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.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)Marie Guillot uses a strap for leverage to work the abdominal muscles during a barre class at Pop Physique.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)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)
Instructor Katie Schaar, right, teaches an exercise that uses a strap to aid in toning abdominal muscles.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)The barre helps with leg exercises and stretches.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Instructor Katie Schaar, left, leads the class during a balletic barre stretch.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Instructor Katie Schaar, left, demonstrates an exercise to strengthen the lower body.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Instructor Katie Schaar leads a drill with an exercise ball that helps strengthen the lower body.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)Christina Schroeter does an exercise on the barre.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)An exercise ball helps Toni Gonzalez with her form on a core strengthener.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)