I absolutely love barre workouts. Maybe it’s because I did ballet for so many years, or maybe it’s because EVERYONE seems to want that ballerina physique. Either way, the workouts are addicting…whether it’s Squeeze, Exhale, Fluidity, Tracy Anderson Method…everyone seems to have their own take. One thing all the workouts do have in common is the small, concentrated isometric movements. I really enjoyed Bar Method: Accelerated Workout because it blends the grace of dance with the power of isometrics. In this workout, Burr Leonard (the creator of Bar Method) does a wonderful job (as usual) of explaining the “bar method tuck” and positioning. This workout also does a well rounded job of leg work, but I felt that the shoulder and bicep work was a little bit lacking. Burr only does two sets of shoulder and bicep work, and then moves on to three sets of triceps. I realize that the triceps are a trouble spot, but I honestly expected a more well-rounded workout. I will say that she includes 3 full sets of push ups…2 before the leg and seat work, and 1 after. Overall, this workout is truly enjoyable, but I did feel compelled to do some bicep curls and shoulder raises after I was done with the workout.
I must gush for a moment: she does back dancing after the ab work and I LOVE IT!! I know that she does back dancing in other workouts, but this sequence truly engaged my inner thighs and rear end. It was FANTASTIC!! I know that by continuing to rotate this workout into my isometrics, I will definitely see a MAJOR lift in my assets!! LOL
All in all, this is a good, solid bar workout. Burr does a wonderful job of reminding you of posture, positioning and keeping your tuck. I think that if you are looking for rounded results, this would be best rotated with Bar Method: Change Your Body. I would also recommend doing Squeeze for the upper body focus. If you’re looking for something that will reshape your glutes, hamstrings, thighs and calves, this will do it!
If you’re interested, here’s the Bar Method website: http://www.barmethod.com/index.html
