As a long-time Barre Blend enthusiast, I decided to try something different: 90 days of pure Barre Blend with no other workouts. Although I’ve always incorporated Barre Blend into my fitness routine, I was curious to see what would happen if I focused exclusively on this low-impact workout that combines ballet, Pilates, and yoga.
The results surprised even me, an experienced practitioner. When I committed to daily 30-minute Barre Blend sessions, I revealed strengths and weaknesses I never knew I had, especially in my core. It was truly eye-opening to discover how this focused approach can transform both the body and mind.
Why I focused exclusively on Barre Blend
As someone who has been practicing Barre Blend for years, I wanted to find out what would happen if I gave up all other workouts for 90 days. I was particularly interested in seeing how my body would respond to the focused, controlled movements without additional traditional cardio or strength training.
Here is the magic of the barre blend
The beauty of Barre Blend is its emphasis on precise, controlled movements that target often-overlooked muscle groups. What makes it unique is that it combines elements of ballet, Pilates and yoga to create a comprehensive workout that focuses on proper form, alignment and deep muscle engagement.
My fitness background and goals
As a fitness enthusiast who has been incorporating Barre Blend into my workout routine for years, I wanted to test the effectiveness of the program in isolation. My main interest wasn’t in weight loss or dramatic changes – I wanted to see how my body would respond to targeted, intentional movements without additional cardio or other training.
Honestly, this was a bit of a Hail Mary since I’ve been struggling with tight hips for a while. I can’t sit or stand for very long and I keep waking up at night with sore hips, so I had to find a way to relieve the tension and pain.
Getting Started: Equipment and Setup
After doing Barre Blend for years, my setup was already done. The beauty of this program is its simplicity – all you need is:
– A yoga mat
– Light dumbbells (0.5-1.3 kg)
– A chair or countertop for balance
– Optional: resistance bands and sliding discs
The 90 Day Journey: What I Discovered
During this experiment, I gained some surprising insights about my body and fitness level:
Nuclear power reality check
Despite years of training, this focused approach revealed that my core wasn’t as strong as I thought. The isolated movements and holds made me feel muscles I didn’t even know existed, resulting in significant improvements in my overall stability and strength.
Postural alignment and hip strength
One of the most significant learnings was how the program addressed my hip strength imbalances and postal alignment issues. The more consistently I used Barre Blend, the less hip pain I had and the stronger my core became.
Surprising changes in body composition
Although the scale didn’t show dramatic changes, I did see significant improvements in body composition:
– Reduction in hip dimensions
– Less fat in the bra area
– Overall slimmer appearance
The cardio revelation
Skipping traditional cardio exercise had an unexpected benefit: decreased feelings of hunger throughout the day. This of course led to less snacking, which likely contributed to the body composition changes I observed. Honestly, I know this from previous experiences, but I had forgotten the impact it had on my hunger.
Psychological Benefits of Barre Blend – this was a surprise.
The program’s emphasis on breathing through movement had a profound impact on my stress and anxiety levels. The combination of conscious breathing work and focused movement created a feeling of calm and centeredness that lasted throughout the day.
Overcome challenges
Even as an experienced practitioner, it was challenging to maintain proper form and engagement with each movement. The key was to focus on quality over quantity and to really tune in to body alignment and breathwork.
The final results of the barre blend
After 90 days, the results weren’t just physical. Although I noticed notable changes in my body composition and posture, the most significant improvements were:
– Improved core strength
– Better postural alignment
– Reduced hip pain
– Improved stress management
– More mindful eating habits
– General feeling of calm and centeredness
Here’s what I’m taking away from this barre blend revival
This 90 day experiment proved that sometimes less is more. By focusing solely on Barre Blend, I discovered that this gentle approach can deliver impressive results without the need for traditional cardio or intense strength training. The program’s emphasis on precise movements and breathwork not only transformed my body, but also brought unexpected mental health benefits.
Experience has taught me that you don’t need high-intensity training to see results. Sometimes the most impactful changes come from slowing down, focusing on form, and letting your body respond to consistent, mindful movements.
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness trainer and ADHD coach. As founder of The Fit Habit, she shares ADHD-friendly self-care, nutrition and fitness inspiration, as well as practical ways to promote mind and body wellness.
