When it comes to strength training, trendy methods seem to emerge or resurface every year. For starters, Pilates has experienced a significant increase in popularity over the past year. But another exercise that is seeing a comeback is the slightly newer fitness routine, Barre. This popular dance-inspired workout has been around for decades, but has reached 300,000 Google search views this month alone.
If you're unfamiliar with Barre, Physique57 barre instructor Ari Dresener explains that it's "a high-intensity, low-impact workout" that's "inspired by a mix of ballet and Pilates." In-studio classes often incorporate a ballet bar for balance and support, but you can do the exercise in your living room with at-home equipment, too.
What are the benefits of Barre?
Like every exercise, a consistent Barre workout routine offers many benefits, from increased strength to flexibility. "There is a focus on core work, as a stronger core leads to better balance, posture, back and body strength, and a decreased risk of injury. It builds lean muscle through small movements combined with higher repetition," says Dresner.
Another noticeable benefit she mentions is increased flexibility, because these routines are designed to strengthen and lengthen the muscles.
Is there a difference between Barre and Pilates?
While Barre is heavily inspired by Pilates, there is a slight difference between the two practices. Dresner notes that Pilates is much slower than a Barre workout, which has a higher-intensity element. "Barre focuses on small, precise movements with repetition, mat Pilates leans more toward slower and larger ranges of motion," she explains.
Shop TODAY previously spoke to Physique 57 Pilates & Barre instructor, Megan Dillon, who told us that the Pilates method is based on deep core strength. "Mat [Pilates] is ideal for anyone wanting to build a solid foundation, improve control and alignment,” Dillon says.
As for similarities, you'll also find that Pilates and Barre incorporate interchangeable equipment. In Barre, you'll most likely use a light set of handweights and an exercise ball. Pilates will have a few more options with resistance bands and a ring, say the fitness experts.
However, if you're looking for a sweat, Dresner says you'll feel the heat more in Barre. "The exercises can be quicker and lead to a more elevated heart rate," she says.
Best products for Barre and Pilates, according to experts and editors
This set of light weights is ideal for your at-home Barre routine. Previously recommended by certified personal trainer and TODAY contributor Stephanie Mansour, this Wellness Awards-winner has a non-slip grip and comes in multiple weight levels.
Whether it's Barre or Pilates, Dillon says resistance bands will help “fire up your outer thighs” during routines. This set of three bands offers various color-coded resistance levels, from light to heavy.
Coming in a pack of three, these affordable crew socks are just under $10. Not only are they perfect for Barre and Pilates, but I [Garlin] love the simple crew style. They're stylish and "normal" enough to throw your sneakers back on after class.
Our fitness experts say a "playground ball" is a common tool used in both types of routines for added support and strengthening. “I love a small ball—it’s perfect for targeting your inner thighs and abs,” says Dillon. “Curling up and down with the chest while the ball is on the floor between your shoulder blades — game changer.”
Commerce editor Vivien Moon says she likes having a set of sliding discs (popular in Barre and capable of mimicking Pilates reformer exercises) to enhance her at-home routine. According to the brand, these sliders are dual-sided, allowing you to safely use them on both hard and carpet flooring.
Bombas is a Shop TODAY loved brand for their comfortable slippers and socks, so it's no surprise that these gripper socks have our seal of approval, too. Senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil loves them for her Barre classes.
This Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards-winning Pilates ring offers a versatile way to tone and strengthen your core, arms and legs.
If you’re curious about taking an in-studio class, ClassPass is an amazing option to try out different classes and studios, without committing to an expensive membership. Many Shop TODAY editors use it and rave about the variety of services.
“I’ve done everything from Pilates reformer classes to yoga and cycling. But it’s not just fitness! You can use credits for booking appointments for haircuts, manicures, massages and more,” says commerce writer Emma Stessman.
“My favorite feature is that they are held on by a strong velcro, as opposed to a double ring buckle, which I’ve tried in the past and didn’t love because they were always coming undone and slipping off," says associate editor Erica Marrison.
This Pilates kit, which happens to be a Gift We Love pick, has everything you need for your at-home fitness routine. It comes with small weights, a ring and a ball; even Barre enthusiasts can take advantage of this set.
When it comes to proper equipment, Dresner is a fan of all things Bala, which you'll see is highly used in classes such as Pure Barre, Fuze House and other trendy studios.
"I love using Bala products, especially their Pilates ball. It is small but mighty and adds that extra spice to any Barre or Pilates workout," says Dresner.
The Bala Bangles happen to be multi-editor-approved for their sleek design and hands-free use. I [Garlin] love strapping them to my ankles for a quick floor exercise while I'm watching TV. Moon says she's been using them for years, too.
"They're lightweight enough that you don't feel it at first, but with repetitive movement, that little bit of added resistance adds up," she says.
I [Garlin] find the Bala Bars to be the best handweights for a Barre class. The even weight and cylinder design make it easy to hold for the various and quick arm movements during a Barre routine.
If you really want to have an authentic Barre routine at home, Dresner says she loves using the Booty Kicker Barre, which is essentially an at-home ballet barre. "It is super portable, yet also durable when it comes to any balance and resistance exercises," says Dresner.
Frequently asked questions
“Everyone can do Barre!” says Dresner. “Since barre is a low-impact based workout, it can accommodate many different modifications and customizations as needed.”
And the same goes for Pilates. Dillon previously told Shop TODAY that total beginners can start with a mat routine and opt for little to no equipment.
According to Dresner, both workouts are super beneficial, and both can even be incorporated into your workout routine.
How we chose
To compile our list of the best Barre and Pilates equipment, Shop TODAY interviewed certified Barre and Pilates instructors to share the benefits of the exercise. We also included editor and shopper picks to complete the list, and we always prioritize positive user reviews and feedback.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Ariana Dresner is a senior trainer in Barre at Physique57 and a 200-Hour Power Yoga Certified instructor.
- Megan Dillon is a Pilates & Barre instructor at Physique 57 in New York City.
