weekly and daily schedules are available on each studio’s website. Classes range from 45 to 60 minutes. Most Barre3 studios offer three types of classes: Signature, Strength and Cardio.

You simply sign up for the class you want to take and immediately receive confirmation. If it’s your first visit, you’ll be asked to arrive 15 minutes early. You’ll be greeted by someone at the front desk who will show you the lockers or cubbies where you can put your belongings. Then, your instructor will briefly explain the process and set you up with any needed equipment.

Shoes are not worn during workouts. You can either do the workouts in your bare feet or wear socks with grips. Regular yoga or workout clothes will do, but keep in mind there may be some floor work and leaning over, so you may want to avoid loose-fitting tank tops and shorts and opt for a compression bra or shirt, instead.

Each Barre3 class is a new experience. The instructor will guide you through a range of movements. Every exercise is beat-driven, meaning movements are done to music. However, you do not need to be a dancer or have a dance background to enjoy class.

“Not only does the music help us make sure we’re staying balanced in the number of reps we do for each exercise, but it also makes class a lot of fun,” Quigley says.

Warm-up

The Signature class begins in the center of the room for a warm-up. This part of the class features a combination of cardio movements, yoga-style flows and dynamic stretches.

“The goal here is to get our bodies moving and elevate our heart rate to activate our muscles and joints so we can safely and effectively work out,” says Quigley.

Leg work

After the warm-up, the class moves to the barre for leg work. The focus during this portion of the class is building strength in the lower half of your body, specifically the muscles around the knees, hips and ankle joints.

“This is where the real burn begins,” said Quigley. “We use our legs all day for sitting, standing, running and walking, so it’s important the muscles around our joints are strong.”

The leg work exercises feature a combination of small and large range of motion movements and isometric holds. To build extra heat, props are often used, like a resistance band around the thighs to target the glutes or a core ball between the legs to target the inner thighs.

Combo

Next, the class moves back to the center of the room for combo work. This portion of class combines cardio and strength conditioning. The cardio burst is intended to bring the heart rate up after spending time at the barre.

“The cardio element of a Barre3 class is what makes it different from other barre classes,” said Quigley. “It’s also a really fun, energizing moment before we pick up our weights.”

After the cardio burst, hand-held weights are used for functional strength conditioning. Functional strength conditioning focuses on muscle control and building strength in a way that relates to everyday life. These exercises target the muscles in the upper body while still working the legs and core. They often include high reps and slower movements, creating more time under tension to build strength.

“Functional movement helps us become stronger for our day-to-day activities, like lifting a car seat into a car or putting something heavy up on a shelf,” Quigley says.

Next, a dynamic stretch provides a moment to reset the hips, shoulders and back before heading into core work.

B3 core

The goal of B3 core is to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and pelvis. B3 core features a series of exercises similar to Pilates done either at the barre, on a yoga mat or both. Once again, weights or resistance bands are used to help create more heat.

“This is one of my favorite parts of class because we really feel a burn in our muscles, especially as we target our glutes during seat work,” Quigley says.

Stretch and breath

What’s unique about Barre3 is how it ends. Each workout with a mindfulness exercise using dynamic stretches, guided breathwork and a final flow. The goal is to release all the muscles that were worked during class, slow down the heart rate, relieve any lingering stress and give your mind and body time to embrace the workout you’ve just completed.

“I like to think of this portion of the class as sealing in all the hard work we just did over the last hour or 45 minutes. It helps me feel restored and reinvigorated after class,” Quigley says.

Equipment

No props are necessarily required, but each studio provides a variety of equipment for guests, including:

• Set of handheld weights: These weights, between one to eight pounds, create resistance when you’re targeting your upper body
• B3 core ball: A super squishy exercise ball used primarily to help core work and when targeting the glutes
• Resistance bands: Offering light, medium or heavy resistance, these bands are used for building strength and balance
• Mobility blocks: These sturdy, soft-to-the-touch blocks are made from recycled EVA and help you extend your reach, deepen stretches, and keep your body in alignment
• Mats: Soft, cushioned yoga mats make floor work more comfortable
• Ballet barre: Fixed around the studio, the barre provides balance to your workouts and unity to the space

“You are typically encouraged to select two sets of weights, a lighter set and a heavier set, based on your own strength and fitness goals,” says Quigley.

The Pros of Barre3

• Full-body workout: Barre3 is designed to engage and tone various muscle groups throughout the body. It incorporates exercises that target the arms, legs, core and back, providing a comprehensive and balanced workout.
• Low-impact: Barre3 is a low-impact exercise method, which means it is gentle on the joints and suitable for people of different fitness levels, including those with joint issues or injuries.
• Improved flexibility: The incorporation of yoga and stretching movements in Barre3 classes helps enhance flexibility and range of motion.
• Core strength: Many Barre3 exercises focus on the core, helping to improve abdominal and back strength. A strong core is essential for stability and good posture.
• Posture and alignment: Barre3 places a strong emphasis on proper alignment and posture. This can contribute to better posture and a reduced risk of injury in everyday activities.
• Mind-body connection: The program encourages mindfulness through breathing and precise, controlled movements. This can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
• Adaptability: Barre3 classes can be modified to accommodate different fitness levels, making it accessible for beginners and challenging for more advanced participants. Classes are also pregnancy and postpartum-friendly.
• Variety: Barre3 classes often incorporate a variety of props and movements, keeping workouts interesting and preventing boredom.
• Community and Support: Many people enjoy the sense of community and camaraderie that can develop in group Barre3 classes, which can provide motivation and support. Many studios offer childcare called “Play Lounge,” where children are supervised by a babysitter while their parent or caretaker works out.
• Convenience: In addition to in-person studio classes, Barre3 also offers online classes, making it convenient for individuals to practice at home or while traveling.
• Results: Regular practice of Barre3 can lead to improved strength, flexibility and muscle tone over time, helping individuals achieve their fitness goals.

The Cons of Barre3

• Cost: Barre3 classes can be relatively expensive, especially if you attend in-person studio classes. Online classes may be more affordable, but there are still costs associated with access to these resources.
• Repetitive movements: Some people may find that the repetitive, small, isometric movements in Barre3 classes become monotonous over time, leading to boredom.
• May not suit all fitness goals: Barre3 is great for improving balance, flexibility and overall strength, but it may not be the best choice for athletes or those with specific fitness goals, such as marathon training or powerlifting.
• Risk of overuse injuries: The small, repetitive movements in Barre3 could potentially lead to overuse injuries if proper form and alignment are not maintained or if you push yourself too hard.

Accessibility

Barre3 can be a suitable fitness method for a range of individuals, but it may be particularly well-suited for some and not-so-well-suited for others. Here’s a closer look:

Who Barre3 is best for 

Barre3 is effective at toning and strengthening muscles, especially the core, legs and arms. It's a good choice for those who want to improve muscle tone and overall strength without gaining significant muscle mass. The workouts place a strong emphasis on proper alignment and posture as well, which can be especially helpful for those looking to correct postural issues or reduce the risk of injury related to poor posture.

People with joint issues may also fare better with the low-impact nature of the workouts and focus on controlled movements. The exercises can also be modified to match various fitness levels, making it a good choice for beginners. And with the mindfulness and breathing techniques incorporated into Barre3, it may be a good fit for those seeking both physical and mental well-being.

Barre3 is a great option for new or expecting moms, as the workout is safe to do while pregnant or postpartum, as long as you are cleared to exercise by your healthcare provider. The Barre3 app and online program features a prenatal collection with a series of workouts designed for each trimester of pregnancy and a post-natal collection.

“I took classes through my pregnancy as a way to stay healthy and then after having my baby to rebuild my core,” says Quigley.

Who Barre3 is not best for

With Barre3’s focus primarily on strength, flexibility and toning, the classes aren’t designed to build significant muscle mass, either. So, if your goal is to gain a lot of muscle and increase your body size, you may need to incorporate additional resistance training methods, like weightlifting.

While Barre3 can be adapted for various fitness levels, individuals with severe mobility limitations may find it challenging to perform some of the movements. In such cases, more specialized exercise programs may be better suited.

Childcare

Many Barre3 studios offer childcare, usually a small play area enclosed by a waist-high door. The price and offerings may vary from studio to studio, but many will accept children as young as six weeks old, up to ages 10 or 11. The studio I attended did not provide this option, but it wasn’t a game-changer for me.

Pricing and Studios

Here’s a closer look at Barre3 and Barre3 online pricing and studio locations.

Price

Pricing and class packages can vary from barre studio to studio, but here’s a general idea of pricing and plans you can choose from. These prices are from a studio in Columbus, Ohio, where the cost of living is 10 percent lower than the national average. However, keep in mind that the specials and drop-in class prices can vary greatly all over the country.

• New Client: First class free
• New Client Special: Two weeks unlimited for $59
• 1 Month Unlimited Classes: $159
• 10 Class Package: $260
• Drop-In Class: $30

Barre3 Online Option offers unlimited access to 600-plus on-demand strength, cardio and mindfulness workouts, ranging from 10- to 60-minute classes. If you’re on the fence about whether you’d use the subscription, Barre3 offers a 14-day trial subscription. After that, if you decide to sign up, subscriptions range in length and price:

• 1-Year Subscription: $19.99/month
• 3-Month Subscription: $24.99/month
• 1-Month Subscription: $29.99/month

Equipment isn’t required for the online classes, but equipment is available for purchase online if you want to enhance your at-home workouts.

Studio Locations

There are over 185 Barre3 locations across the country. If there’s not a Barre3 studio in your town, or you prefer to do your workouts at home, you can sign up for Barre3 Online streaming platform.

My Experience Trying Barre3

As a former marathon runner, I try to expand my daily workouts beyond my usual outdoor run with gym workouts and classes, including some Pure Barre classes. I was also an avid Orangetheory member for over a year. So, I was excited to see a new Barre3 studio not far from my house.

It can be a bit intimidating going to a new studio, but that wasn’t the case for my first visit to Barre3, probably because I chose to go mid-morning on a Monday. Signing up online was super easy—and free—and the instructor was great at pulling together the equipment I needed and getting me ready for the first class.

I consider myself pretty fit, but my focus is on cardio. So, I welcomed the energizing warmup and cardio bursts sprinkled throughout the workout. The movements were dynamic but fairly easy to follow. The isometric movements were more of a challenge for me, and halfway through the class I was literally shaking to hold postures, and definitely felt the strain the next morning. I’m not one to linger for stretching after workouts, but my body appreciated the opportunity to elongate those tense muscles and breathe.

FAQ About Barre3

Is Barre3 good for weight loss?

Barre3 classes combine strength training and cardio exercises. However, the workout typically doesn't provide the same level of cardiovascular exertion as running on a treadmill. For that reason, if your primary goal is rapid weight loss, you may find that other forms of exercise, combined with a balanced diet, are more effective for achieving quick results.

How many times per week should you do Barre3?

Consistency is key for any workout regimen. According to the American Heart Association, you should get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, which translates to less than three 60-minute in-studio classes per week. Barre3 suggests practicing at least three to four days a week for “fast shaping results.”

Is Barre3 better than Pure Barre?

Barre3 emphasizes balance, strength and mindfulness. It incorporates elements of yoga and Pilates, and even some barre moves. But Barre3 is mostly known for its low-impact, balanced approach. Pure Barre, on the other hand, often focuses entirely on small, isometric movements and high repetitions to target and exhaust specific muscle groups. Your preference for a more well-rounded, mindful approach (Barre3) or a more targeted muscle burn (Pure Barre) may influence your choice.

Final Thoughts

Barre3 is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, making it accessible to people of various fitness levels. It has gained popularity as a way to improve core strength, posture and overall body tone. While many people attend Barre3 classes in-person at dedicated studios, there are also online classes and resources available for those who don’t live near a studio or prefer to work out at home. Comparably priced to other boutique studios, Barre3 is a good workout option for people who prefer toning exercises over bulking ones and want more variety than what Pure Barre workouts offer.

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