What is Barre?

Barre

If you are looking for a workout that feels strong, uplifting and a little bit joyful, Barre at Luma might just be your new favourite class.

All of our barre instructors: Serena Crolla, Mylène Mackay and Fi Hendry bring warmth, expertise and a genuine love of movement to every class.

Barre is a beautiful blend of ballet inspired movement and mindful strength work. Using the barre for support and balance, the class focuses on controlled movements that really work the muscles. It is low impact but deeply effective and you will often feel muscles you did not even know you had!

Our classes are welcoming, encouraging and thoughtfully paced. Whether you are completely new to barre or already love Pilates, you will feel supported and challenged in the best possible way.

The benefits of Barre

Barre is all about strength, posture and connection to your body. You can expect to build long, lean strength, especially through the legs, glutes and core. The smaller movements help improve muscle endurance and stability, while the focus on alignment supports better posture and body awareness.

Many people also love barre for how it makes them feel. Classes are energising without being overwhelming, and there is a lovely rhythm to the flow that can feel both calming and empowering. It is a great option if you want to move with intention and leave feeling taller, stronger and more grounded.

Barre vs Reformer

Both Barre and Reformer Pilates are fantastic, but they offer slightly different experiences. Barre targets individual muscles with a more isolated approach, while Pilates targets multiple muscle groups working together and often has more of a continuous flow to its format.

Barre is done using the barre and your own body weight and sometimes with small props. The movements are more upright and focus on holding and pulsing in precise positions. This creates a strong burn and builds endurance, balance and control. Classes often have a dance like quality and can feel lighter in tone while still delivering a serious workout.

Barre gives you muscular endurance and engagement.

Reformer Pilates uses a machine with springs and straps to provide resistance and support. It is brilliant for building strength through a full range of motion, improving mobility, and offering both challenge and assistance depending on the exercise. Reformer work often feels dynamic and deeply strengthening, especially for the core – it’s about foundational strength.

Many of our clients enjoy combining both as they complement each other brilliantly. Reformer for deep, supported strength and Barre for posture, balance and that uplifting, feel good energy.

Join us at the barre

Barre sessions at Luma are a chance to move mindfully, feel strong in your body, and enjoy a supportive studio atmosphere.

If you are curious to try something new or simply want to add a little variety to your movement routine, barre could be a wonderful place to start. We would love to welcome you into class and help you experience something very special.