Ok, ladies, I have a confession to make — working out is not my thing. I have had many gym memberships that have gone unused, and a lovely elliptical resides in my house waiting for my motivation to arrive. As I can feel “fabulous 40” creeping up on me, I know that I need to start taking better care of me… for my mind, for my body, for my kids.
I need a class of women and a set time to hold me accountable. I need fun music that doesn’t grate on my nerves. I need a high energy class that is fun and passes quickly, without thoughts of, “Are we done yet?” And, I need to feel refreshed after class instead of drained.
Then I found The Barre Code in Vernon Hills right next to Uncle Julio’s! Run and managed by talented women, it is designed for ladies who want a whole body, restorative, strengthening work out without draining their wallet or their time. According to the owner, Cassie, The Barre Code’s exercise philosophy is easier on your body than other methods and, she believes, achieves better results.
Honestly, I was under the impression that barre classes are supersized ballet for adults. While ballet barres are used, there was not a tutu in sight. I attended the standard Barre Code class, which began with light weights and upper body strengthening. As we raised our heart rate, I definitely felt challenged despite the two-pound hand weights. Next, we tied stretchy green bands onto the barres to focus on our core and lower body. The barre was used as an anchor as we literally used the bands and our own body’s resistance to do modified exercises working our thighs, abs, and rear ends. Throughout the workout, Cassie kept reminding us what our muscles were experiencing, and how to incorporate our breathing and thoughts to achieve a total mind-body experience.
For the floor exercise portion, we literally hung upside from the barre! Our backs were on the floor, our legs were elevated, our feet were intertwined in our bands, and our core and lower half received another bout of stretching and strengthening. While we may have looked like a troupe of upside-down Rockettes, my glutes and thighs definitely could feel the burn (in a good way). We finished the workout standing at the barre doing traditional ballet moves that incorporated the bands for resistance. Finally, as the lights were lowered and the music slowed, Cassie led us through a slow stretching routine to release the lactic acid that had built up in our muscles. The 50-minute class left me feeling refreshed and energized versus a sweaty, exhausted mess.
The Barre Code also offers Restore, an all-in-one class that includes isometric holds and heavy repetition, working muscles to fatigue, followed by a physically and mentally restorative experience with dynamic movement, deep stretches, and meditation. Another option is TBC (Total Body Conditioning) which is a Bootcamp-style work out consisting of full range-of-motion strength training exercises designed to challenge the whole body. By its one year anniversary in December, The Barre Code hopes to offer a cardio kickboxing class, as well as a high-intensity intervals class.
If you’re ready to try out The Barre Code, here are some details for you:
- Childcare is provided during select classes for $5 per child, ages 3-11 (quantity discounts are available.
- Classes are scheduled throughout the morning, afternoon, evening, and even weekends.
- The studio, equipment, and children’s room are sanitized after each class.
- Socks are required and the (highly recommended) sticky socks may be purchased at the studio.
- Lockers are available to use for free, and there is a water bottle filling station to fill-up before class.
- Classes and prices are listed on their website, and there is a discount for purchasing a punchcard or membership.
The Barre Code
850 N Milwaukee Ave #200, Vernon Hills | (224) 424-4398
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Find more reviews of classes and gyms at Fitness in Lake County.
By Jessica G.
Spring Grove
Jessica is a mom of 3 girls from Spring Grove, IL. Next to her relationship with the Lord, her other passions include cooking, playing the violin, photography, and helping other moms to realize their true potential.
Disclosure: The writer received a free class in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the writer. Interested in having your business featured? Contact us today.
Energetic instructors, as challenging of a class as you prefer to make it and an excellent opportunity to do work at the barre! So glad to have TBC in town!
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