sbbarre 101: terms & positions

In our SBbarre classes, we like to mix things up with fresh choreography and new music every couple weeks, while keeping the class 'flow', certain core movements, and progressions the same. It's easy to pick up, but like most things, it's helpful to have some background knowledge of what and how it all works! So without further ado, here's a little 101 for ya!

SBbarre is a mindfully intense class broken down into 9 blocks (aka tracks of rockin' tunes) of dynamic exercises using small isometric movements that work deep into the muscle, seamlessly transitioning to deep stretches to help balance the body. It's a total body workout and a fusion between Pilates, yoga, dance forms like ballet, and body sculpting benefits of interval strength training. We're inspired to empower each and every student to leave the room feeling transformed by the ability to reach their bodies truest potential.

The benefits of SBbarre:

long, lean legs

a lifted seat

sculpted arms

flexibility

improved balance

better body alignment

a healthy heart

higher bone density

Positions you'll hear us say:

SBbarre set position: This is our foundation position. Heels hip width apart, toes facing forward. Soft spine, neutral knees, and chest lifted. Shoulders down and back, and as always--button button drawn in and up to engage the core!

Second position: Here your heels slide apart until your feet are shoulder-width apart. Both your feet and legs should still be turned out.

Plié: The literal translation is “bent”, involving bending at the knees. You could also think of it as a slight "squat" or "dip".

Turn out: Turning out is a full-leg movement, not just the feet. Heels remain together with your toes pointed out at opposite diagonals. The goal is to zip up the legs and rotate them out towards the side as much as possible, starting at the hips.

Point &/or Flex: This referes to the position of your toes. We utilize both throughout the class, often in conjunction with each other to access different muscles. Sometimes form is also better aesthetically with a point, rather than a flex. :)

Ab lock: While sitting on the mat, knees are bent with hip distance apart and hands are behind the knees. Spine remains long and stacked, elbows lifted to bring the shoulders down & back with chin lifted--parrallel to the floor. From here, we can best target the core and perform a range of exercises.

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...and that's a wrap for today. More to come! Fun + sweat, always included.Here is our updated Spring 2014 schedule:

see you at the barre!

xo, the Soul Body team.