If I am being honest, I didn’t love my first couple of Barre3 classes. I already had a trainer and there wasn’t a location nearby.
But life changed, I moved, and when I finally started going consistently, that’s when it all clicked.
The timing was right, I was in the right mindset, and I was ready for this kind of workout. And once it made sense, I never looked back.
That’s because Barre3 is different than other gyms and studios. It’s far less about pushing harder, going faster, or competing—it’s about moving intentionally, focusing on how your body feels, and building strength in a way that’s sustainable.
And that’s why I’m hooked.
How I Stumbled Into Barre3
I first tried a Barre3 class because a friend of mine was an instructor and you get a free class, so I figured, why not?
My initial reaction was that Barre3 classes incorporate some weird moves. At times the instructors have you flailing your arms doing these dance-like motions that feel ridiculous, and in some ways, they still are, but hear my out, you’ll learn to love them!
And to be fair, I was already working with a trainer, so transitioning from strength training to a Barre3 class—focused on more muscle toning—was too much!
But a few years later after moving away from my trainer, I found myself searching for something that could replace my sessions.
At the same time, I was navigating an incredibly stressful situation and needed a workout that strengthened my body without adding to my exhaustion.
That’s when I gave Barre3 a second chance.
Why Barre3 Became Exactly What I Needed
Very quickly, Barre3 became the outlet I needed—something that could help me move through my stress rather than let it consume me.
The combination of movement, breathwork, and mindfulness helped regulate my nervous system, which was in overdrive from all the stress I was experiencing.
For working women, moms, single moms—especially those navigating legal battles, financial stress, and the sheer exhaustion of doing it all—taking time for yourself often feels impossible.
But I cannot stress enough how it is so necessary. Barre3 became a way to reset.
It was a place where I could quiet the noise, reconnect with myself, and just breathe—something I know so many women desperately need.
It wasn’t just about getting stronger—it was about creating space for my body to heal.
In less than 2 months, my symptoms subsided, my anxiety levels dropped, and my body was feeling regulated again.
A Place Where You Belong
If you’ve ever walked into a gym and immediately felt out of place, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
The intensity, the aggressive coaching, the feeling that you should already know what you’re doing—it’s exhausting.
Barre3 isn’t like that. From day one, I felt welcomed, not judged.
It’s a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no pressure, no expectations.
Everyone is there for their own reasons, at their own pace, and that sense of community is what makes it different. It’s not just a workout; it’s a place where you actually want to be.
I don’t need someone yelling at me to push harder—I need an environment where I can connect with my body, focus on form, and actually enjoy moving.
That’s what Barre3 offers. It’s about understanding the muscles you’re engaging, feeling the movement, and progressing in a way that’s sustainable.
What Kind of Workout Is Barre3?
Barre3 is a full-body workout that combines elements of ballet barre, yoga, and Pilates.
Unlike traditional barre classes that focus on small, repetitive movements, Barre3 emphasizes functional movement, balance, and mindfulness.
Each class blends strength training, cardio, and breathwork to help you build strength while staying grounded.
Barre vs. Barre3: What Makes It Unique?
While traditional barre classes often stick to tiny, isolated movements, Barre3 takes a more holistic approach.
The focus is on full-body, functional movements that improve balance, core strength, and flexibility—all while incorporating mindfulness and breathwork.
The emphasis on listening to your body and modifying movements to suit your needs makes it much more accessible and sustainable.
Which Barre3 Class Is Right for You?
One of the things I love about Barre3 is the variety of classes.
Each one offers something different, and the instructors all bring their own approach to teaching, so every class feels unique. Here’s a breakdown:
Signature (45 & 60 Minutes)
This is the class I take most often. It’s a perfect balance of everything—
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- A dynamic warm-up to wake up the body
- Strength-building moves to tone muscles
- A short cardio burst (but trust me, nothing crazy!)
- Leg and core work
- Stretching and breathwork to close it out
It’s structured, but never repetitive, and always leaves me feeling strong but not exhausted.
Strength (45 Minutes)
This one is similar to Signature but with more focus on heavier weights and endurance.
There’s no cardio section, but the extra reps and resistance add a different kind of challenge. I love how it pushes me without feeling overwhelming.
Cardio (45 Minutes)
Confession: I haven’t taken a Cardio class yet! But from what I’ve heard, it’s more about movement and endurance rather than high-intensity bursts.
Since I typically avoid intense cardio workouts, I like knowing there’s an option that focuses on sustained movement instead.
Candlelight Classes
These are my absolute favorite. The studio dims the lights, and you move through the class in a more meditative, introspective way.
My senses are constantly overloaded in daily life, so getting to work out in a dark, calming space helps me go even deeper into my breath and body.
Even in regular classes, when they dim the lights for a section, it completely shifts the experience.
How Much Does Barre3 Cost?
Like most boutique fitness studios, Barre3 memberships are an investment. An unlimited membership runs about $150-$200 per month, which is in line with other small studio gyms.
For me, it’s worth it because of the unlimited class access and the strong community. If you’re not ready to commit to a full membership, class packs are a great option for flexibility.
Why This Studio Feels Like Home
The people at my studio are what make this experience even better.
There’s a real sense of genuine connection—women who care about each other, support each other, and create opportunities to connect beyond class.
One example? One of the instructors started a book club, and this month’s book is Atomic Habits by James Clear.
I’ve already read it, but I’m so excited to discuss it with the group. It’s just another example of how this community extends beyond fitness—it’s about growth, support, and connection.
Barre3 vs. Other Workouts: Why It’s the One I Stuck With
As someone who grew up an athlete, I was always conditioned to believe that the strongest, fastest, hardest workouts were the best.
It was all about pushing limits, sweating buckets, and leaving completely spent.
But in this season of my life, that’s not what I need.
Barre3 fills a completely different gap. It’s not about intensity—it’s about movement, connection, and balance.
I still get sore, but it’s not the debilitating soreness I felt after personal training sessions. Instead, it’s the kind that reminds me I’ve worked hard but in a sustainable way.
Is Barre3 a Good Workout for Weight Loss?
If weight loss is your primary goal, Barre3 can definitely help—but not in the traditional “burn calories fast” way you might expect.
Instead of focusing on quick fixes, it builds strength, improves mobility, and reduces stress—all of which support long-term, sustainable health.
Many people find that as they get stronger and more consistent with Barre3, their bodies naturally become leaner and more toned.
But the real shift happens in how you feel—more energized, balanced, and in tune with your body.
Personally, my perspective on weight loss has changed. Strength, confidence, and overall well-being matter far more than any number on the scale.
Barre3 has helped me let go of the pressure to shrink my body and instead focus on what it can do.
The real magic of Barre3? It helps you feel strong, capable, and connected to yourself.
And when that happens, everything else—health, confidence, and even body composition—tends to follow naturally.
My Weekly Barre3 Routine
Right now, I’m in a bit of a sprint to use up my class pack before it expires—so I’ve been going every single day!
Once my classes run out, I plan to purchase an unlimited membership and settle into a routine of 2-4 classes per week, plus attending the extra social events.
The convenience is another reason it works so well for me—the studio is right on my way to daycare, so I can easily fit it into my schedule before work.
Depending on your studio, for some of the classes, they even offer childcare so you can take your class while someone watches your kiddo!
That kind of seamless integration is key for making fitness a consistent habit.
Is Barre3 Right for You?
If you’re someone who dreads traditional high-intensity workouts, Barre3 is a game changer.
Every class is structured in a way that allows you to move at your own pace, modify when needed, and focus on building strength without overexertion.
More importantly, every body is welcome. There’s no pressure to “keep up” or push beyond your limits.
The goal is consistency, not punishment, and that’s exactly why it’s so easy to stick with.
If you’re looking for a workout that builds strength, centers your mind, and leaves you feeling grounded, not drained, I can’t recommend Barre3 enough.
It’s become an essential part of my routine, and I know it could be for you too.
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