If you’ve been reading for the last couple of months, you’ve heard me mention Cardio Barre a time or two (or twenty).

It’s my new favorite class!

I have what you might call “Exercise ADD.” Although I was self-conscious when I first joined a gym after my post-baby exercise hiatus, I realized I love trying new classes because I get bored doing the same thing on repeat (unless it’s Bikram).

So far at the YMCA, I’ve taken Pilates, Boot Camp, BodyPump, and Cardio Barre. I almost took a Pound class but chickened out at the last minute. All of these classes offer some variety, but it’s Cardio Barre that I come back to. Part of that is due to my schedule, but a bigger reason is because it’s so much fun!

Here’s why I love Cardio Barre (and think you would, too).

1. It’s versatile.

While the format is always the same (warm up, arms, legs, stretch, abs, and cool down/final stretch), the actual moves are varied. We always use light hand weights, but sometimes we’ll use balls, bands, or no equipment at all.

2. It’s low impact.

I’m lucky to not have any lingering injuries or chronic pain, but as I’ve gotten older (and birthed a child!), I’ve noticed my joints aren’t as nimble as they used to be. Unless you overdo it (as I did my first class—oops!), it’s not going to cause injury.

3. Anybody can do it.

I don’t care if you’re male or female. Young or old. Thin or overweight. If you can stand up, hold onto light weights, and move—then you can do Cardio Barre. You might need to modify, but if you show up, breathe, and put your mind to it, you can do it.

4. It’s not complicated.

I almost said it’s easy—but then I quickly realized that was the wrong word choice! Cardio Barre is challenging because you push your muscles to fatigue by doing small, repetitive, isometric movements, but it’s easy in the sense of not being too complicated. Unlike dance-based classes (looking at you, Zumba!), you don’t have to be extremely coordinated. The moves are pretty basic.

5. It works.

With a semi-regular practice, you will see results. Because a lot of the moves are taken from ballet and Pilates, you’ll see improved posture, a stronger core, and increased muscle tone. By using light weights and doing more reps, you encourage strength without bulk. Similar to yoga, barre will help correct poor posture resulting from hours of sitting, hunched over a keyboard.

6. The instructors are hands-on and encouraging

…at least mine is. I love the energy my instructor has during every class, and she does a great job encouraging us to push through those last counts or adjusting our mistakes. My instructor always shows us the moves in the beginning, but she also walks around the room to ensure our form is correct.

These are just some of the reasons I love Cardio Barre and now consider it an essential part of my fitness routine. Above all, though, it’s fun! I always leave the room in a better mood than when I entered, and it feels great to challenge myself each class.