"As a mother of three, I run regularly in the early mornings, but running just wasn't enough. I was introduced to the Barre Belles method
with Alison about a year ago and fell in love with the workout. My body is stronger and more toned than ever." - Joanne Driscoll
"Barre Belles keeps me in wonderful shape and the ballet positions help with my core strength and general balance. I feel sore in muscles I didn't even know existed! It's the most fun I've ever had while working out!" - Anne Burstein Horowitz
"This class is a woman's dream." - Alison Hess, Creator, Barre Belles
Barre workouts have been gaining popularity for years and most recently have become a phenomenon among fitness enthusiasts and Hollywood celebrities such as Natalie Portman who used the barre method to train for her Oscar-Winning role in 2010’s Black Swan. Though similar, each and every Barre workout is unique to its creator.
What is Barre Belles?
The Barre Belles program is a total body workout designed to lift, tighten and tone. Barre Belles was developed by classically trained dancer and Pilates Instructor, Alison Hess, to maintain her strong, dancer-like body in her post-collegiate years.
Is Barre Belles for Me?
By using the ballet barre, participants are able to perform all technical movements safely and effectively with no impact on the joints making Barre Belles appropriate for all fitness levels; including those with two left feet.
What is a Barre Belles Class Like?
Choreographed to music at 150-160 beats per minute, Barre Belles is a fusion of strength training and stretching that is sure to have you sweating by the end. Each strength session targets a specific major muscle group followed by stretching of the engaged muscles.
How Do I Get Started?
Barre Belles is currently offered as a fee-based training class at our Galloway location. For more information about Barre Belles call (609) FITNESS, or visit our Small Group Training Schedule.
Alison Hess, Creator, Barre Belles
Alison Hess is a classically trained dancer, Pilates Instructor and creator of the ballet-inspired workout, Barre Belles. Alison began her study of dance at the age of 2 and went on to receive her Bachelor's from the Dance Education Program at the University of Hawaii. During her post-collegiate years, she began weight training and kickboxing to her workout routine, only to find that her already strong, dancer-like body was beginning to bulk. In order to regain her lean figure, she began studying the Pilates method; however Alison soon realized she was looking for something a bit more exciting!
Utilizing her background in dance and knowledge of fitness, Alison aimed to create a workout that was the perfect fusion of Ballet and Pilates. Night after night, Alison stood at the ballet barre attemping various movements, aiming to target specific areas that tend to trouble women most (calves, quads, glutes and core). A year later, she developed a 75-minute choreographed routine of ballet-inspired exercises to lengthen and strengthen the body. Today, she brings you the Barre Belles program and your ballet body - no dance background or tutu required!
