Title: Barre Fitness With Jessica Smith
What’s the goal? Toning, stretching and challenging the whole body through a set of workouts that fuse elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga and strength conditioning.
What’s expected of me? Since the workouts are heavily ballet-inspired but not strictly ballet, they don’t require special knowledge of positions or posture. Smith offers modifications and amplifications so the routines are appropriate for beginners or more advanced exercisers.
Format: The hour-long DVD is divided into three 20-minute workouts. The first is a “cardio ballet” routine that squeezes all the heart-pumping potential out of those pointed-toe dance moves. Exercisers bend their legs deeply in grand plie; jump from the toes-turned-out second position; jog or march with pointed toes; and glide from side to side, supporting themselves on one leg at a time in arabesque. Smith makes the moves look effortless, but each move is a strength and balance challenge.
The second workout, “barre burn,” requires a sturdy chair and light handweights for arm-sculpting exercises that incorporate balance challenges. Biceps curls come with bent-knee pulses; triceps work is done while you’re balanced on one leg. Yogis will recognize moves based on plank and downward-facing dog positions. In fact, lots of moves resemble yoga poses with added weights.
Beginners could easily modify by ditching the dumbbells; the balance challenges would be enough.
The third workout is a “floor barre” mat routine for the abdominals that uses a small ball to add form and rigor to crunches, leg lifts and oblique abdominal exercises. Other moves include knee pushups, leg scissors and side planks.
Who demonstrates? Smith, a YouTube fitness personality known for her JessicaSmithTV channel, designed this and another recent workout DVD to reflect her fans’ requests. She was a professional dancer who studied at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater program at Fordham University.
What’s to like: The cardiovascular portion is a sweaty good time, and the DVD’s overall effect is a feeling of stretching and strengthening. Smith shot the workouts in a single take to mimic the feeling of a live class; skipped cue cards in favor of improvising her banter; declined to retouch the DVD cover photo; and generally tried to keep it real, as she says her fans expect. Smith’s directions and form cues are clear and useful, though sometimes their resultant “aha” moments come a little too late in a given exercise to be maximally helpful.
Necessary gear: No ballet barre is needed, but Smith recommends light handweights (1 to 5 pounds); a chair; a mat; and a soft mini-ball or pillow.
Floor space required: A good-size plot of living room is needed, at least 6 by 6 feet.
Can I do it barefoot? Yes.
Instructor’s credentials: Smith is a personal trainer certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the International Sports and Conditioning Association, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, Powerhouse Pilates and more. She teaches fitness classes in Miami.
Price: $14.85 for a DVD or $13.95 for a download at jessicasmithtv.com.