At a Glance:

Website: http://www.xtendbarre.com
Address: 8254 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90046
Length: 60 minutes
Price: 1 class/$25, 10 classes/$220, month unlimited/$210
Sweat scale: medium
Energy level: medium

Barre is one of my favorite workouts because it is what got me into this fitness studio craze in the first place. I have studios that I attend on the reg (check my Instagram to figure them out…) but it took me a while to give Xtend Barre a chance.

Pre Sweat

The real reason I hadn’t tried Xtend Barre was my fear of parking. However, I easily found a metered spot around the corner and later found out that the streets a block over and parallel to Melrose have unrestricted parking until 8 pm, I believe (the perpendicular streets are just until 6). I walked in with my full water bottle (no fountain but can purchase bottled water) and grippy socks, signed the waiver and met the instructor.

Sweat

Mats and balls were already set out on the floor so I grabbed a pair of 2-pound weights and settled in. The warm up consisted of leg lifts accompanied by arm movements while holding the ball. It got me warmed up quickly. We then switched out the ball for our weights and continued with arms while incorporating leg movements like lunges and squats.

Next, we moved to the barre where we did a lot of ballet moves including plié, relevé (coming to your tippy toes), and curtsies. I was quickly reminded where my feet go in first and second position and how to hold my arms like a ballerina. Some of the moves were done slowly to feel the burn while others picked up the pace and made my heart beat faster. It was a great mix of ballet and cardio. Lastly we came down to the mats for ab work where we spent forever doing a variety of sit-ups. My abs were on fire. We ended, of course, with a relaxing stretch.

Post Sweat

Xtend Barre is in a great location for healthy snacks and splurge shopping. Liquid Juice Bar and LA Juice are both within blocks. For ridiculously delicious sugary treats, check out Sweet Lady Jane Bakery. If you want a piece of cake with a side of creativity, Duff’s Cake Mix, started by Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman, has a DIY cake and cupcake decorating studio. Shopping wise, check out Reformation, Fred Segal, and Nasty Gal.

Tricks of the Trade

• If you want more cardio movement than in Pure Barre but less of a dance routine than Cardio Barre, Xtend Barre is for you!