Ballet barre: Low-impact exercise that’s high on fun

Marie Guillot, foreground, left, does a stretching exercise with others in a ballet barre-based class at Pop Physique in Highland Park.

Marie Guillot, foreground, left, does a stretching exercise with others in a ballet barre-based class at Pop Physique in Highland Park.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

June 4, 2015 4:13 PM PT

Ballet barre

Marie Guillot uses a strap for leverage to work the abdominal muscles during a barre class at Pop Physique.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ballet barre

Patricia Wallace, right, holds a stretch in the barre class. The Pop Physique class includes a range of fitness levels, and dance experience is not required.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ballet barre

Instructor Katie Schaar, right, teaches an exercise that uses a strap to aid in toning abdominal muscles.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ballet barre

The barre helps with leg exercises and stretches.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ballet barre

Instructor Katie Schaar, left, leads the class during a balletic barre stretch.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ballet barre

Instructor Katie Schaar, left, demonstrates an exercise to strengthen the lower body.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ballet barre

Instructor Katie Schaar leads a drill with an exercise ball that helps strengthen the lower body.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ballet barre

Christina Schroeter does an exercise on the barre.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Ballet barre

An exercise ball helps Toni Gonzalez with her form on a core strengthener.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)