NWR: Barre3 vs. Orange Theory Fitness

Barre3 as in Pure Barre?

@Lauren B. -- I just looked up Pure Barre, and they seem to be different companies, but the same idea and workout. Have you done Pure Barre?

Yes and loved it!!! Hard but worth it. Barre involves ballet moves fused with pilates, especially a great class for those who can't do anything high intensity, like my mother.

I have not tried Orange Theory though

I did Pure Barre when I was home last summer and I LOVED it, it was great for toning.

The owner of orange theory was the keynote speaker at our commencement ceremony in May but I know nothing about the fitness plan!

I do The Bar Method, which is Barre. I absolutely love it. It really tones and focuses on your core and balance.

I've never tried Barre. Be prepared for high intensity at Orange Theory. You will come out soaking wet!

I did Pure Barre for 5 months, and while I became stronger and more limber, I did not see any real shape change. (and I went 3 times a week and eat well). I started to Crossfit (so more in line Orange Theory for your example) and there is now a noticeable difference.

I also have a friend that did the same thing, did Pure Barre, but now does crossfit 3x a week.

I would include Barre as an additional exercise, like a weekly thing to stretch and lengthen muscles, but not to lose weight.

I have not been to Orange Theory, but I have heard amazing things! Heard that it can definitely transform your body! I have done Pure Barre, and although it helps with toning, it doesn't really do a lot of cardio/weight loss/transformation. I would recommend Orange Theory

I've done Barre Code and OTF. I'm obsessed with OTF.... the interval training did wonders for my body. I was in close to the best shape when I did OTF for about 4 months. Then I moved :/

Edited because I need to proof read

Orange theory if shredding lbs. Barre if want to lean out

I have been looking into both of these. My friend loved Barre classes, but she said it was mostly toning. So my plan is to do orange theory (actually starting next week) and then I'll add Barre to tone a little closer to the wedding

Orange Theory FOR SURE!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! A studio opened by me in December and I've been going religiously ever since. 4x a week usually.

It is absolutely the best workout for me. Keeps me motivated, the coaches push me to push myself harder, and endless options. In 7.5 months I've never done the same workout twice.

I've put on over 12 pounds of lean muscle since January and dropped 3% body fat.

So from my personal experience, OTF for the win. I've always considered trying a Barre class though, I'm just far too obsessed with OTF to try anything else right now.

As far as I know, all OTF studios will give you a free trial, usually 2 classes within one week. Start there. Give it at try and see what you think!

Is Barre 3 the online version? Do you have to buy a barre for use at home? I saw some video streams for the Barre type classes. My favorite blogger does these and she is so lean. She also runs too, so who knows what is doing what.

I want to try Barre as well, but I am not sure when to start to see results by the wedding. It is pretty expensive so I don't think I would want to pay for 6+ months.

These are my results after three months at Orange Theory. I've lost 27 pounds and I still want to lose 20 more hopefully by my bday in October. I love it. The trainers say they train us like athletes because we are athletes. It's very hard in the beginning but you get used to it. I took FH to a class and he got half way through before he ended up getting sick. So I guess it's not for everyone but I personally love it. Our son is two and a half and my body still looked like it did the day I left the hospital. People used to ask me daily when I was due. Now I'm almost back to where I was pre baby. They give you your first class free and sometimes they even have a deal where you get three free classes. Good luck with whatever you decide

I tried class pass this month. Which lets you visit Studio on it 3 time s a month (works well in Denver because there are TONS) of options. There may be class pass in FL?

I tried

The bar method

The ballet physic

Blush barre

The Dailey method

I like barre classes but they are not as intense of cardio as orange fitness. I am sore after barre for sure though!

Thank you all soo much for your input! That was so helpful. I'm excited to try both and choose which one. : )

Ps... @Christinaz86 you look AMAZING!! Thank you so much for sharing! Seriously, way to go!!!

Barre is good, but you'd have to probably do some kind of other cardio or weights on the side to lose weight with it since it's low impact.

I did OTF for a few months once I started my new job. It's an intense workout, and I'm stronger now than I've ever been. Also, I ran my first mile without stopping, which is a huge accomplishment for a running-phobe like me. I took a one-month break to try out some pole dancing classes that I bought a groupon for before I started OTF. I'm still trying to decide if I'd rather do OTF or pole dancing from here on out. OTF is an amazing workout, but it does feel like a workout more than like something fun to me. Don't get me wrong, it's way better than going to the gym on your own. But it's still not what I would call fun. I've gained a ton of muscle from it, but I haven't lost any fat as far as I can tell. That's probably because I didn't change my diet at all. My job frequently has a lot of unhealthy food lying around, and I usually eat it. So I guess I actually changed my diet, but it was for the worst haha. OTF probably kept me from gaining weight after transitioning to my first office job, so I guess that's a pretty good testament to its effectiveness.

ETA: @Christinaz86, you look amazing! How often do you take OTF classes?

Ditto everyone who loves OTF! It's been the only workout regime that I've ever been able to stick to! I go about 5 times per week and have lost 20 lbs in 3 months and can see more lean muscle. Definitely recommend trying a free class!