Lifestyle of a Fashionista

2/23/24

I’ve returned to the barre at FORMAT Fitness. Barre is one of my favorite activities; it feels good to be back in classes at a studio.

This post will cover barre basics (what is barre?), what is FORMAT Fitness, my fitness background, and my return to in-person classes. After reading this post, I hope you will want to return to in-person classes and join me at FORMAT Fitness at the barre.

What is Barre?

A ballet dancer created barre classes; there is a ballet barre used in class; some positions are based on ballet positions, but you don’t need ballet training to take a class.

I started taking barre classes in 2014 at Exhale. The Battery Wharf location is steps away from my residence. I have a gym in my building I used for strength training, but I wanted more out of my workouts when I decided to join Exhale. At the time I joined there were barre classes, cardio classes, and yoga classes. Barre quickly became one of my favorite classes, and I found instructors that I loved.

From WebMD, “The classes (barre) will improve your balance, build strength, make you more flexible, burn calories, and improve stability through a stronger core. It’s challenging for men and women alike. These moves are a lot harder than they look and can help anyone take their fitness to the next level.”

What is barre? Read in Women’s Health, What Is Barre Class All About—And Is It Actually An Effective Workout?

What is FORMAT Fitness?

Two of my favorite instructors, Thalia and Caitlin, created FORMAT Fitness in 2020. Their studio offers in person and virtual classes. “Our vision is that FORMAT is not only a one stop shop for all your strength, endurance, low impact, high impact needs, but also a community that lifts you up and supports you in reaching your goals.”

The group classes offered (they also have personal training and private classes available):

FORMAT BARRE*: A 50 minute low impact high intensity barre workout; think quick transitions and lots of repetitions at body weight or lighter weight. Focus is on form and alignment while pushing out of your comfort zone. Socks REQUIRED.
Livestream Equipment: Light hand weights and a chair or countertop for your barre

*If you’re new to barre, or returning after a break, I recommend taking FORMAT’s barre basics ($65) class on Sunday 3/3 1:30-4:30. Thalia and Caitlin will break down all the major positioning and alignment you see in class and then put it all into practice in a 50 minute FORMAT barre class.

FORMAT HIIT BARRE: 50 minutes of combination HIIT style exercises with barre work. This class will make you sweat while still offering you the burn you love from barre. Sneakers recommended.
Livestream Equipment: Light and Medium Weights (3-5lbs and 8-15lbs respectively) chair or countertop for your barre

FORMAT HIIT: A 50 minute interval based class. Combine cardio intervals and strength intervals for a total body experience. Expect to get your heart rate up and your sweat on. Sneakers REQUIRED.
Livestream Equipment: Mat and Medium Weights (8-15lbs)

FORMAT STRENGTH: A 50 minute total body, low impact, high intensity strength training class. In this class we use heavier weights and a circuit style. Think EMOMs, AMRAPs, and repeated timed intervals. Sneakers REQUIRED.
Livestream Equipment: Mat and Medium to Heavy Weights (8-25lbs)

The FORMAT instructors (read their bios in the link):

FORMAT instructors, Thalia, Caitlin, Chrissy, Jessica, Molly, and Jacqueline, are qualified, supportive, and motivating. They offer adjustments and encouragement during class. I have taken classes with Caitlin, Thalia, and Chrissy at Exhale and FORMAT; their teaching style brought me back to in-person classes. I met Jessica during one of my barre classes; her energy and style fit perfectly with the instructors I knew.

FORMAT Pricing:

For new guests, you can purchase a one week pass for $49, and single classes start at $30/class. You can purchase class packs or a studio membership to save money. Livestream and On Demand classes start at $15/class.

Membership pricing:

💛 FORMAT Unlimited $250 per month: Unlimited In Studio and Livestream + On Demand Access + Zero Late Cancel Penalty Fees

💛FORMAT In Studio $200 per month: Unlimited In Studio Classes

💛 FORMAT Livestream + On Demand $150 per month: Full access to all livestream, collection, and recorded on demand content

February savings: Use the code FEBMEMBERSHIP at checkout for half off your first month.

My Fitness Background

I am sharing my fitness background to give you an idea of my fitness level. I wouldn’t describe myself as athletic, but I enjoy having an active lifestyle.

I tried many sports throughout my school years, basketball, soccer, baseball, but the only organized sport I stuck with for any period of time was tennis. I never excelled in any of these sports, but I enjoyed being part of a team.

I find that participating in sports and activities is better when you are in a group or community. As an adult, I’ve enjoyed being a part of running groups, and going to fitness classes.

Most weeks, I have an active lifestyle; I have enjoyed various activities, including running, walking, strength training, aerobic classes, yoga, and barre. Running and strength training are two activities I’ve done since I started my fitness routine.

While training for my first marathon in 2016, I attended barre classes and received helpful advice from Caitlin and Chrissy, two FORMAT instructors who’ve run several marathons.

Post-marathon, I continued running, taking barre classes, etc. I was consistent with my workouts until March of 2020. Once fitness studios closed, my group training options were limited. I took online classes with Exhale and Thalia but needed a better home workout routine that didn’t involve moving furniture around to take a class. In the summer of 2020, I purchased The Mirror.

I could attend live or on-demand classes, including barre, strength, yoga, kickboxing, dance, and cardio. I liked the instructors; I could choose the class length and level. There was an online community of members, and the instructors would give some shoutouts during live classes. I enjoyed the convenience of quickly joining a class at home, and the Mirror didn’t take up space in my condo.

In 2024, Peloton partnered with Lululemon, and changed the way people could use the Mirror for workouts. The Lululemon instructors were let go, and new content was stopped. Mirror members can still access on-demand content as well as Peloton classes.

My Return to the Barre

Before the changes happened at The Mirror, I wanted to return to in-person classes at FORMAT, but I was nervous about returning to a studio, so I put off returning to in-person classes. My hesitation was due to my insecurities; I feared being judged. Of course, we are our own worst critics. I had nothing to worry about.

I purchased a class pack in December, and started taking barre classes at FORMAT in January. Caitlin and Thalia welcomed me back with encouragement and kind words. My first barre class was challenging, and I was out of practice. The Mirror barre classes I took at home had some of the same moves but were only thirty minutes long. I survived that first in-person class and couldn’t wait to come back!

Since I started back at FORMAT, I’ve taken several barre classes and one strength class. I’m up to two classes a week, and I enjoy being part of the FORMAT team!

My fitness level and body have changed since 2020. Turning fifty provided some challenges, but I’m happy to be back at the barre in the studio. It will take me some time to get through a class without taking breaks, and I’m okay with that.

What do you need for Barre class?

1. Socks. You will need a comfortable workout outfit and socks. You can buy barre socks that have a sticky bottom for more traction if needed. FORMAT sells them in the studio.
2. A water bottle. You can fill it in the FORMAT studio.
3. (Optional) Ear plugs. I started wearing ear plugs to concerts and indoor events with music. I can still hear the instructors and the music.
4. Confidence in yourself. No matter your fitness level, you are welcome in class and can do it.