Introduction
Lululemon has long been known for their quality yoga apparel that allows free range of movement. But recently it seems their attention may be turning to the popular barre workout as well. I’ll explore what barre is, reasons why Lululemon might be looking in this direction, and the potential benefits we could see as enthusiasts of holistic fitness practices.
What is Barre?
Barre is a low impact workout that mixes elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates. The focus is on small, controlled movements to tone and strengthen muscles throughout the body. Exercises are done while holding on to a ballet barre or chair for balance and support. A typical barre class incorporates:
- Planks
- Squats
- Lunges
- Leg lifts
The concentration required to stabilize the body helps improve coordination, balance, and posture over time. Classes are set to upbeat music to keep students engaged and having fun while they tone!
Why the Interest from Lululemon?
Barre has been growing in popularity over the last decade. Boutique barre studios seem to be popping up everywhere these days. Athleisure brands like Lululemon likely want to capitalize on this trend. Barre also closely aligns with the mindful movement and holistic living ethos many of their customers embrace.
Creating apparel tailored to barre makes good business sense if they want to expand their market. Tighter fitting clothing that allows teachers to see student alignment would be useful. They may also design grippy socks for stability during balancing exercises.
Potential Benefits
If Lululemon uses their innovation to enhance the barre experience, it could be a win for both the brand and barre practitioners. Thoughtfully designed clothing could improve comfort and range of motion. It may also inspire more people to give barre a try once they realize they can wear Lululemon outfits they already own.
The Bottom Line
While Lululemon made its name in yoga apparel, expanding into the barre fitness realm could be smart business as it continues growing. Leveraging customer loyalty and technical clothing expertise could help secure their dominance in outfitting holistic workouts for years to come.
FAQ
What is barre?
Barre is a low-impact workout class combining ballet inspired moves with elements of pilates for full body toning. Exercises are done while holding on to a barre for balance.
How is barre different than yoga?
Barre focuses more on small, controlled leg movements and core engagement than the flowing sequences you see in yoga. The pace also tends to be faster to keep your heart rate elevated.
What should you wear to a barre class?
Form-fitting athletic wear like leggings, shorts, tank tops or light jackets are best for barre. Grippy socks help prevent slips. Dance shoes can be worn but are optional.
Who is barre for?
Barre is suitable for most ages and fitness levels! Modifications allow those new to fitness to take it easy while more advanced students can increase intensity.
What results can you expect from barre?
Regular barre classes help build core strength, balance, endurance, and muscle tone throughout the lower body. Most students report improvements in posture, coordination, and mind-body awareness as well.
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