You Barre, I Barre, Let’s All Barre: Hong Kong’s Best Barre Studios

Sculpting bodies to elongate your muscles, tone up and increase flexibility, Barre classes have been on trend for quite some time. Loved by celebrities and supermodels who hit the barre on the regular – Natalie Portman (when she was famously preparing for Black Swan), Victoria’s Secret models Alessandra Ambiosio and Karlie Kloss to name a few, Madonna, and Audrey Hepburn – the boom of barre-based fitness classes have finally touched down in Hong Kong and we could not be more excited! Combining elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga into an efficient and effective workout, each barre class and teacher will have their own specialized type of movement and methods, but the stretching components in all barre exercises do work – you just have to find the studio that’s right for you! If you’re looking to channel your inner ballerina (tutu not required), here is a guide to the best barre classes in the 852. 

WeBarre

Following the success of Singapore’s first boutique barre studio, WeBarre has arrived in Hong Kong in all its gorgeous sun-drenched, all-white studio glory. Situated on Hollywood Road, their dynamic workout is a combination of ballet techniques, yoga, pilates and strength training wrapped up in an hourlong full body sweat sesh. We particularly loved WeBarre Fundamentals, perfect for beginners to learn all their signature moves at a slower (yet grueling) pace to get the form and technique down pat. Those looking to take up a notch will benefit from WeBarre Signature Multi-Level, a mix of small, controlled movements and full-range dynamic flow to build strength and body control. Or challenge yourself to WeBarre HIIT, designed to get your heart rate pumping to increase your metabolism and push your limits!

13/F, 49 Hollywood Road, Hilltop Plaza, Central, +852 2310 0008, hk@webarre.com. Click here to view their schedule. 

Barre2Barre

Based off of North America’s leading barre method, BarreAmped, Barre2Barre brings you the best and latest in barre fitness and was Hong Kong’s first dedicated barre studio. Featuring techniques of dance, the mind-body aspect of yoga, and core integration of Pilates, BarreAmped focuses on working with a neutral spine, using isolated hold with tiny movements to produce maximum results. Influenced by classical and modern dance, though no dance experience is required (it’s not a dance class), Barre2Barre is suitable for anyone and everyone looking to tone up, stretch out and destress. Their certified BarreAmped instructors will take you through daily classes of various barre classes like their high intensity interval training Barre Bootcamp, Barre BOUNCE (on a trampoline!), cardio-infused Barre+Yoga (vinyasa, to be exact) or Barre+Yin (for yin yoga), Barre+Dance, or their newest addition, Barre Power Stretch.

4/F, 37 Cochrane Street Cheung Hing Commercial Building, Central, +852 9688 3503, shake@barre2barre.com. Click here to view their schedule.

Flex Studio

The innovative bespoke, boutique studio ahead of its time, Flex Studio has been transforming Hong Kong bodies since 2005. Using the Xtend Barre method, which combines elements of Pilates and dance to create a dynamic workout, the program focuses on movement of the whole body (as opposed to small movements) to deliver cardio, strength, endurance and flexibility. Under the guidance of Anna Serafinas Luk, co-director of Flex and a certified Xtend Barre Master trainer, her passionate and enthusiastic team will challenge your barre body with their diverse Xtend Barre Multilevel, Cardio Blast or fiery Stick challenge classes.

3/F, 15 – 17 Wyndham Street, Man Cheung Building, Central, +852 2813 2399, central@flexhk.com. 

Shops 308 – 310, 2 Heung Yip Road, One Island South, Wong Chuk Hang, +852 2813 2212, info@flexhk.com. 

Iso Fit

Barre Pilates Fusion at Iso Fit is an upbeat and lively basic ballet workout fused with Pilates. With a mix of standing, low-impact dance movements and upper body toning using light hand weights alongside Pilates mat core work, the class is taught by Gemma Kelly, a certified Xtend Barre trainer with her vast knowledge of Pilates, dance and fitness. Suitable for everyone, this multi-level class combines cardio, toning, flexibility and core work.

8/F, 43 – 55 Wyndham Street, Yu Yuen Lai Building, Central, +952 2869 8630, info@isofit.com.hk. Click here to view their schedule. 

Pure Fitness

Launching February 10 of this year, luxury health club chain, Pure Fitness, will feature brand new Barre Classes at Pure Fitness ICBC Tower, PCCW Tower and Langham Place locations. A total body workout combining cardio, Pilates, and strength training, their method uses your own body weight, the ballet barre and props like resistance bands to create a transformative workout that results in long, lean sculpted muscles. Led by experienced, longtime instructors, Susann Suarez and Juan Raches, Pure’s Barre Classes is designed for a wide range of fitness levels, complete with progressions to take your challenge up a notch.

ICBC Tower: 3/F, 3 Garden Road Central, Citibank Plaza, Central, +852 8105 5588. Click here to view their schedule. 

PCCW Tower: 4/F & 5/F, 979 King’s Road, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay, +852 8105 5538. Click here to view their schedule. 

Langham Place: 7/F, 8 Argyle Street, Langham Place Office Tower, Mong Kok, +852 8129 2828. Click here to view their schedule. 

Images courtesy of WeBarre (lead), Barre2Barre, Flex Studio, Longwood Performing Arts, and Pure Fitness.