What is Barre? (... and why are Exhale Fitness classes built on that foundation?)

If you’re not familiar with barre, you may be wondering just what kind of fitness studio we are and what you would experience here at Exhale Fitness.

Is barre fitness a dance class? Is it like Pilates or yoga? The short answer is no … but also yes.

Barre is a low-impact, yet highly effective, workout technique that draws from elements of modern and classical dance, yoga, Pilates, and strength training. It’s not a dance class, though we think you’ll find a dancer’s strength and grace in this workout!

Exhale Fitness is a Partner Studio for the BarreAmped® method, an adaptation on the original expression of barre fitness in the US. This means all our barre classes are taught from a neutral spine foundation and instructors are highly trained in movement mechanics and tactile adjustments to give you the best (and most effective) class experience possible.

• You’ll build strength in your joints with low-impact, aligned postures and focused movements.

• You’ll develop full-body mobility through fascial-focused, dynamic stretches.

• Your nervous system will build resilience as we focus on breath work and mind-body connection.

• You’ll leave class feeling worked, but refreshed. (Not exhausted, depleted, or punished.)

• With consistency, you’ll notice positive changes not only in your body composition and strength, but also your mindset, your perspective, and your spirit.

In fact, these statements apply to every single type of class you’ll take at Exhale Fitness! We designed our entire fitness program on these foundational principles to offer a well-rounded program for any woman who wants to feel more at home in her body.

Classes Offered at Exhale Fitness in Columbia, TN:

BarreAmped® Foundations

Our classic, multi-level barre class. Expect a full body strength workout using the ballet barre and aligned positions inspired by dance. Props like light hand weights or a Pilates ball may be used. Stretching, breath work, and mobility are woven throughout. No two classes are the same!

BarreAmped® Bounce

A Foundations barre class performed on JumpSport rebounders. Gentle bouncing done in between barre sets is approximately 60% less impact on the joints than anything done on the floor, but still an excellent way to help maintain or even build bone mass, as well as stimulate healthy lymphatic flow and circulation.

BarreAmped® Advanced

Advanced options are the standard in this classic barre class. A minimum of 15 BarreAmped® Foundations classes are required before entering Advanced in order to learn the fundamentals and how to scale to an appropriate challenge for the individual.

BarreAmped® Power Stretch

Are you working or are you stretching? This barre-based mobility class flows through dynamic stretches, fascial focused movements, and breath. You will leave feeling both sufficiently worked and blissfully stretched.

BarreAmped® BandSculpt

A mixed-level barre class utilizing resistance bands to add a unique element of challenge to classic barre exercises. Whether for added resistance or stability, loop bands and long bands add functional training to your class.

BarreAmped® Feel-Good Cardio

Low impact cardio intervals alternate with classic barre strength work. Cardio intensity stays in Zone 2 for fat loss and nervous system resilience, and so you leave feeling really good!

BarreAmped® Tabata

Classic barre combined with high intensity cardio intervals. This sweaty, energizing class is recommended just once per week for those with a fitness capacity ready for the challenge.

BarreAmped® Fire

Deeper ranges of motion, longer holds, compound movements, advanced options, and a sprinkle of cardio make up a fun, and possibly addicting, Fire class. At least 10 BarreAmped® Foundations classes are recommended before entering Fire.

Active / Active Restore Stretch

All skill levels will find both strengthening work from balance holds as well as deep stretching in held postures in this class. Active Restore will include more time in relaxing, restorative positions.

Strength Targets

Giving ‘strength training meets Pilates’ vibes, our Targets classes utilize physics to optimize the load on the muscles. Whether it’s core, upper body, or lower body, you’ll be guided through aligned exercises where muscles endure “time under tension.” Reaching failure is success in this class! Equipment like heavier dumbbells, resistance bands, and sliders may be used.

Cardio Dance

A fun and sneaky way to get your cardio in for the week. Choreography is repeated in rotation, giving you plenty of time to get comfortable with the routines. Clean sneakers are recommended for this class.

Cardio Bounce

Learn choreographed cardio routines set to energizing music on the rebounder, giving both your brain and your body a fun challenge and a fantastic workout.

Book Your Class

We invite you to join us for a class (or two — you get your second class free!) and experience the full body, soul deep exhale that comes with balanced and effective fitness alongside an uplifting community of women.

You belong here! And we’ve saved a spot for you at the barre.

>> Book Here <<

See a class you like, but don’t see it on the current schedule? Certain classes rotate in and out seasonally or will be offered as pop-ups. Download our app (use invite code 5BNSGU) and adjust your notification settings to get alerts for schedule changes!