She Strengthens

Transform Your Fitness Routine with a 15-Minute Barre Workout at Home

Ditch the pricey studio classes and get ready to sweat from the comfort of your own home! With just a chair and 15 minutes of your time, you can experience the transformative benefits of a barre workout.

The Benefits of Barre

Barre workouts are a game-changer for your fitness routine. By combining elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga, you’ll strengthen your core, lean out your legs, and improve your posture. And the best part? You don’t need to be a dancer to reap the rewards.

Get Started with Our 15-Minute Routine

Our expert-approved workout is designed to be done at home, using a chair for support. Follow along with our step-by-step guide, and get ready to feel the burn!

Warmup (5 reps)

• Sumo Cat/Cow: Stand with feet wide apart, toes pointing to 1 and 11 o’clock. Draw hips back, scoop core, and round through spine.
• Simple Toe Taps: Stand with feet wide apart, toes pointing to 10 and 2 o’clock. Bend knees, lean to one side, and tap toe.

Exercise 1: Crescent Lunge (5 reps per side)

• Step right foot behind you, bend left knee, and hold. Reach back through right heel and extend right leg.
• Interlace fingers, lift arms over head, and inhale. Exhale, bend right knee toward floor, round upper back, and push palms down.

Exercise 2: Flat Back Folder with Knee Pedals (15 reps)

• Place palms on chair, step feet back, and bend knees slightly. Lean torso forward, hold, and exhale.
• Bend right knee, lift left hip up toward ceiling, inhale through center, and repeat on other side.

Exercise 3: Sumo Squat (30 reps)

• Stand with feet wide apart, reach tailbone back, and keep belly drawn in. Hold for 5 deep breaths.
• A) Bring palms to heart center, lean back into heels, and lower by 1 inch. Press into heels, then lift 1 inch.
• B) Add larger range of motion, press into feet, and lift up to standing position, drawing palms to sides.

Exercise 4: Narrow V (30 reps)

• Draw heels together, turn legs out, and bend knees into narrow plié. Press heels firmly together, hover slightly off floor, and hold for 5 deep breaths.
• A) Lower 1 inch deeper into plié, then lift 1 inch.
• B) Drop seat toward heels, then lift all the way up and squeeze inner thighs together.

Exercise 5: Carousel Horse (30 reps)

• Stand with feet parallel, place palms on chair, and step right foot back. Bend both knees slightly, hold, and press left foot and ball of right foot down evenly.
• A) Drop right knee down 1 inch, push into left heel, and lift up 1 inch.
• B) Drop right knee toward floor, push into left heel, and lift all the way up until legs are almost straight.

Exercise 6: Horse Pose (30 reps)

• Take a wide step out from chair, point toes to 2 and 10 o’clock, and bend knees. Slide down imaginary wall, stack shoulders over hips, and engage core.
• A) Lower seat down 1 inch, press into feet, and lift up by same amount.
• B) Plie down, let right arm sweep down to side, then press into left foot and rebound up, sweeping right arm over head and lifting right leg out to side.

Exercise 7: Standing Seat Work (30 reps per leg)

• Place hands on chair, sweep right foot back behind hip, and lift a few inches off floor. Hold, press into left foot, and lift up and out through right hip.
• Lift leg up 1 inch, lower 1 inch, and repeat with left leg.

Exercise 8: Power Leg (30 reps)

• Facing chair, lift heels, bend knees, and hold. Pressing evenly through all 10 toes, keep knees in line with middle of toes.
• Bend knees until challenging position, lift hips 1 inch, and lower back into original position.

Exercise 9: Plank with Core Hold (30 seconds per side)

• Start in high plank position, engaging thighs. As you exhale, draw right knee toward chest and round back.
• Lift abdominals toward lower back, hold, and repeat with left leg.

Exercise 10: Boat Pose (30 seconds)

• Sit tall on floor with hands behind thighs, draw legs into tabletop position. As you exhale, firm core and reach arms out into wide “V.”
• Hold this position for 30 seconds, keeping hips heavy on floor and spine long and lifted.

You Did It!

Congratulations on completing our 15-minute barre workout at home! You’ve worked your core, legs, and entire body, and you didn’t need to break the bank. Remember to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and have fun with the process. Happy sweating!