Raising the barre on exercise
In comparison to other Canadian cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, it took awhile for the concept of ballet-based fitness classes to really take root in Calgary and the Bow Valley.
Now that we have a few different companies to choose from, though, it has become clear that not all barre classes are created equal.
While most claim they can get you that highly sought-after “dancer’s body,” the reality is many companies have created their fitness classes with no actual dance experience under their belts. While any activity that gets people sweating and, most importantly, enjoying themselves is a good thing, many former dancers, myself included, have walked into these classes expecting a nostalgic dance class experience (and the muscle burn that comes along with it), only to experience a rather poised aerobics class.
Having tried a few different barre options within the city limits, I wasn’t holding my breath when I walked into Canmore’s Refocus Pilates a couple weeks ago. Much to my surprise, I walked out of owner and instructor Melissa Semenek’s class feeling like I had just been challenged almost as much as I was during the ballet classes of my youth. It was a breath of fresh air.
A former professional dancer, Semenek is also a certified Stott Pilates instructor and massage therapist. Her extensive knowledge of the human body and how it moves not only shines through in her barre class design, but also makes her the ideal instructor for those suffering from or coming back from injuries.
“The beauty of Pilates is it can be modified for anyone at any level of strength and fitness,” Semenek explains.
“I specialize in spinal injuries and post-operative strengthening, like hip and knee replacements, but we also offer classes and services for the healthy and uninjured. My clients range from paraplegia to Olympic athletes and everyone in-between.”
Combining her dance background, a few Pilates tricks and a sunny-yet-wry disposition, 35-year-old Semenek leads groups of up to seven participants through challenging barre classes comprised of four different phases.
The warm-up focuses on feet, ankle, knee and hip mobility. This gives way to a upper-body workout, involving light free weights and flex bands, and then on to the actual barre portion, which leaves most shaking and quaking through an extended series of plies, grand-battements and pulses.
After you’ve earned it, class ends with a cool down consisting of Pilates mat exercises and gentle stretching.
The intimate class size allows Semenek to tailor each class to its participants, something that just can’t happen in a class of 20 plus.
“We really believe in changing up every class so that you and your metabolism don’t get bored,” she says.
“We intentionally keep classes small to ensure we know the participants well and can work around any potential limitations or injuries.”