So, to say I was skeptical that I’d actually enjoy an Xtend Barre class (a workout that mixes dance, ballet and Pilates) would be an understatement.

 

My first thought on turning up to a class? There are a lot of legs in patterned tights. My second? I so won’t be co-ordinated or flexible enough to master these moves. But my mind was put at ease quickly.

 

The instructor chatted to me about any modifications I might need (say, if I had a dodgy hip) and set me up next to a more-experienced person, with room for her to demonstrate on the other side, should I need guidance.

 

And within a few minutes of pulling on my special grip socks to stop me slipping, I didn’t feel unco at all. An Xtend Xpress class (the one I went to most often) lasts 45 minutes and begins with a warm-up before moving onto upper body exercises using hand weights.

 

After a year of doing heavy kettle bell swings three times a week at boot camp, I initially scoffed at the teeny half-kilo weights. But after about a thousand (okay, more like 30) reps of the tiny, focused movements I was so thankful I hadn’t gone for a heavier option.

 

Then it was onto a mat to work our triceps, including dips and push-ups, before heading to the barre. Here, it took me some time to stay in tempo with the routine and know what the various ballet terms meant without sneaking a peak at everyone else, but soon I was having my Centre Stage moment and getting a serious workout – at one point, I actually saw beads of sweat drop from my forehead to the floor.

 

Then it’s ab work, including variations on crunches and planks, sometimes using a small inflatable ball or a stretch band wrapped around our thighs or ankles, but modifications were always provided if a move was too strong or didn’t feel good.

 

I had to break a few times to shake out my legs, but at the end of my first attempt I felt great. And, to my surprise, I actually loved it. Throughout the month, I was constantly dropping into first-position plies while making dinner or waiting for the kettle to boil, much to the confusion of my husband. 

 

Over the next 28 days, I religiously went to three classes a week. I also added in an Xtend Technique class to learn how to properly align my body. I highly recommend it to any newbie. It made me so much more aware of my body, especially when it came to engaging my core and squaring off my hips, than I ever have been (though standing in front of a mirror for an hour definitely helped).

 

By week two, I was nearly always remembering to plie rather than squat (quite the challenge when my bootcamp PT constantly reminds me to stick my butt out further!) and by week three I was releve-ing during lunges and plies every time it was suggested (that’s rising to the tips of your toes for those who don’t yet speak dance).

 

While the moves became easier as I got the hang of them, my muscles were still definitely in their challenge zone every class – my legs and glutes burned, in a good way, after each session.

 

At the end of my four-week trial, without changing any other part of my fitness routine or diet, I had lost just over a kilo, felt more flexible and I can see more definition in my arms and calves. But the best part? I discovered an exercise I can’t wait to wake up at 6am for.

 

If you want to give it a go, head to xtendbarre.com to find your closest studio. Casual classes are $29, with discounts when you buy month-long passes or class packs.

© Prevention Australia
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