Making like a ballerina

BARRE WORK, a series of exercises at a wall bar, is all the rage these days thanks to its promises of sculpting a body shape just like a ballerina. Its effectiveness lies in the training and strengthening of tiny muscles in the core, arms, and legs through small and concise movements. 
The class, known here as “Barre powered by Bootybarre” was recently introduced to Bangkok’s gym bunnies at the Virgin Active centre in Siam Discovery. 

 The barre workout incorporates ballet, pilates, yoga and dance. 

The innovative class, which was developed by Los Angeles-based Pilates, dance, and fitness expert Tracey Mallett, delivers a fusion of classical ballet, pilates, yoga and dance and offers a fun, energetic workout to tone, define and sculpt the whole body.
A UK-based premium fitness club, Virgin Active constantly seeks new workout innovations to help customers stay fit while having fun and “Barre powered by Bootybarre” is no exception. 
“It’s all about controlled movement with a low impact exercise method that won’t hurt your joints,” says Olarn Phirintharangkoon, country manager at Virgin Active (Thailand). 
“Tracey has taken the class to more than 25 different countries and it’s been popular in all of them. In each class, you burn up to 450 calories, strengthening your muscles and improving your posture while enjoying the music. Over time, you sculpt the whole body to achieve lean and toned muscles while also getting your heart rate up thanks to the continuous movement and cardio segments in between the routine,” he said. 

 Rubber bands strengthen the arms and enhance flexibility.

An hour-long class to upbeat and energetic music, Barre promises to increase tone, flexibility, strength and rhythm. It begins with a ballet conditioning warm-up and is followed by arm-strengthening exercises with lightweight dumbbells. 
The class then moves to the barre, where the instructor demonstrates a mix of ballet and pilates moves designed to build strength in the legs and upper body. At this point you can feel the burn in your legs and core and start looking forward to the break. 

Pilates yoga helps work the core.

“Barre-work is ideal for complementing cardio workouts. Since it focuses on tiny muscles, you can feel every muscle in your legs, bum and abs being worked,” says Olarn. 
Occupying almost 5,000 square metres inside the newly renovated property, the club at Siam Discovery is one of the largest private fitness centres in Asia and features the latest in technology and equipment including a 20-metre indoor air-conditioned swimming pool and an Italian spa. 

The indoor swimming pool

It has a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, experiential showers, ice treatment and Himalayan Salt Inhalation room, plus sleep pods and a large club lounge. The altitude studio, which simulates training conditions of 3,000 metres above sea level, has the largest indoor climbing wall in the country, and the gym is packed with the latest in technogym exercise equipment. 
It’s a place to spend the whole day. Guests can work in the club lounge, hold a small meeting, have heir workout then head straight to a party or social event. There’s free wifi, computer stations, RFID enabled lockers, Panpuri toiletries, hair dryers and even hair straighteners.
 
HAPPY MUSCLES
Experience Barre powered by Bootybarre at Virgin Active Clubs at Empire Tower, EmQuartier, Central West Gate and Siam Discovery. 
A one-off class is Bt875. Members pay Bt750 per class for a six-month course, and Bt675/class for a 12-month course. 
Find out more at www.VirginActive.co.th or Facebook.com/VirginActiveThailand.