Heartcore Studios, one of London’s premier fitness boutiques, has recently launched their new barre class across its 7 London studios and with promises of getting you a “Natural Corset Effect” body, we had to jump on the bandwagon!
Nabbing a spot in one of these classes is not an easy feat and it’s not surprising with Jess Schuring, founder of Heartcore, having a fan base that includes Robert Downey Jr. and Elle Macpherson! Spots in all their classes tend to get filled up within hours of going online, and after experiencing one of these sessions, we can see why!
The barre classes are a fusion of ballet and Pilates, with a focus on using a ballet bar for many of the movements involved. The class works on a sequence of motions that focus on each part of the body, straining every muscle fibre until you want to scream! Starting with a warm up which really breaks a sweat, the class moves from floor to bar work, using hand weights, resistance balls and your own body weight.
The movements and positions range in difficulty and style, and one of our favourites was what can only be described as a dog peeing on a fireman’s pose! Holding onto the bar, a resistance ball is placed in between the bent thigh and calf, and the leg is made to pulse in different directions. The burn was worth the pain and this can be felt in muscles you didn’t even know existed!
The class is performed alongside a fun playlist of inspirational beats, and the vibe of the class is great – there is no aggressive competition here, everyone is integrated and motivating each other. Our Monday blues were picked up even further by the wonderful and gregarious teacher Natalie. We commend anyone who is able to manage a smile and another 5 pulses out of a whole class, even when we feel our legs might drop off that second!
The studios themselves are gorgeous and set a tranquil ambiance, candles are spotted around and the changing rooms are equipped with straightners, body products and all those little bits and pieces us girls need!
After the class you can grab yourself an Isotonic charcoal water which pledges to draw out antioxidants lingering after your class (as if you didn’t sweat the out already!) and replenish your blood sugar levels.
Heartcore also offers Dynamic Reformer Pilates, Kettlebells and TRX classes, a workout combination of these three is guaranteed to get you that summer body in weeks! That feeling of a perky bum is truly addictive, and we will certainly be going back for more!
Classes start at £20 per 55 minute class, and studios include locations in Chelsea, Notting Hill, Hampstead, Park Lane and The City.