Heather Shannon has run many half marathons. Doing a 50-minute barre workout is just as difficult, she said.
The media relations supervisor at Milwaukee-based Cramer-Krasselt has been taking classes at least four times a week since March at The Barre Code, located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.
Shannon describes barre fitness, which she said has gained popularity in Milwaukee over the last two years, as a combination of ballet, toning, weights, yoga and cardio. While the classes focus on abs, arms, legs and glutes, no workout is ever the same.
“You get quick results,” she said. “It’s all about strength rather than losing weight.”
Her biggest result has been her toned arms. As a former TMJ4 reporter, Shannon said she has tried many fad workouts, but barre fitness is by far the most effective.
Besides the exterior results, she said her noon barre classes make her a more productive and energized worker who is no longer struck by the “2 p.m. slump.”
“C-K is good about letting people have their hobbies and incorporate them into work,” she said.
Finally, Shannon said she likes the classes because it is a good way to meet other women.
“It’s very comfortable,” she said. “No one is staring at you or judging you. It works every single part of your body, and it makes you stronger – not thinner, but stronger.”
Exercise has always been important to Shannon, who also runs and does yoga.
“Both my parents worked out every day,” she said. “I’m trying to pass that on to my three-year-old daughter.”
