First time trying Barre 🩰
I recently tried barre at Lab Studios (Holland Village) and thought I’d share my experience after attending three classes — once on my own, and twice with my friends!! 👯♀️
Walking into my first class alone felt a little intimidating at first. But the studio had a welcoming energy, and the instructor was very encouraging and demonstrated clearly throughout, so I never felt lost even as a first-timer. Once the class started, I was honestly too focused on surviving the burn🔥 to feel awkward anyway!
The workout itself surprised me — it felt slightly more intense and a bit more cardio-ish than reformer pilates, but still manageable. The movements are small and controlled, but they really target the legs and core… the kind where you don’t realise how tired you look until the shaking starts. The burn was REAL in the glutes and core.
Coming back for classes with friends felt very different — more laughter before and after class, more fun overall — but the workout was still just as intense. I liked that barre could be both a quiet me-time workout and a social activity, depending on who you go with 🫶
I also liked the Holland Village outlet for its convenience, though classes can feel quite full during peak hours. If you prefer more space, off-peak sessions might be more comfortable.
Overall, it felt like a good mix of burn, structure, and atmosphere — something I’d revisit, whether alone or with friends. I think pilates lovers and beginners easing into workouts would enjoy this too 🥰
Might share a post on my reformer pilates journey in another post ✨
Do you usually work out solo or with friends?
Trying barre for the first time was a refreshing twist in my fitness routine. Barre combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga, which creates a unique low-impact workout that challenges your strength and endurance differently from typical gym sessions. I found that the controlled, small movements really engaged muscles I hadn't focused on before, especially in the legs and core, making it an effective burn without feeling overwhelming. One thing I appreciated about the barre classes at Lab Studios was the supportive community vibe. Whether attending solo or with friends, the atmosphere encouraged everyone to push through the burn together. For anyone starting out, I recommend choosing times outside peak hours for more personal space and a calmer environment, which helps you focus better on form. Another highlight was the instructor’s clear demonstrations and encouragement—they made the class accessible even if you’ve never tried barre before. After several sessions, I noticed improved muscle tone and better posture, which encouraged me to keep coming back. If you’re a Pilates enthusiast or even a fitness beginner, barre offers a fun and effective way to build strength while improving balance and flexibility. Personally, I enjoyed how it could be a peaceful solo workout or a lively social activity with friends, making it versatile for different moods and schedules. Given the positive experience, I’m considering sharing my reformer Pilates journey next to compare how these workouts complement each other. For anyone curious about mixing up their fitness routine with something that’s both challenging and community-driven, barre is definitely worth a try!
