To Tru or Not to Tru: Have you tried a Tru Class yet?
We offer 2 different workouts at Tru Barre Studio: Mixed and Tru Barre. Our Mixed Barre class allows any level student to get a powerful barre workout. In a Mixed Barre class you will begin to understand the poses and exercises done in our workout. Our Tru Barre class is better suited for the advanced client.
We encourage new clients to begin with the Mixed Barre Class. There, they will learn the basic principles of Barre. There is an added attention to alignment and the use of modifications, so even the first time beginner can be successful. We understand new clients come to Barre at their own fitness level and this is why we encourage them to be a beginner and learn our technique.
We suggest taking class 3-4 times per week. Clients will be building their strength and learning the technique to make their practice even better, becoming more familiar with their strengths and weaknesses. As a client continues with their Barre practice, they begin to understand the poses and how the exercises will affect their body. They learn that the work is really in the pose, mastering it and maintaining it. They realize the burn and the shake are a good thing and actually the goal of every interval. When a beginner client starts to feel those sensations, it is usually very unfamiliar, so they back down or even stop. They also haven’t built up their strength yet to handle the load in the musculature. We always encourage anyone in class to take breaks when they need them, then come back into the exercise recovered and able to work with more integrity in the pose. Over time, with consistent practice, they become very strong, both mentally and physically. And as they become stronger, they will begin to have the confidence to try the more advanced options in class and test their ability.
There will be a mix of all client levels in a Mixed Barre class, a client or two that is just starting their practice, a few who are advanced, and the majority of people are in between. Our highly trained instructors will help every client get a good workout no matter what their fitness level is. We want each client to get their best workout, one tailored for them. Attending the Mixed Barre classes is where you begin your journey. A journey that has no end - Barre is a lifelong practice.
The Advanced class, a.k.a. Tru Barre, is for any client willing to try. We encourage a minimum of 20 Mixed barre classes if you are a beginner. This will build your strength and endurance and give you a foundation of the technique. Advanced clients have learned how to find their low zone, how to stick their pose, how to stay mentally strong and how to find ways to make the workout meaningful for them.
A few things that set the Tru Barre class apart from the Mixed class are:
The class moves at a faster pace. As mentioned, advanced clients know their poses, where they can find their shakes, so there is not a lot of setup time for poses. The fast paced format also keeps the heart rate up longer. Another difference is that the intervals are more intense, have more variations, and time under load. Attempting a Tru class before you build up your strength would result in an unsuccessful workout. Lastly, the Tru class requires an understanding of poses that can be more difficult and highly technique driven. The exercises require full body strength, endurance, and stamina. However, with those differences stated, a client that has attended a number of Mixed barre classes is welcome to attend an Advanced class. You still are encouraged to take the modifications and work at your own level. To take breaks and find your own path. Over time, you will get stronger and the sense of empowerment is incredible!
As a client becomes better at barre, so does their mental ability to stay focused on their alignment and continue to push deeper in the exercises. The body and mind connection becomes stronger each class. Remember: the body will always try to find the path of least resistance. You will begin to understand the connection between how the body reacts to the exercises and how your brain wants to be in control. Learning how to cope with the sensations is truly an advanced mindset in our Barre technique at Tru Barre. We know this understanding comes with time, patience and practice - but so does a beautiful, sculpted body!