No Barre? No Problem!
Part One: Equipment Swaps for Online Barre
Barre is undoubtedly fun and can also have the most (again optional) props to play with.
So, let's jump right in!
Barre
What you want to look for is something that is stable and the right height. When you place your hand on it bend you elbow. Is your shoulder blade creeping towards your ear? It's too tall. Are you leaning forward? It's too short. Be sure to check with the swaps below.
Swaps:
Tall sturdy chair
Back of the couch
Kitchen sink
Barre Socks:
I love my Barre Sox (S-O-X = brand spelling)! Because I have hyper mobility, my body has a a challenge when it comes to proprioception (or feeling where the body is in space). The socks make me more aware of my feet- the foundation from where proper alignment begins- especially because they separate each toe individually and gently hug my feet. They mostly help with grip, especially if I don't have a mat handy. That being said, you don't particularly need them and easily go barefoot for class.
Swaps:
Hospital Socks
Bare feet (careful, don't slip!)
Yoga or Pilates Mat
Bender Ball
We sometimes use the Bender ball in our Barre classes. The Bender ball is like a small 9" stability ball with some give. This is different from the Pilates balls with the sand in them.
Swaps:
A child's play ball around that size would work
A Pillow is a great substitute (I've also used a couch cushion for some movements in private sessions).
A soft yoga block for some movements,
Hand Weights
For our classes we use light hand weights (whatever you deem light that you can do at least 3 sets of 12- 15 reps with).
Swaps:
2 Water bottles - a 16-oz bottle is about a pound of weight
2 Soup cans - 15-oz can weighs about a pound. 28-oz can weighs about 1.75 pounds.
Exercise Bands
Pilates ball (the ones with sand in them)
No equipment? Move with mindfulness. Focus and squeeze the target muscle for extra resistance.
Bands
The bands recommended as for class are looped and come in a variety of colors/ strengths depending on the company.
I prefer the flat ones for comfort, but the ones in the photo are good too. Start with less resistance and move up if needed.
Bands are tough to swap out, but try these below if you can't get your hands on some.
Swaps:
Your light hand weights for some applications
No equipment? Move with mindfulness. Focus and squeeze the target muscle for extra resistance.
Gliders
I used to have a great pair of Gliders for carpet, but then I moved to a place with hardwoods and my Minimalism practice stepped in and I donated them. I've moved again to a place with carpet and I'm using the swaps below, until I either buy new ones or move (again🤣) .
Swaps:
Paper Plates on carpets
Folded Towel, Yoga blanket or your socked for hard woods (Be careful, don't slip)
Reminders:
As always, be mindful as you move and use caution with your swaps. We want the props to enhance our fitness, not cause roadblocks or injury.
Most of, if not all of our online mind-body classes can be done without any equipment.
If you are doing a swap for any online Zoom class, be sure to tell the instructor what you have during check in, so they can show you how to use that particular swap as we move throughout class.
Don't let anything stop you from doing something good for yourself!
Do you have any helpful / creative swap Ideas?
Share in the comment section!
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