It is no secret that ballerinas are in great shape, which is why part of their workout has inspired a new fitness trend that has people working towards a dancer’s body of their own.

Laura Manning has been teaching a ballet barre class since January. The class combines ballet movements, yoga, pilates and sports conditioning.

“It is a full body exercise where we look at taking the muscles to exhaustion, then we move on to the next body group,” says Manning.

Manning says using the barre is a great way to do lower body work.

“Plies and tendus, lots of movements like that and then we’ll do upper body as well. We’ll do that on the barre or we’ll grab hand weights or toning balls,” says Manning.

The toning workout incorporates floor exercises for the core and finishes with a stretch. Manning says many people notice a whittling effect.

“The muscles get toned and tighter,” says Manning. “They get smaller through the waist, the thighs and the glutes, generally most areas where people are looking to workout, a nice lengthening of the muscles.”

Manning says the class has been incredibly popular, something she attributes to the quick results. Most notice a physical change after about eight to ten classes.

Susan LeBlanc has been doing barre work since the spring. She says she was hooked right away.

“It gives you this all over workout, without a lot of jumping around,” says LeBlanc. “It is deceptively difficult. It doesn’t look like you’re doing a lot, but it is a lot of small repetitive movement.”

Lorrie Rand has also seen results. She plays hockey several times a week and has noticed the benefits of barre work while on the ice.

“I’m stronger, I feel like my smaller muscles, sort of the stabilizer muscles, are better able to do their job. I’m sturdier,” says Rand.

Manning has seen mostly women in her classes, but she says a few men have given it a try. Despite the name, she stresses dance experience is not necessary. 

“It is ballet infused, or ballet inspired, but in no way do you have to have a classical ballet background,” says Manning.

She says the workout is suitable for almost anyone but warns that barre work may not be the best option for people with knee problems.