Cardio Barre
May 12th, 2009 § 2 Comments
Let me start out by saying that I realize I’ve already reviewed the Cardio Barre Beginner workout…I think that it’s a workout that builds on itself. They aren’t kidding when they tell your to get this workout down before you move on the the next. The last time I did this workout (which, incidentally was the first time I’d done it), I wasn’t quite sure what was coming…. This time I had an idea of what I was in for…that being said…. I wish my workout space was larger. This workout really does benefit from being able to get a full arm’s length from the bar…but I don’t have 5’4″ of space in addition to my bar, so I had to modify some of the moves a little. The seat work really reminded me of bent-over seatwork from Fluidity, only really, really fast. I was a little more open to the counting this time…everything is done in 8-counts. So rather than counting reps you’re listening to the instructor count the beat. Once you’re used to it, it’s really not so bad. Now…the cardio segment was interesting. It’s done holding a light weight (I grabbed a 1 lb weight) and is basically standing ab work…yes, it’s done rediculously fast and does get your heart rate up, but the entire workout is done fairly rapidly…so why call this section “cardio”? Maybe because it’s because “stading abs” isn’t as appealing to cardio junkies…who knows. Regardless, it’s different from other barre workouts, which is good. I like variety. I also feel it’s worth mentioning that the abs segment is nothing terribly special. It’s typical crunches, obliques and a few variations on the bicycle. After abs and some inner/outer thigh work, we get to stretch! YAY! I was a little bummed that my flexibility still leaves quite a bit to be desired…but that’s my problem, not the workouts. I honestly don’t know how I feel about this workout yet. I think it will take a few more times before I can truly decide if it’s worth it…then again…I have to do it a few more times so that I can do the other 5 Cardio Barre workouts that I have (Intermediate, Advanced, and the 3 workouts on the advanced-Advanced workout DVD).
I am glad someone out there has made mention of Tracy Anderson and Cardio Barre. I love the TAM but am afraid overtime, I may get real tired of the 1980′s high impact cardio stuff. I love doing all 3 of her dvd’s but i just know I am going to slack on the cardio due to the way my knees and feet feel after 4 or 5 combinations ( i just know i’ll never make all 8!). I have ordered Cardio Barre and am excited to see how much i sweat! I’m glad to read you have done most all of the barre type workouts.. i likewise have and love them all… but Fluidity and TAM are prob. my faves, not to mention TBM, LBM, Sqeeze and Callanetics- it prob. won’t be long before someone comes along and melts all these into another one… (i’m sure you know that’s what most everyone has done- heck Callan Pinkney got her mojo from Lotte… so it’s an ongoing battle of the barre’s) I would love for someone to start a forum where we discuss all these diff workouts in length.
I guess my main question is this… I think TAM has got us little bit paranoid when she says… ‘don’t do anything else’…. that’s got to be such a marketing line.. because it’s actually working on me! I’m afraid to do anything else! It took your website for me to see it’s ok! Sooo how do you think they work together??? (TAM and Cardio Barre)
Thanks for your input…
another happy barre fly!
Brenda N.
Brenda,
I think that they actually compliment each other TREMENDOUSLY! I think that you’re definitely right about TAM being a bit paranoid…but then again, most workout systems are like that
I find that variety keeps me going AND keeps me from quitting! If you love Squeeze, you should check out my website (I’ve moved the blog over there): http://www.breagettingfit.com! For the contest, go here: http://breagettingfit.com/2009/06/21/squeeze-yourself-stronger-giveaway/!! Hope to see you over there! I’m also on FACEBOOK: breagettingfit 
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