Read on for my Barre Blend Before & After Review. This is a new workout released by Beachbody that I had the opportunity to try it out before it hit the platform
What is Barre Blend?
I’ve talked about the program in other blog posts, but the short story is that it’s a barre-inspired workout based on the Lotte Berk Method. Lotte was the creator of barre workout back in the 60’s. She developed it based on the movements of ballet, but using the principles of physical therapy to help dancers avoid injury and non-dancers enjoy ballet movements.
Over 50 years later, barre workouts have exploded on the fitness scene because they’re fun, very doable (no matter what your fitness level is) and they deliver results.
Remember When Kelly Ripa got Ripped?
She attributes her lean physique to barre workout and eating well. So as long as your diet is in check, there’s no reason why you can’t see these results, too.
My thoughts on Barre Blend (from the perspective of a Certified Fitness Instructor)
I add the “fitness instructor” view because honestly, I see a lot of programs that lack strength training, which in my opinion, is critical to getting the results you’re looking for - toned and lean. I know most women would be happy to lose a few pounds, but I don’t believe y’all want to look skinny and flabby.
That’s what most cardio-only programs deliver. It’s also the reason that most runners get injured - because there is zero strength development in running. It’s all pure cardio.
So with that, I’m going to start off saying that I think Barre Blend does a fantastic job of training large and small muscle groups that are the foundation of a lean, toned body. Look no further than the instructor to see what I mean about that. Hello abs!
The best parts about Barre Blend
- The workouts are shorter than most barre workouts (only 30 - 40 minutes vs 50 to 60 minutes in most studios).
- At $160 USD for the WHOLE YEAR (including a month worth of supplements too), it’s way cheaper than a studio workout that’s typically $25 - $28 per class.
- It covers the whole body - core, legs, arms and cardio. Nothing is left out.
- It’s super positive and uplifting. The instructor uses a lot of affirmations throughout the classes, which I thought I’d find too cheesy, but for the most part, they really helped me feel more connected to what I was doing in the moment.
- I never felt exhausted. Even though there were challenging parts of each workout, I never felt beat up afterward as I might with a run.
The parts I didn’t love
- I’ll be honest - in the last week, I was done with the affirmations. As the workouts became more intense, I really needed less talking so I could focus on getting through the harder moves.
- There wasn’t enough cardio for me. I know, I said too much cardio is bad, but SOME cardio is important (for me, anyway). I would have loved the cardio classes to be more heart-pumping and less strength focused. I will continue to incorporate barre workouts into my daily routine, but I'll likely mix it up with HIIT workouts and running.
- It’s only 8 weeks. Honestly, I hope Beachbody expands their barre programs as I really do love them!
My Barre Blend Results after 8 Weeks
I’ll be honest and tell you that I really didn’t dial in my diet that much. I am generally a very healthy eater, but I didn’t follow the nutrition plan that came with the workout. I prefer to follow my own low carb plan that’s also based in the principles of 2B Mindset (which helps you prioritize food rather than obsess over it).
Who I think will Love Barre Blend
- I think anyone with a basic level of fitness, even just a little will love Barre Blend.
- It’s also perfect for runners who want to incorporate some strength training so they don’t get hurt.
- Yogi’s would also love this because it’s not that different from yoga, but provides more strength training (and better physical results).
- Anyone who travels a lot and doesn’t always have access to a gym. It’s the perfect mobile workout because it doesn’t really call for much in terms of equipment. You can use light weights if you want, but you don’t need it.
- Anyone suffering an injury who still wants to move, but has to be super careful. You may have to modify slightly, but the workouts will help you support a stronger body without risk of further injury.
Who I think would not love Barre Blend?
- Crossfit folks who love to lift heavy things.
- Bodybuilders with a goal to build big muscles.
- Men. It’s a very feminine workout that might make the average guy feel a little awkward.
Barre Blend was the Best exersize I could find for my Frozen Shoulder
I haven’t talked about this much, but for the last 8 months, I’ve been dealing with Frozen Shoulder (otherwise known as adhesive capsulitis). It’s a disorder where your entire shoulder socket freezes up and your range of motion becomes severely limited.
It usually gets worse and worse to a point of peak freezing (the most severe point where you can barely move your arm) and then gradually starts to release in stages. This entire process can take up to 2 years to resolve and there is no cure for it.
I started Barre Blend at the point where my shoulder had passed the worst part and it’s now starting to release (very slowly). Because I can’t reach my arm over my head a lot of workouts are off limits to me, particularly workouts with weights. Barre Blend gave me an opportunity to challenge my shoulder range of motion without risk of pushing myself too far. I still can’t do some of the moves in the program, but most are available to me, and that makes me feel so good.
The Last Word on Barre Blend
I’ve written about this barre program a lot, so this last post is really about my results and review, now that I’ve done all the workouts. In a nutshell, it’s worth the time, effort and investment, particularly for anyone who finds the idea of a barre workout to be appealing. If you think it looks boring - that’s a good sign that you won’t enjoy it. If you think it looks fun, or perhaps a workout that you wouldn’t absolutely hate, then it’s worth trying.
Is Barre Blend Worth it?
Yes, and the great news is that Beachbody, the producer of the program offers a full 30-day guarantee on it, so you have nothing to lose but perhaps some extra weight.
How to get it?
You can purchase the program with the pre- and post workout supplements here (recommended). There is a way to just buy the workout, but it’s still in pre-release (until June 2020) which means you have to pay a membership fee and a digital upgrade. It works out to be more expensive, so I recommend the bundle package with the supplements.
Got questions about the program? Ask away!
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and author of The Fit Habit. Here she shares simple, low carb recipes, quick home workout ideas and practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
Anne
This review is 1,000% perfect. Thank you so much fir adding the note regarding frozen shoulder. I’m dealing with the same issue right now, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do this workout with this condition.
I previously did PiYo for 2-3 years and loved it, but I know I wouldn’t be able to get back to it in my present condition; I was looking for something with less jostling to keep from injuring my shoulder more.
I’m looking forward to a new workout in 2021. Thank you for the excellent review!
Caren
THank you for the kind words, Anne!!!
Cass
I’m so glad I found your review. I’m healing from a rotator cuff surgery I had in September of 2020 - I’ve been looking for something I can do besides walking because I’m still not fully recovered. I’m definitely going to try this! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Caren
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Cass. Hope you enjoy barre blend. It's one of my favorites!
rhianne newlahnd
Hi there, loved the review. I really need to decide on a workout program. I am 68, do not need to loose weight, but do want to stay toned and strong. I used to do Callenetics, which is also based on the Lote Burke method, so this sounds interesting. this review was written a while back. what is the best way to try out beach body now?
Caren
Hi Rhianne,
If barre style classes are your jam, I recommend starting with Barre Blend or Piyo. If strength gains is your goal (good for you!), then I recommend a weight lifting program. Do you have dumbbells at home? If you like calisthenics and want to build muscle, I recommend doing 21 day fix. If you're new to lifting weights, do the regular program. If you're more advanced, do the extreme version. Also Muscle Burns Fat is a good option too.
I recommend doing these programs with the pre-and post workout drinks. This will aid in recovery and really help you bring your best to your workouts so you get the best results. You can purchase that bundle, which includes ALL the workouts, here: https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/annual-all-access-bod-performance-pack-BODPerformancePack?referringRepID=1643817
Hope that helps.
Mel
What a coincidence, I am also healing from a frozen shoulder and in the thawing stage! I used to go to Barre3 classes a few years back and really enjoyed it, so I thought I would try a low impact workout like Barre Blend. Loving it so far and I think moving my injured arm carefully through the movements will be good for the thawing of my frozen shoulder! Thanks for your review!
Caren
Hey Mel, I hope you recover soon! That frozen shoulder is the worst experience.
Amy
Add another to the frozen shoulder club...it has been one of the worst ortho injuries of my life, taking a full 2 years for recovery. I’m very excited to try this program, thank you for your posts!
Caren
Good luck with Barre Blend! It's one of my favorite workouts. I feel for you on the frozen shoulder. It was a two-year process from start to finish for me as well. So brutal.