Barre Pilates combines the graceful movements of ballet at the barre with the core-strengthening principles of Pilates. This hybrid training method offers an effective full-body workout that improves balance, flexibility, and muscle strength—perfect for studios looking to expand their offerings.
In recent years, Barre Pilates has established itself as a permanent fixture in the fitness world. This training method offers exciting opportunities for studio owners and gyms: you can maximize your existing space and equipment, attract new target audiences, and diversify your class schedule without making major investments.
What exactly is Barre Pilates?
Barre Pilates is a fusion of classic ballet barre exercises and the controlled, deliberate movements characteristic of Pilates. During a class, you work with small, precise movements that isolate and strengthen specific muscle groups. The difference from regular Pilates or a pure barre class lies in the combination: you use both the barre (a bar similar to a ballet barre) and Pilates principles such as breathing techniques, core activation, and fluid movement.
The workout focuses primarily on the deep stabilizing muscles, such as your core, pelvis, and shoulders. The isometric contractions (where you hold your muscles tense without moving) and the small range of motion create an intense muscle burn, resulting in strong, defined muscles without bulk. It's this combination of strength and grace that makes Barre Pilates so appealing to a wide audience.
A typical Barre Pilates class lasts between 45 and 60 minutes and consists of several segments. You usually begin with a warm-up using the barre for balance and support. This is followed by arm and upper body exercises, often with light hand weights. The middle section of the class focuses on working your legs and glutes at the barre—this is where those famous pulses and holds come into play. Finally, you'll work your core on the mat with classic Pilates exercises and finish with a cool-down with stretching exercises.
The Benefits of Barre Pilates for Your Clients
What makes Barre Pilates so popular? First, it's accessible. You don't need any ballet experience to participate, and the low impact makes it suitable for almost everyone—from pregnant women to seniors and people recovering from injuries. Yet, it's certainly not an easy workout. The combination of strength and endurance provides a challenge, even for experienced athletes.
The results are noticeable and visible. Participants build lean, strong muscles without bulk. They improve their posture, which is especially appealing to people who spend a lot of time at a desk. The focus on core stability has a positive effect on back pain. Flexibility also improves, which supports injury prevention. And importantly, many people simply enjoy it. The musical accompaniment, the variety of movements, and the sense of grace make it an enjoyable experience.
For studio owners, it's interesting that Barre Pilates appeals to a different demographic than classical Pilates. Those intimidated by Reformers or seeking more variety are often drawn to Barre. It's also popular with former dancers who recognize the ballet elements, as well as complete beginners curious about this trend-driven training method.
What equipment do you need?
The beauty of Barre Pilates is that you can start with relatively few resources. The barre itself is, of course, essential. You can choose between a freestanding barre or a wall-mounted one. For studios with fixed classrooms, a wall-mounted barre is often the most space-efficient option. If you want flexibility in your studio layout, movable barres are more practical.
For individual lessons or smaller groups, the Elina Pilates Ballet Barre is an excellent choice. This freestanding barre is stable, adjustable in height, and takes up minimal space. Perfect if you're looking to slowly introduce Barre classes or complement your existing Pilates program.
For larger group classes, a double barre is a better choice. The Elina Pilates Double Ballet Barre offers two adjustable heights, allowing multiple participants to work on both sides simultaneously. This maximizes your space and increases the capacity of your classes.
For studios truly committed to a full Barre program, the Double Group Ballet Barre is ideal. At 3 meters long, it allows multiple people to perform exercises simultaneously, making it perfect for group classes of 8 to 12 participants.
Besides the barre itself, you'll need some small accessories. Light hand weights of 0.5 to 2 kilos are standard, as are small balls (about 20-25 cm in diameter) for core work and resistance bands for an extra challenge. Pilates mats are used for floor work. The good news: if you already run a Pilates studio, you probably already have these at home.
Combining Barre Pilates with Reformer Training
One of the biggest advantages of Barre Pilates is how seamlessly it integrates with your existing Pilates program. You can even combine Reformer exercises with barre elements for a hybrid class that offers the best of both worlds. Many studios, for example, offer 30 minutes of Reformer work followed by 30 minutes of barre training. This combination appeals to a wide audience and maximizes your studio occupancy.
The Elite Reformer from Elina Pilates, for example, is perfect for these kinds of hybrid classes. Its stackable design allows you to quickly move Reformers aside when you need space for barre work. This is a huge advantage for smaller studios or multi-purpose spaces.
Another popular option is offering "Barre to Core" classes, where you start with 40 minutes of barre work and finish with 20 minutes of intense core work on the Reformer. The Nubium Reformer , with its sleek design and quiet motion, is ideal for this kind of seamless transition between different workouts.
Implementing Barre Pilates in Your Studio: Practical Steps
If you're considering adding Barre Pilates to your offerings, it's wise to approach it strategically. Start with market research: is there demand for this type of class in your area? Consider what competitors offer and where there might be gaps in the market. Many studios find that Barre Pilates is particularly popular with the 25- to 45-year-old demographic, often women looking for an effective yet low-impact workout.
Invest in a certified Barre instructor or have one of your existing Pilates teachers become Barre certified. Various training programs are available, both online and in-person. A good instructor understands both the anatomy and choreography of Barre and can create classes that are challenging yet accessible.
Start small. You don't have to set up a full-fledged Barre studio right away. Start with one or two classes per week during quieter times in your schedule. This gives you the chance to test what works and adjust your offerings based on feedback. Many studios schedule Barre classes early in the morning or on weekends, for example, when Reformer classes are often less popular.
Marketing is crucial. Leverage social media - Barre Pilates is visually appealing and lends itself perfectly to Instagram and TikTok. Offer discounted introductory classes to attract new clients. Also consider package deals where clients can switch between Reformer and Barre classes. This increases loyalty to your studio and prevents boredom.
Space layout and studio design
One of the challenges of adding a barre to your studio is the space layout. Ideally, you'll have enough wall space for mounted barres, but that's not always feasible. Freestanding barres offer flexibility: you can set them up when you need them and store them away when you're using the space for Reformer classes.
Allow for a barre approximately 1 meter wide per participant. Ideally, for a group of 10 people, you'll need 10 meters of barre space, divided across multiple bars. In practice, you can solve this by having participants work in shifts at the barre, or by using double bars where people can stand on either side.
Consider the flooring as well. For a barre, you'll ideally want a sprung wooden floor that's shock-absorbing, similar to a dance floor. This protects your clients' joints and creates a professional look. If you don't already have a wooden floor, there are also high-quality vinyl options that mimic the feel of wood and are easier to maintain.
Mirrors are important for Barre Pilates. Participants want to be able to check their posture and execute small movements correctly. If you already have a Pilates studio, you probably already have mirrors, but check that they are at the right height for standing work at the barre.
Financial considerations
Let's be honest: as a studio owner, you want to know if an investment in Barre Pilates will pay off. The good news is that the initial investment is relatively low compared to reformers. A good barre costs between €100 and €250, depending on the model and length. Small accessories like weights and balls cost another few hundred euros.
The ROI can be positive quickly. Suppose you invest €2,500 in bars and accessories. You offer four Barre classes per week with an average of 8 participants for €25 per class. That's €800 per week, or over €3,200 per month (based on a 4-week program). Minus instructor fees and overhead, you'll recoup your investment within a few months.
Additionally, you can charge premium rates for hybrid classes that combine both Reformer and Barre. Many studios charge €35 to €45 for a 60-minute hybrid session, which can generate significant additional revenue. Package deals like "10 Barre + 10 Reformer classes for €350" are also effective in retaining clients and increasing average revenue per client.
Don't forget that Barre classes also keep your existing clients engaged with your studio for longer. Variety in your classes reduces dropouts and increases client satisfaction. Clients who do both Reformer and Barre classes are more likely to visit your studio than those who only do Reformer.
The Future of Barre Pilates
Barre Pilates continues to evolve. We're seeing more and more innovative formats emerge, such as Barre HIIT, which adds cardio intervals to traditional Barre exercises, or Barre with resistance bands for added resistance. Some studios are experimenting with virtual Barre classes or on-demand videos to complement in-person classes.
Integration with technology is also increasing. Think of heart rate monitors that provide real-time feedback, or apps that allow participants to track their progress. For studios, this offers interesting opportunities to enrich the customer experience and differentiate themselves from competitors.
The trend toward hybrid studios that combine different disciplines continues to grow. Pilates studios are adding yoga, yoga studios are introducing barre, and traditional gyms are creating dedicated boutique spaces for mindful movement practices. Investing in barre now positions your studio for this future, where flexibility and diversity are key.
What professionals say about Barre Pilates
Studio owners who have added Barre to their offerings are generally positive. They've noticed it attracts a new group of clients who wouldn't normally be tempted to step foot in a Pilates studio. The social dynamic of group classes at the barre differs from Reformer classes and appeals to those who enjoy group workouts with energy and music.
Instructors appreciate the creativity that Barre Pilates offers. Unlike Reformer exercises, which are relatively standardized, Barre allows for endless variations with choreography and music. This keeps classes fresh and prevents instructors from getting stuck in routines. Moreover, instructors can more easily manage larger groups in Barre than in Reformer classes, which increases capacity.
Clients often say they see Barre Pilates as a complement to their Reformer workout. The Reformer focuses more on deep stabilization and controlled movements, while Barre is more dynamic and requires more endurance. Together, they offer a complete workout that covers all aspects of fitness.
Common Mistakes When Starting Barre
If you're considering introducing Barre Pilates, there are a few pitfalls you can avoid. First, don't underestimate the importance of a well-trained instructor. Barre may look simple, but it requires specific knowledge of alignment, anatomy, and progression. A poorly executed Barre class can lead to injuries and dissatisfied clients.
Second, be realistic about class sizes. It's tempting to cram as many people as possible into one class to maximize revenue, but this comes at the expense of quality. An instructor can realistically guide 10 to 12 people effectively at Barre. Any larger, and the personal attention disappears.
Third, don't forget the warm-up and cool-down. Barre Pilates can be intense for muscles unaccustomed to isometric contractions. A good 5- to 10-minute warm-up and a thorough stretch at the end are essential to prevent injuries and minimize muscle soreness.
Finally, communicate clearly about the level of your classes. If you label Barre classes as "suitable for everyone" when they're actually quite intense, you'll end up with frustrated beginners who won't return. Offer different levels or clearly indicate what fitness background is required.
Barre Pilates as part of a broader strategy
For many successful studios, Barre Pilates isn't a standalone product, but part of a broader wellness strategy. They combine it with nutritional counseling, mindfulness workshops, or prenatal/postnatal programs. This holistic approach attracts clients looking for more than just a workout.
Consider retail opportunities as well. Barre clients are often interested in stylish workout gear, grippy socks with anti-slip lugs (essential for Barre), or even light hand weights for home use. A small retail space in your studio can generate a nice additional revenue stream.
Partnerships with local businesses can also be valuable. Consider collaborations with healthy lunch bars, sportswear stores, or wellness centers. Cross-promotion helps expand your reach and positions your studio as part of a broader wellness ecosystem in your community.
Is Barre Pilates right for your studio?
Whether Barre Pilates is a good addition to your studio depends on several factors. If you already have a loyal client base that craves more variety, it's definitely worth considering. If you find your Reformers are underutilized during certain times, Barre can fill those gaps without a major investment.
It's also interesting if you want to attract a new audience. Barre often appeals to people who are intimidated by traditional gyms or fitness boot camps, but also afraid to take the plunge into machine-based Pilates. It's accessible to everyone, yet challenging in terms of intensity.
For smaller studios with limited space, Barre is ideal because it uses the same square footage as mat Pilates, but offers a completely different product. You maximize your space efficiency without having to renovate or purchase large equipment.
Ultimately, it's all about adding something that aligns with your vision and your target audience. If Barre aligns with your studio's identity and there's demand for it in your market, it can be a valuable addition that benefits both your clients and your bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions about Barre Pilates
How much does it cost to add Barre Pilates to my studio? The initial investment for Barre Pilates is between €1,000 and €3,000 for bars and small accessories. You should also expect instructor training costs of around €500 to €1,500. This investment is often recouped within 3 to 6 months.
Can I combine Barre with my existing Reformer classes? Yes, Barre and Reformer complement each other perfectly. Many studios offer hybrid classes that combine both disciplines. You can also schedule individual Barre classes in time slots when your Reformers are normally empty, for optimal space utilization.
How much space do I need for Barre classes? For a group of 10 people, you ideally need 50 to 60 square meters, with about 10 meters of barre space. With freestanding barres, you can use the same space you use for mat Pilates, making it very space-efficient.
Is Barre Pilates suitable for beginners? Absolutely! Barre Pilates is accessible and suitable for all levels. The exercises are adjustable in intensity, challenging both beginners and advanced practitioners. It's important that instructors clearly explain correct alignment.
What certifications do Barre instructors need? Specific certifications are available for Barre instructors from organizations such as Barre Intensity, The Bar Method, or Pure Barre. A background in Pilates or dance is helpful but not required. Expect to spend 20 to 40 hours training for full certification.
