5 Mental Health Benefits of Barre Workout Classes

A barre workout is an exercise program anyone can join, young or old. It combines the stretching of yoga, the core strength workout of Pilates, and the high intensity and energy of ballet to create an exercise program that can help almost anyone. 

In addition to helping you achieve your desired physique, barre workouts can also have positive effects on your mental health. Barre can benefit your mental health by providing a physical activity that allows you to focus on your body's movements and the present moment, thereby promoting mindfulness and reducing stress.

5 Barre Workouts Benefits for Your Mental Health

According to the World Health Organisation, there has been a 13% increase in mental health issues and causes at least one in every five years lived in disability. That’s why it is more important than ever to protect your mental health.

Here are some ways going to a barre workout class can help your mental health. 

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Exercise, including barre, has been shown to reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins, which are natural chemicals that boost mood and reduce feelings of pain and stress.

Attending a barre class that includes cardio-based movements can help train your central nervous system to manage stress and anxiety more effectively. Through sweating, an elevated heart rate, and increased body temperature, barre mimics these physical responses and helps to condition your mind to handle them more adeptly. As a result, you may find yourself better equipped to manage stressful situations in your daily life.

2. Release of Feel-Good Hormones

Have you ever experienced that sense of satisfaction after a good workout? This feeling is attributed to the release of serotonin in your bloodstream, a feel-good hormone that can elevate your mood and help keep depression at bay. Serotonin can also contribute to improved sleep, which is critical for maintaining good mental health. 

3. Connection with a Community

Research has shown that social connections can improve mental health. Barre workouts can provide a sense of community by creating a shared sense of purpose and goals among participants. Regular attendance at classes can foster friendships and a sense of belonging as you get to see the same people each week. The supportive atmosphere in barre workout classes often encourages participants to motivate and encourage each other, creating a positive and uplifting experience.

4. Increased Mindfulness

Barre promotes mindfulness by encouraging a focus on movements and form, which can help you shift your attention away from distractions and become more present in the moment. Additionally, many barre classes incorporate specific breathing techniques, which can help you cultivate greater awareness and mindfulness by directing your attention to your breath. 

The practice of barre also fosters a strong mind-body connection, as movements involve coordination between different muscle groups and require full-body engagement, enhancing your ability to be present and mindful during the class. By promoting mindfulness in these ways, barre can help you develop greater mental clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

5. Enhanced Positive Outlook

Barre, like other forms of exercise, releases endorphins in your brain, which are natural chemicals that boost mood and reduce feelings of stress and pain. This can create a sense of well-being and positivity that lasts beyond the duration of the workout.

Barre workouts can also improve body image and self-esteem by promoting a sense of physical accomplishment and progress over time. This can lead to increased confidence and a more positive self-image.

Your mental health is important. It is essential to start doing something actively to maintain a healthy mental state. Barre workout classes can help you. Enrol for one of our barre workouts in Melbourne today!