My Three Favorite Barre Props

Barre was first created more than fifty years ago using primarily a mat, ballet barre, light hand weights and a small Pilates Ball. While the basics of the original method and format are still our main foundation today, we have seen Barre evolve over the past few years by finding even more creative ways to use what we already have and by adding new pieces of equipment into our routines. To add a little extra pizzazz in my classes and routines, I like to incorporate my three favorite Barre props - the OG small Pilates Ball, resistance bands and gliding discs!

1.) Play Ball! The small Pilates Ball is probably the most easily integrated Barre prop there is! Almost every gym, facility or household has them, or at least an acceptable replacement (like a pillow or thick folded blanket!). And because of it’s “one size fits all” characteristics, you don’t have to worry about finding the right weight/shape/resistance, etc. I also like to refer to the ball as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. That squishy sphere can not only take your exercise up a notch and add a little extra barre burn through resistance and instability, but it also provides great lower back support and pre/postnatal options.

2.) Bands Make Her Dance! Or at least sweat! Light resistance bands definitely make my top three favorite Barre props, which is funny since I used to hate using them in my classes! The key with bands, or any prop really, is to make sure that they are being used properly. I prefer a light resistance to help protect my joints but still get a great workout in. You can use the bands to get a total-body workout, working the lower body, abdominals and the upper body. And because they are super lightweight and compact, you can take them wherever you go!

3.) Glide on Ice! Gliding discs round out my favorite list not only because they hurt so good, but also because they are fun to use! Gliders provide a low impact option that still allows you to move within your full range of motion through smooth and seamless transitions. You can get deeper into a lunge, bring the leg out further in a plank series, or get lower into a push-up all while keeping a smile on your face! Ok well maybe a grimace, but you get the point! And just like the Pilates Ball, there are multiple substitutes for gliding discs: you can use washcloths and socks if on hardwood floors or frisbees and paper plates if on carpet.

I love incorporating these Barre props into my classes to help change things up and help make ordinary exercises extraordinary! Whether it’s the small Pilates Ball to offer instability or support, bands to add extra resistance or gliding discs to get deeper and lower, these favorite props definitely bring the heat! What are your favorite Barre props?

Have you tried our Online Workouts? Our newly revamped platform now allows you to easily choose what playlist you want to do based on what prop you want (or don’t want!) to use! Snag your FREE 7 day trial here!

Are you an Instructor looking for fun and creative ways to use my favorite barre props in your classes?! Our brand new workshop, “Raising the Barre: How to Take Your Class to the Next Level Using Props, Music and More!” is just for you! Find out when our next workshop is here!

Hope to see you at the barre soon!

Cheers,

Heather McCreight