Why Barre is Great for Seniors

Barre is increasingly becoming popular and wide spread across fitness boutiques and gyms. Fitness enthusiasts from Generation X to Millennials are packing classes every day. But barre is not just for the young, it’s also for the young at heart! Baby Boomers are quickly finding out more about barre and how it could be the perfect workout for them. Through my multiple years of teaching group fitness classes and teaching client’s with ages ranging from 15 to years old to 95 years young, I am amazed by how much the human body is capable of when given the right formula. I have always said that barre is perfect for EVERYbody, including our more mature ones! Here are the top three reasons why Barre is perfect for our senior citizen community.

1.) Low Impact. Barre is one of the first forms of exercise that Physical Therapists recommend to their patients after discharging them from physical therapy or rehabilitation. For the exact same reasons doctors prescribe barre to patients recovering from injuries, barre is also perfect for our older adults. It’s low impact characteristics are better suited for the joints than running, weight lifting or a HIIT class are. The small range of motion exercises that barre is known for also helps clients who may have limited range of movement, along with easily adaptable modifications. And because an actual ballet barre is used in most classes and exercises, it allows for a greater sense of stability.

2.) Functional Training. You’ve heard the saying “use it or lose it” and it doesn’t ring more true than when it comes to our physical strength! As we age, our balance is often compromised, causing falls in the elderly. Some barre exercises are done standing on one leg, which allows balance skills to be tested and strengthened, improving one’s stability. Cognitive skills are also engaged throughout class with varying exercises, directions and intentions. It’s like getting the same benefits from doing crossword puzzles or sudoku, but for the whole body!

3.) Community. Most of the senior citizen community today are living on their own and by themselves. Sadly, this can lead to depression in older adults. Adding a barre class to their weekly routine gives them something to look forward to, along with a sense of community. And just like with any sort of fitness routine, attending barre even just twice a week can help significantly improve mood. A couple of months ago, I was asked to teach at an active adult retirement neighborhood. I was excited for the change of pace and was pleased to see the amount of women AND men who showed interest in barre. I asked a few of them afterwards what motivated them to come to class and all of them said they looked forward to seeing their friends and catching up, while also staying healthy! The ballet barre is the new coffee shop!

As I mentioned earlier, the saying “use it or lose it” really does apply to all ages. Keeping older adults active has an astounding number of positive health benefits that covers mental, physical and emotional health. And because of barre’s low impact and functional training components, it also gives seniors the everyday tools they need to live a safe and fulfilling life on their own.

Hope to see you at the barre soon!

Cheers,

Heather McCreight

*Before starting any new fitness routine, please be sure to check with your doctor