Barre classes in Singapore: Gyms and studios for the alternative fitness workout

A new fitness craze has hit Singapore and it’s clamoured its way to the top of our favourite workout routines. Called barre (pronounced bar), Hollywood’s latest fitness secret combines ballet, yoga postures and pilates matwork for the promise of long, lean muscles without the bulk of strength training. Best of all, it’s as fun as our other boot camps (like spinning classes and poledancing) thanks to the high-tempo mixes which tend to accompany the workout. We pick gyms and studios in Singapore with the city’s best barre classes.

Barre Lab

The new kid on the block, The Barre Lab is the brainchild of founders, Breathe Pilates and Yoga Lab. So expect the best barre classes – three types to be exact – a 101 class that teaches you the basics of barre, a signature session and a stretch class focused on toning and lengthening your major muscle groups. Enter the beautiful pastel-themed studio and transform your body, one barre class at a time.
Barre Lab, 60B Duxton Road, Singapore 089524

Virgin Active

With an extensive list of classes to choose from (that’s over 100s of classes for you) it’s safe to say that your workout will not be a snooze fest at Virgin Active. Pick from three barre classes – Bbarre Less, a fusion-style dance workout that combines classic floor barre moves and core conditioning, the dance-inspired Booty Barre Plus that alternates muscle-toning movements with fat-blasting cardio techniques and Les Mills Barre, a 30-minute ballet-inspired programme that combines cardio and strength training with modern music.
Virgin Active, various locations including Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar and Holland Village

Wellbeing

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Jal Yoga

Although focusing on yoga, Jal Yoga, gathers the likes of pilates, ayurveda and barre under one roof. The barre classes hone in on improving your range, precision and grace, all in a stress-free session. Classes are designed for all fitness levels so there’s no need to worry about seasoned practitioners raining on your parade.
Jal Yoga, #01-03A, 991 Alexandra Road Singapore 119964

Called to the Barre

This boutique barre studio at the east coast is all for fun and energetic sessions with small groups to ensure you get the most out of your class. So if you’re planning to jump start that fitness regime or if you’re an expert who’s looking to diversify and challenge yourself, you know where to go.
Called to the Barre, Level 2, 420 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427641

Upside Motion

Always wanted the poise of a ballerina? Be a regular at Upside Motion’s Xtend Barre classes – the workout combines ballet and pilates techniques for a fast-paced cardio workout which hones in on smaller muscle groups. Designed to strengthen and lengthen the body from top to bottom, the workout uses an array of props like weights, straps, balls and resistance bands. Don’t sweat it if you can only squeeze in a lunchtime workout; the studio also offers express, 45-minute Xtrend Barre seshes.
Upside Motion, Studios in Cityhall, Shenton and Orchard.

Webarre

At Singapore’s first boutique barre studio, the Webarre workout is a one-stop shop – it melds ballet techniques, yoga, pilates and strength training. No dance experience or advanced fitness levels are required here as it’s suitable for all levels – simply choose a class that best suits you. Newbies are recommended to try the Fundamentals class which offers an intimate setting and a slower pace, while avid bootcamp-ers can opt for the Webarre HIIT class which pushes limits and torches calories. Otherwise, the Signature Multi Level is great for the average person, and fuses isometric holds (small controlled movements) with full range dynamic movements.
Webarre, studios at Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer, Clark Quay and Dhoby Ghaut. 

Barre2Barre 

If you’re looking for quick results, the BarredAmped class promises leaner and more chiselled results fast with the combination of small movements and a ton of mental concentration. The Mixed Levels class is recommended for all; newbies will learn to move with good posture and form while regulars have the option of more challenging modifications. For a unique class experience, the Barre+Yoga combines the restorative conditions of the former, and the high-energy tempo of the latter.
Barre2Barre, 42a Hongkong Street, Singapore 059681 (above Vasco Bar)

Wings to Wings

Wings to Wings’ location near the CBD scores major points – it’s perfect for lunchtime calorie-burning and energising for tired office workers. Using low-impact strength based exercises involved the barre, matwork and props, the whole-body workout features targeted muscle series to trim and tone. We’re also big on the personalised training here. Enthusiastic instructors make it a point to specifically point out necessary corrections to postures, so you’ll always be doing it right!
Wings to Wings, #03-06/07, OUE Downtown Gallery, 6 Shenton Way, Singapore 068809

Sky Pilates

This studio may specialise in pilates, but make no mistake: it’s a mean competitor in the field of barre. Founded by professional dancer and classical pilates instructor, Andrea Rogers, Xtend Barre was created as an extension of pilates – Rogers wanted to infuse challenges in coordination and rhythm into the multitude of benefits from the original workout. A stellar exercise combined with the cosy confines of the studio (which, FYI, overlooks Orchard’s lush green trees) can only spell relaxing and rewarding workouts.
Sky Pilates, Forum Office Tower, #09-01, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884. 

Lifesparks Studios

For a high-energy, low-impact workout, try Lifespark Studios’ Piloxing Barre class. Using a ballet bar and lightweight gloves, the workout involves both strength and cardio exercises to tone muscles, blitz calories and improve joint health. Instructors are regularly raved about for being patient, inspiring and attentive in checking your form and flow.
Lifesparks Studios, 1A Aliwal Street, Singapore 199894

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