Barre and BOSU Workout

Disclaimer: The following post is sponsored by BOSU via my partnership with Fit Approach. All opinions are, of course, my own.

I've taught a number of different classes over the years, but one of my favorites is proving to be my Barre Fit class. I took ballet classes when I was little, and have dabbled in some form of dance (cheerleading, electives in college, dance parties, you know...) my whole life. Basically, I like to dance even if I'm dancing alone while I clean my floors. So my Barre Fit class is fun. It challenges every aspect of the body in a gentle, yet intense sort of way. And since balance is a huge element of it—and the theme for this week's BOSU challenge with Sweat Pink— I thought I'd share with you a Barre and BOSU workout.

Oh, and it's also #wildworkoutwednesday.

Nope, you don't need a BOSU to complete the workout, but having one will increase the intensity. And it'll challenge your core just a bit more. The standard reminder: Before you try anything new, make sure it's right for you. Use your best judgement and/or consult your physician. You know. Safety first. What's right for me might not be right for you.

Let's get to it.
Here's the workout:

Please make sure you warm up first. The whole thing should take you an hour, give or take depending on your knowledge and comfort with the exercises.

Speaking of the exercises, let's go through a few of them.

Round 1

Warrior 2 lunges are a fun way to incorporate yoga (and some graceful movement) into your workout. Step out into your lunge...

...then step back to your starting position.

Walking Pushup (Alternating Pushups)
Squat to Balance (Squat to Knee Lift)

And finally, single-arm planks with a row.

Round 2

Rotating Leg Lifts are super fun. First, lift your leg toward the front, then rotate it toward the side...

...then bring your toe back down toward your knee before you extend the leg toward the front again and repeat. Adding the BOSU definitely increases the balance element. Height is not as important as overall control and keeping your leg straight. When your repetitions are done, lift that bar up for single-arm bicep curls in first position:

I'm using an ActivMotion Bar. If you don't have a bar, you can stick with a hand weight...you just might need to move your BOSU close to a chair or wall to help with balance on the rotating leg lifts.

When you're done, move on to your leg circles. Start with one foot up in the air:

With your core engaged at all times, draw mini circles in the air. Switch sides after you complete your repetitions. Then complete your single-leg hip presses and triceps dips on the BOSU.

Round 3

Single-leg dead lifts will take you right into single-leg squat pulses. Rack the bar, then sink into your squat. Focus on one leg at a time, using the other one for balance, like so:

Next up, shoulder abductions with calf presses, which you can see in the graphic above.

Questions?
Let me know.

Some other barre posts you might be interested in:
1) 60-Minute #Barre Workout
2) 5 Ways to Stay Healthy Over the Holidays
3) Single-Leg Glute and Quad Burner

Question: Have you taken a barre class? What do you like/dislike about them?