Raising the Barre
This new fitness regime takes inspiration from classic ballet moves.
A little over two years ago, Cheri Billingslea’s background as a personal trainer, dancer and cheerleader led her to open Flow Fitness Studio, a women-only fitness studio offering classes
in pole dancing, TRX (a weight-training resistance program that uses your body weight and gravity), boot camp and flow barre. Flow barre now has a large following and has become one of the studio’s most popular classes.
Flow barre was inspired by Billingslea and flow barre instructor, Lindsey Soshe’s love of ballet barre and pilates exercises, as well as some sexy dance moves. What is Flow Barre?
Flow barre is best described as a high energy, low-impact exercise class that utilizes the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements. Set to hot new music, the workout is fast-paced and allows little 
time for rest. It focuses on toning and resistance exercises for the butt, torso and arms to sculpt and elongate the appearance of the body.
“Flow barre creates long, lean muscles by using longer repetitive sets that burn the muscle to complete exhaustion, Billingslea said. “Stretching is also emphasized after each section which helps lengthen out the muscle and helps with flexibility.”
First-time students should wear comfortable yoga-like clothing and be prepared to shake and tremble during the movements, to sweat a lot and for muscles to burn. Some students using caloric expenditure devices have reported burning as much as 640 calories per class. Classes are 55 minutes long and are suitable for all fitness levels.
“The day following flow barre, students are likely to feel soreness and should stretch, hydrate, and perhaps go for a good walk, Billingslea said.
