After approximately three minutes I was in agony, I hesitated, what have I signed myself up for?
My mum, a ballet dancer in her youth, had been repeatedly recommending the challenges of Barrecore, a new concept in the UK which aims to improve the physique and quality of life through unique and effective fitness, nutrition and wellness programmes.
Their motto… “where change happens” is important in every phase of the exercise regime, as your body adapts and learns to be stronger and healthier. Don’t go to lose weight, go to Barrecore to become toned and healthy.
Barrecore is described as “intelligent exercise, integrating the fat-burning format of interval training with static stretches after each major muscle is worked. The Barrecore workouts use the fastest and most effective methods of achieving unparalleled results. The classes are high-energy and low impact, utilising the ballet barre and other proven dance techniques to perform isometric movements using your bodyweight as resistance.”
There is something instantly welcoming about the boutique fitness centre. Located just off the King’s Road, it is central and easy to get to, especially if you live around the corner, which I suspect many of the 6.30am class members do! Selling healthy snacks and coconut water, and a range of fashionable fitness-friendly clothes, you could easily spend a fortune before even entering the studio. The centre has great shower and changing facilities, plus a huge range of toiletries for class members to use.
Each instructor teaches with encouragement and friendly discipline, commending us all as we continue to work through the pain. This helps Barrecore members to value themselves and feel a real sense of achievement as the muscles begin to strengthen and the exercises become (slightly) easier. The beat of accompanying music helps you get through the exercises. Classes are pricey but there are lots of packages and membership options, and results are obvious almost immediately.
I sampled a month of Barrecore membership. Founder Niki Rein recommends you try to attend three or four classes a week for a noticeable improvement in fitness and health. I managed two, sometimes three, classes a week, fitting in the hour long sessions in between work, reviewing and the occasional gig. It was tricky, but I found my energy levels soared on the days I managed to get along to the studio, invigorated by the intense exercise. Barrecore also offer virtual online classes which I ‘enjoyed’ on holiday in France.
The different instructors bring their own personalities to the classes, and with a wide variety of classes on offer, Barrecore never becomes a boring routine. I tried mixed level with Peri, Charlotte, Nicky B and Gemma. All are motivating in different ways: tiny but powerful Peri, smiley and encouraging Charlotte, disco Nicky and approachable and kind Gemma.
My muscles miss it already. If I could save up enough money I would be back in the Barrecore studio in a flash.
Be brave and book your first class here now!
