Who ever thought such small movements could cause such sweat? The room I'm in is airconditioned, so there's really no excuse for the level of perspiration I'm experiencing, apart from the fact I'm in the middle of a really, really great workout. The concept of barre isn't new. The location is. Set in the uber cool studios of Heartcore, there's a 'no special socks needed' attitude and music hits to boot.
Like most barre classes, the focus is on strong, lean muscles. Each section of the body is worked, starting with arms, before moving onto the legs, bum, back and abs. Shaking like a leaf is championed and working through the pain is encouraged. Funnily enough, by the time you're ready to throw the towel in, you're onto your next move. It seems like trickery, but in fact, every move has been thought about so carefully, you only hold it until your muscles fail. Sounds scary, but it's actually quite addictive.
What you need: Tight gym gear. The movements don't lend themselves to baggy clothing.
Difficulty rating: 4/5 - you can take breaks during class without getting scolded, but they're advocates of holding a position until you shake.
Location: Heartcore Chelsea, Fulham and City
How do I book: Head here. First class is free!
