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15 Top Workout Playlists on Apple Music Right Now And the Best Workouts to Pair with Them

If you are anything like me, music is the fuel that powers your workout and changes your mood. The playlist you put on can either make or break how you workout. That’s why I am sharing 15 top workout playlists on Apple Music right now and the best workouts to pair with them.

Pairing your workout with the right playlist can give you that extra boost you need to finish it strong. I mean … your post-breakup playlist might not be ideal for your HIIT workout.

Don’t just take my word for it. There is actual science behind how music can help your brain to make your workout better. Tapping into the potential music has can change the way you attack your workout, but it is difficult to know where to start.

Let me make it a bit easier on you.

TOP POP WORKOUT PLAYLISTS ON APPLE MUSIC AND THE BEST WORKOUTS

I have hand-picked these 15 top workout playlists on Apple Music AND the best workouts that you can pair them with to get started. Each one is selected to get the most out of not only your playlist selection, but the workout itself.

From pop, rock, hip-hop and more, there is something for everyone in these playlists. Not only that, but there is something for everyone in the workout as well. Find your perfect workout and playlist match!

#1: Pop Workout

I love this one because it doesn’t just have all the hits of today. They put some throwbacks in there and add some remixes in. This playlist keeps a great beat and helps you keep tempo for a faster paced workout.

I picked this workout to pair because this playlist has a great tempo to run to. It can help you keep moving because there is rarely a lull in the beats. This allows you to smoothly hop from the treadmill to the hamstring work on the floor.

Favorite Song: “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back (NOTD Remix)” -Shawn Mendes

#2 Home Workout

I am obsessed with this playlist! Such a great mix of songs. Although it is a pop playlist, it doesn’t have the same steady beat like the last one. It just has a mix of great songs that will make you say “I love this song!”. This is a great playlist to listen to with friends as you workout, it doesn’t just have to be at home!

I paired it with this my go-to workout, because quite honestly this might become my new go-to playlist. They both have the same vibe to me. Familiar, but still challenging and holds your interest.

Favorite Song: “Beggin” -Maneskin

#3 Pure Motivation

This is a great “hits” playlist. It features a lot of top songs, but it also reaches back into the past. Honestly I heard a bunch of my personal favorites on there which is why it made my top 5 for the Pop section. If you like songs that are a bit more off the beaten path this playlist is not for you.

This one would pair well with just about any great workout. I chose this workout because both the workout and the playlist are full of good vibes! A glutes and triceps workout with this playlist will leave you smiling and a bit sore!

Favorite Song: “Astronaut in the Ocean” -Masked Wolf

#4 Good Vibes Ride

This playlist doesn’t have to just be for cycling, even though it is a great set of songs that has a couple of ups and downs. Perfect for a more low-key workout that focuses on feeling the right muscles and full range of motion in movements. Just like the title says, these pop songs are nothing but good vibes and smiles!

Like I said, this playlist is all about feeling good and feeling your movements. That’s why pairing it with a workout that focuses on stability on the Bosu Ball works great. You can let the happy vibes of this pop playlist be just background music as you hoan in on your muscle activation. All you need is a Bosu Ball and some dumbbells!

Favorite Song: “Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber

#5 Top 100 2021: Fitness

If you are a fan of today’s latest and greatest hits, this one is for you! A mix of both pop upbeat mixes and some of today’s hip hop hits, this one will be like working out to the songs on the radio without the commercials. It is such a great one to have on that will make you popular with all your workout buddies.

I chose this workout to pair with it because it is one you can do with a couple of friends and have this playlist blaring in the background. Th

Favorite Song: “Kings & Queens (MOTI Remix)” – Ava Max

TOP ROCK WORKOUT PLAYLISTS ON APPLE MUSIC AND THE BEST WORKOUTS

#6 WEEKEND WARRIORS

For those of you that are into those songs that only can be played at full volume this playlist is for you. A collection of hard rock that is sure to keep your heart rate up even when the workout doesn’t. This genre of music is perfect for lifting the heaviest of weights. Max out day here we come!

These exercises put together for a workout will help increase your back squat. Pair it with a rockin’ workout like this and you can set yourself to PR next workout!

Favorite Song: “Smooth Criminal” -Alien Ant Farm

#7 ROCK & REPS

A mix of hard and alternative rock, this playlist ranges from 70s to today’s music. This playlist will leave you on your toes and wondering what song will come next. This is not your typical workout playlist, but in the best way possible!

I paired this with a workout that you can do anywhere with a couple of weights and the right mindset. If you are anything like me, workouts from home can be a challenge to keep going mentally. The best cure for that is a great playlist! Use this Rock & Reps to keep going when those reps get tough.

Favorite Song: “Mr. Brightside” -The Killers

#8 ROCK HITS 1980s

What is more classic than some 80s rock? That electric guitar can power you through any tough workout.

Try these high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts to pair with your 80s hits! With beginner, intermediate and advanced versions, you can tailor them to your fitness level. And the rhythm of these songs will fuel your fast paced movements helping you break a sweat and crush your workout.

Favorite Song: “Back in Black” -ACDC

TOP HIP HOP WORKOUT PLAYLISTS ON APPLE MUSIC AND THE BEST WORKOUTS

#9 HIP HOP HIIT

I have been a HUGE fan of this one for my workouts lately. It has all the great qualities in a good playlist. Keeps a great beat, hard-hitting and pushes you when you need it the most. I may not be a fan of all of the lyrics used, but setting your app to play clean versions helps! Regardless, the hip-hop beats will give you that extra jerk forward to crush your workout.

A playlist that hits as hard as this one pairs perfectly with a workout that hits your legs hard. That’s why I chose this leg-crushing interval workout. Although this workout was done with a partner, the intensity doesn’t leave much room for chatting. This playlist will fill the silence with some great beats to finish your workout strong!

Favorite Song: “Whoopty” -CJ

#10 WEEKEND WORTHY

You know that feeling when you leave work on a Friday and are ready to go hang out with friends? This playlist just embodies that feeling. And there is nothing better than channeling that energy in your workout! This playlist has nothing but the latest hip hop hits that will guarantee to hype your workout up.

A workout that is as tough as an AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) requires a playlist that keeps energy up the whole time. AMRAPs are usually done in a time crunch and keep high intensity. That’s why I paired it with a high intensity playlist. These two just pair perfectly together.

Favorite Song: “What’s Next” -Drake

#11 #GYMFLOW

Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/gymflow/pl.ae7c5093e09e49bcb60ec2a1fa2eec24

The name doesn’t lie here. Want to get into a flow state in the gym? This playlist will do just that. If rap is your thing, this playlist will have everything you need to want to get into the gym now. Chalk-full of songs that fuel your adrenaline and bring intensity.

This lower body interval workout is just as intense as this playlist. Not for the faint of heart. All you need to do for this workout is get in the gym, pop your headphones in and crank the volume to 100.

Favorite Song: “Hot (feat. Gunna)” -Young Thug

TOP COUNTRY WORKOUT PLAYLISTS ON APPLE MUSIC AND THE BEST WORKOUTS

So maybe you’re not into the pop playlists and rock and rap go a bit too hard for you. I love a good country mix! But just because you like country doesn’t mean you don’t like a good sweat. Check out these great country playlists that give you backwoods vibes in the gym.

#12 COUNTRY RUN

Full of today’s great country hits, this playlist can not just fuel your run but can be a great addition to any workout.

I chose this workout because I really feel like they are on the same wavelength. Both fill can be enjoyed with friends and fill you with endorphins! What could be better than this combo?

Favorite Song: “Drunk (And I Don’t Want to Go Home)” -Elle King & Miranda Lambert

#13 COUNTRY CAFFEINE

The last playlist might have been a little bit slow for you. Let’s add a dash of what gives all of us a bit more energy, caffeine! This country playlist just adds a little bit of pep in your boot-walking step.

Try out this 30 minute total body workout with this playlist! The workout is challenging but doesn’t require someone yelling in your ear in a song. You can get where you need to go mentally and physically with a bit of country caffeine!

Favorite Song: “Almost Maybes” -Jordan Davis

TOP CHILL WORKOUT PLAYLISTS ON APPLE MUSIC AND THE BEST WORKOUTS

Not every workout is run at full speed, lift the heaviest weight or push to the point of exhaustion. For those days when you need to get moving or you have a pilates or yoga workout, chill playlists might be more on your vibe. Check out these playlists that keep it mellow.

#14 TODAY’S EASY HITS

I am a sucker for some chill songs. I love good lyrics paired with a soothing melody. This playlist has just that. Don’t let it fool you, it still brings some great music that is on today’s top hits. Perfect for the days when your workout is focused on the movements.

My mind immediately went to this core and mobility workout when I thought of this playlist. The workout is all about doing full range of motion on your movements and feeling your core. Feel the music, feel your core and get moving!

#15 EASY HITS

If your music taste ranges beyond the 2020s, this playlist keeps it mellow but brings in some throwbacks. From Earth, Wind & Fire to Adele to Aretha Franklin, there is something for everyone here. Throwing this one on shuffle will keeping you guessing as to who you will hear next, but always will bring the good vibes.

I paired this playlist with a pilates-inspired workout that will leave you feeling strong, yet still flexible. With focuses on core and hip mobility, this 30 minute workout is a great way to get moving all from the comfort of your yoga mat.

FIND YOUR SOUND

Whether you are into hard core rock or soft indie, Apple Music has playlists for you and whatever movement you are tackling today. These 15 playlists can fuel your workout to take it to new heights. Try these other tips for using the power of music to change your exercise routine.

–Annie

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Most Used Gym Equipment

by Chellie

Have you ever wondered what fitness equipment you really need? I am here to tell you the most used fitness equipment in our gym. These six items are used most often when working with clients and working out ourselves.

After each piece of equipment I give you a little background on why it is one of the most used fitness equipment pieces and how you can start using it.

If you have questions about the equipment or if you are considering buying it send a message or comment below. I am happy to provide more information when needed.

This post contains affiliate links, which means we make a commission if you purchase using these links at no cost to you.

Most Used Fitness Equipment As A Personal Trainer

MOST USED GYM EQUIPMEN

BOSU Ball

NERD ALERT – As a personal trainer the BOSU Ball is one of our most used fitness equipment pieces because it provides us the ability to open chain versus close chain. Something that should be included in programming, but often forgotten.

We also love the BOSU Ball from a position of balance and stability. We use this piece of most used fitness equipment with all ages and skill level. In very few circumstances do we find the BOSU ball obsolete.

That might mean nothing to you. So let me tell you why our clients like the BOSU Ball.

Our clients enjoy using the BOSU Ball because it is an added challenge to their workouts and/or it adds variety to what they have been doing. It is a simple way for us to change up the workout for our client and maintain a well balanced program.

If you are just starting out with a BOSU Ball we suggest that you use a stick for balance and start off with just body weight. Be prepared, your body will shake. But in time it will get better. That shaking is a result of your muscles firing rapidly learning how to stabilize on an unstable surface.

Read about how to use a bosu ball.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR BOSU BALL ON AMAZON

Yoga Mat

I think this one is pretty straight forward. Everyone should have a yoga mat for comfort. You can take that a step forward and say that a yoga mat can help performance.

You are probably thinking that makes no sense, but hear me out.

For activities like yoga, Pilates and mobility a mat can actually improve your performance. Good quality mats are designed to give you traction and comfort without sacrificing your balance and stability.

This yoga mat is our favorite mat because it does just that. It is also easy to clean and DOES NOT fall apart. I strongly dislike a crumbly yoga mat. Keep in mind, these awesome benefits are reflected in the price.

If you want to learn more about Pilates take a look at this article Pilates: What Is it? Should I be Doing it?

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR YOGA MAT ON AMAZON

Foam Roller

If you haven’t gotten on a foam roller yet I would stop reading now and go do it. Regardless of if you are a 5 day a week exerciser or if you are just starting. A foam roller will be one of your most used fitness equipment pieces.

One thing to consider is density. Foam rollers are sold in different density and sizes. I favor a medium to hard density because I am accustomed to foam roller and I am willing to suffer through the discomfort to get the results I want. I generally start my clients on a low density and move them up.

Remember I say that because I have a variety of foam rollers in different sizes and density. It is easy for me to offer variety. For my clients looking to buy for their home I suggest medium density. So I would point you in that direction too, but don’t come at me if it hurts!

I mentioned size. Well I like the longer foam rollers because I find them more functional for chest stretching. Which is one of my favorites. Take that for what it is – no size is perfect. But the longer length certainly gives you more versatility.

You can read more about my most used equipment for recovery in 5 Best Exercise Recovery Tools.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR FOAM ROLLER ON AMAZON

Dumbbells – number 1 most used gym equipment

You need resistance when working out. Yes, you can use body weight. But if you really want to get some adaptations and results you need resistance. The most used gym equipment for resistance is hands down dumbbells. A close second would be a cable machine. But for the sake of space, budget and realism dumbbells win.

Dumbbells are so versatile in terms of what you can do with them, but they also offer so much from a programming perspective. You can work uni-lateral or bi-lateral. You can work in varies planes of motion (sagittal, transverse, frontal) and muscle contractions (eccentric, concentric, isometric).

Do you need to know how to use dumbbells?

Well, not to be too frank, but you just add them in. If you are doing body weight squats, try holding a dumbbell. Lunges? Same thing.

Are you doing push-ups for your chest? With dumbbells you can do chest press and vary angles, reps and duration.

All my talk about programming is above what you need to know to get moving! If you crave that level of knowledge or intention in your workouts send me a message 🙂

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR DUMBBELLS ON AMAZON

Hip Circle – favorite most used gym equipment

This is our standard piece of equipment. Not a workout goes by that I don’t use it for myself. And rarely is there a reason not to use it with a client.

That being said it is used for muscle activation and increasing stability. It will not replace resistance training to gain strength, size and improve performance.

Our clients love the hip circle because they can instantly feel it working. They hate the hip circle because they can instantly feel it working. 🙂

In all seriousness, the hip circle is the perfect piece of equipment for warm-ups and for travel. It effectively targets the stabilizing muscles of your hips getting them ready for action on dynamic movements or under heavy work loads.

The hip circle is also very small and light weight making it easy to travel with. It can also serve as a substitute for heavy resistance when traveling and still give you a hard workout.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR HIP CIRCLE ON AMAZON

TRX

The foundation of a good training program and really feeling good in general is range of motion and stability. The TRX is incredible for working on both of those areas no matter your fitness level.

I love to use the TRX with clients orthopedic limitations as a means to de-load movement and with high level athletes to challenge their stability and more importantly stability through a large range of motion.

Here is my only thought on a drawback – space. I love the TRX in my gym because I can use it in all directions including directly below. For many home exercisers you use the TRX with a closed door. Which can limit how far under the TRX you can get for exercises like rowing, planks and fall outs.

Read about training with a trx.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TRX ON AMAZON

Cheers,

Chellie

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HOW TO BUILD A FAIL-PROOF WORKOUT

by Annie Rasmussen

What if I told you that your workout didn’t have to include a 20 minute drive to the gym. It didn’t require you to block off an hour and a half of your day just to feel like you did something. It didn’t require you to toss out all of your responsibilities. What if I told you your workout could be fail-proof.

This is not a guarantee that you will never skip a workout again, or that other things might take priority once and awhile. I am also not saying that you should NEVER go to the gym because you have this fail-proof safety net. BUT I am saying that the more you set yourself up to be successful the more success you will have in getting in daily movement.

TIPS FOR KEEPING THE WORKOUT FAIL-PROOF

Set your expectations

If you think that every time you workout you should not be able to move afterward, you are only setting yourself up for failure. Even as a personal trainer, there are days that I just need to keep my body moving, not push for a 1 rep max in back squat or total exhaustion.

Life happens and you might feel a bit under the weather that day. Or your kid didn’t allow you to get sleep the night before. Or work asks you to put in overtime that night. If you have the expectation that everyday is a physical max-out day, you’ll only be disappointed when things like this get in the way.

Set yourself up for success! Remind yourself that getting movement in your day is better than nothing. Instead of giving up your workout completely, having a fail-proof workout in your back pocket will still allow you to feel accomplished.

It also helps to put on something that preps you to workout. Here my easy transition from house work to working out:

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A lot of people love a leggings and tank top combo, but I am the EXACT opposite. I hate being restricted in leggings when I work out, but I love being cozy in a long sleeve. Here’s my favorite combo for those spring days when its too hot for pants, but too cold for a tank!

Also, check out my new Allbirds! This shoe has been great for walks, workouts, and being on my feet all day. I am obsessed with the design and love that they are made out of recycled materials!

Some of the links below are commissionable. That means I may make a commission when you use them. There is no cost to you and your support is appreciated!

Shop the Look

Shirt: Original from Gap, Lookalike
Shorts: Original from UnderArmor, Lookalike
Sunglasses
Shoes
Waterbottle

Keep it simple!!

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The less equipment, traveling, and set-up you have to do for your fail-proof workout the better! If it is going to require you to set up an entire station than it will just give you another excuse not to do it. If you can grab a change of clothes and have no equipment you can just get up and go!

I shared my go to gym workout in this article. Maybe you will love it too!

Also, pick exercises that you have done before and are familiar with. This will allow you to flow through the workout without having to pause to look up form and wonder if you are doing everything correctly. The more you know and enjoy the exercises you pick, the more likely you are to follow through with your workout.

Pick the right time of day

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This one may seem counterintuitive, but finding the time of day where you are at your best is a large part of getting yourself to do your workout. If you are not an early riser, don’t force yourself to get up at 5 am. You will only end up disappointed in yourself that you hit snooze. If you know you get lethargic after lunch, don’t try and squeeze in a workout in the early afternoon. Find times that fit into your lifestyle!

I am not saying you should never try and change your habits, but we are looking to be successful in our fitness journey! And this means setting realistic goals. Life, as well as workout routines, are never going to be as perfect as we want them to be. So pick the time of day where you know you have a bit of extra time and energy to get after your workout.

Discover technique tips to get the most out of your workout.

WHAT TO DO

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I had mentioned picking exercises that are familiar, require little to no equipment and that you tend to enjoy. This is going to be your recipe card for building a fail-proof workout. I am not going to leave you out to dry here. I want to show you what I include in my fail-proof workout for a busy day!

To start the workout, I am going to offer up a bit of advice. Start your workout with a 5 to 10 minute walk. Why? My number one reasoning would be to get away from your work (either your job or your chores). I find that physically stepping outside or even to a treadmill can help you mentally step away from the task at hand. Plus, it allows you to warm up your muscles to get ready to workout.

*If it is middle of winter and you don’t have a treadmill, just try some active mobility to start. You can learn how to use the TRX for mobility here.

WORKOUT

Now when it comes to exercise selection, I have put together a group of exercises that are all body weight and can pretty much be done anywhere. They are going to be higher rep to challenge yourself and get your heart rate up more. I tend to lose focus quickly in a workout so I like to keep things fresh by doing a quick superset and moving on.

WRAPPING IT UP

Just a reminder that this workout is custom built for me. It is important to customize your own fail-proof workout that will without a doubt get you going. Try starting with mine, see what you like and add or modify for next time. And be sure to add a cool down of stretching those problem areas for you.

Do you plan out every single part of your day? Do you keep a detailed, color-coded planner? Do you wake up in the morning and immediately start making a to-do list? If you are anything like me, then all of the answers to these questions are yes. And workouts are no exception to this planning process.

The great part about this is that you know exactly how much time it will take so that you can have that in your back pocket for a busy day!

Oh, and if you are wondering, yes I am an Enneagram 6. And if you don’t know you can find out more about enneagram types and your workouts here. Now, go build your fail proof workout!

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HOW I GET MY CARDIO TRAINING EVERY WEEK

by Jane Krueger

When I say cardio, what do you think of? Increased heart rate through running, biking or hopping on the elliptical for long periods of time. Right? But that doesn’t have to be the only way to get cardio.

If you are anything like me, you also have a strong hatred for long distance endurance activities. I get bored and I often quit early. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t include cardio in to my weekly workouts.

I love cardio. I love getting my heart rate up, getting a good sweat, and for me cardio is a great stress relief. I have figured out what type of cardio works for me and hopefully through this article and trial and error, you will too!

THE SCIENCE BEHIND CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS

Cardio at its simplest is really just increasing you heart rate to test your cardiovascular system. Over time with consistenc cardiovascular training your cardiovascular health will increase. It will take less oxygen for your heart and muscles to work.

Increased cardiovascular health can help to lower high blood pressure, decrease resting heart rate which both decrease stress on the heart. Other possible benefits of increased cardiovascular fitness include better sleep, increase immune system, decreased risk of heart disease, and an increase in weight regulation.

CARDIO AND RESISTANCE TRAINING

One of my favorite ways to incorporate cardio into my workout is intervals. In the summer I love to alternate sets of resistance training and sprints outside. Our gym has a great set up for this, but if you don’t have access to outdoor space or its to cold outside, hop on the treadmill. I like to do two minutes on the treadmill between resistance training. Increasing my speed every 30 seconds.

I know that there has been some controversy on whether cardio and resistance training can be combined. The real answer is it depends on your goals. If you are training for general health and strength, then absolutely! But if you are a powerlifter training for a meet, you probably shouldn’t be running miles at a time. But sprints could possibly be incorporated. I say that because of the different muscle fiber types used.

There are two types of skeletal muscle fiber types in our bodies, fast-twitch and slow-twitch. Fast-twitch muscle fibers are used in sprints and fast power movements. Slow-twitch muscle fibers are used in long distance or endurance activities. It can be beneficial to combine multiple exercise that use the same muscle fiber type.

In high school I was in powerlifting in the winter season and track and field in the spring season. These seasons over lapped and I was lifting and sprinting at the same time. But it did not have any adverse effects on my performance because the activities used the same muscle fiber type. If anything it was a welcomed change for me!

And I should mention that if you are training for health and wellness and not concerned about performance, there is no harm in mixing muscle types.

MY TOP 3 FAVORITE WAYS TO INCORPORATE CARDIO

Outdoor sprints. I already mentioned this one, but honestly it hits all the bases for me. I get outside, I am exhausted doing them and I get to compete to match to beat each sprint.
High reps & low weight. Okay hear me out, find a local high school with a track, I’m guess it is open to the public, at least on the weekends. You combine 1 and 2. Do a set of core, lower, and upper body exercises and end with a sprint. Repeat that 5 times and you have a great full body workout! But you spend an hour outside and got a little vitamin D (don’t forget your sunscreen). And if you not feeling the outdoor workout thats fine too! Grab some 5 or 10 pound dumbbells and check out this blog for at home workouts. Some of my favorite cardio exercises are burpees, split squats (pulses or jumps) squat jumps, jump rope or Mt. Climbers
Incline walking. This is as great way to increase your heart rate but its still low impact. Plus there is the extra bonus and you can watch your favorite tv shows while doing it without bobbing up and down too much like you would while running. Incline walking is my go to if I know I should workout but I really don’t want to. It’s mindless, but still gets your body moving.

TRACKING CARDIO

Most people have a smart watch that can track their exercise, heart rate, steps, and so much more. If you don’t have one, but you want to track your heart rate, take your age minus 220. That is your MAX heart rate.

Now take that number and multiply it by 0.5, 0.7 and 0.85 separately. That will tell you 50%, 70% and 85% of your max heart rate. 50% to 70% of MAX heart rate is considered moderate exercise intensity and 70% to 85% is considered vigorous exercise intensity.

Now that you know those values you can measure your heart rate during exercise by finding your pulse on your wrist and counting the beats for 30 seconds. Multiply that by two and you have your heart rate in beats per minute!

IMPORTANCE OF GETTING OUTSIDE

Everyone has heard that you should get at least 10,000 steps a day right? For me thats about 5 miles a day and pretty do-able because I am on my feet most of the day and in general an active person. But for someone who works from their desk that might not be as easily done.

Since the pandemic, research about getting outside as become increasingly more popular and applicable to everyday life. This means that getting outside for two hours a day, away from cars and concrete, may become the next 10,000 steps.

Like exercise, being outside has a tremendous amount of benefits. Some being increased energy and mood, boosted immune system, can enhance creativity, and so many more! Try getting outside on your lunch break, take a walk after dinner with your family, or do an outdoor workout (like below!)

Grinder Salad Recipe

I think this recipe exploded the internet last summer and since then my girl friend and I have been tweaking and perfecting the recipe that we now consider the source of truth for all Grinder Salad to come.. Some of it might be the exact ingredients or maybe it is the...

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Barre: What is it the fitness trend and is it worth it?

by Annie Rasmussen

I grew up in a family of dancers. Taking dance lessons until the time I was 8 years old and I’d be lying if I said I still don’t love to dance around from time to time. I think this is the case for a lot of people. Dance is something most people really enjoy letting out some energy with. This is why the popularity of Barre classes have skyrocketed. But is Barre just another fitness trend?

Many people who have a background in dance are looking for that same structure and technique that they are accustomed to with dance classes. Even for those who don’t have a dance background, think dancing is fun. And they are right, it can be a great way to change up your workout routine!

WHAT IS BARRE?

I think many of us have a very vague idea of what Barre is. This was actually started in the 1930s, when Lotte Berk brought it to the public. She was a modern dancer for the time and wanted to bring this kind of exercises that emphasized isometric movements and control for the general public. Many of her dancers at the time had already experienced this, but she wanted to make it widespread so that people of all ability levels could try it.

For today’s world, the class has strayed from a traditional ballet class and has pulled from other popular methods of exercise such as Pilates and Yoga. Making Barre a hybrid fitness trend.

Learn about pilates.

The workouts provided in Barre classes are a challenge. If you have ever seen a ballet or been in a ballet class, you know just how difficult the technique and bodily demands can be. Don’t let this scare you off. The classes are much more tailored to help beginners ease their way into each exercise.

A typical Barre class is set up is by going through each muscle group and burning it out using a series of low impact, but high repetition, exercises. In addition to this muscular endurance work, the class also works in some flexibility training as well.

The important thing to know here that it is not a ballet class. You do not have to be a trained dancer to try it and it is just like starting any other fitness class out there. You will be guided by an instructor the entire time and will get the group workout atmosphere.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BARRE?

You may be still wondering why on earth you would do this if you have no background in dance and are just looking for a new workout. There are actually many benefits to doing a workout of this type. Similar to Pilates, this type of workout is going to be mentally engaging as well.

Also placing a big focus on technique, you will have to be heavily concentrated on the task at hand. This may be just the workout you need to get that mental break from your day job.

Barre classes are also a great way to form a community around your workout routine. If you hate working out alone, this might be a great thing for you to try. You can bring along your friends or make new ones a the class.

Not only will Barre be a place for you to bond, but you will have an accountability aspect.

The benefits are not all mental, there are a lot of physical benefits to doing a Barre workout as well. This is another fitness trend that places a large focus on training the core. The benefits associated to Barre are numerous, but perhaps two of the most important are improved posture and balance.

WHAT ARE THE DOWNFALLS OF BARRE AS A FITNESS TREND?

If you have read any of our other fitness trend articles, the drawbacks of Barre might not surprise you.

As we have discussed in previous posts about fitness trends, the improvements in strength from Barre are limited to the weights and reps you use. Because it is often bodyweight or low weight, you are limiting yourself to the muscular endurance phase. There will be limits to how much strength you can build through this kind of workout.

It may not get you to your goals. Similar to a lot of other exercise classes, they are only working in one lane. You are not able to vary your workouts or what phase you are working in because you are confined to the selection of the instructor. This is fine if this is built in to a well-rounded program with cardio and strength, but it is something to consider when planning your week of workouts.

There is little-to no challenge for your heart rate. I am not saying that every workout has to get to the peak of your VO2 Max. However, this does need to be built into your exercise routine in order to improve your cardiovascular health in the long run.

Grinder Salad Recipe

I think this recipe exploded the internet last summer and since then my girl friend and I have been tweaking and perfecting the recipe that we now consider the source of truth for all Grinder Salad to come.. Some of it might be the exact ingredients or maybe it is the...

How Personal Trainers Can Achieve Financial Independence

Achieving financial independence as a personal trainer isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. A well-structured business model can be the difference between financial instability and consistent income growth. In this blog, we’ll explore how to...

5 Hacks to Grow Your Fitness Business

For personal trainers, time is often the most valuable yet limited resource. Balancing client sessions, marketing tasks, and business growth can feel overwhelming, leaving little room to focus on growing your reputation and scaling your business. The good news? With...

« Older Entries

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