Floor bar or yoga: what to choose?

Floor barre or yoga: what is it?

Bar on the floor or yoga: this is a question that may actually arise for you. But before that, you must know each of the disciplines as well as its characteristics. Between similarities and differences, which direction will you head towards? We'll explain it all to you!

Floor barre: a discipline from classical dance

The concept of ground bar, also known as ground bar, was born at the beginning of 20th century by the famous dancer and ballet master Boris Kniaseff. 

For the record, when Boris Kniaseff opens his classical dance school in Switzerland in the 1940s, he learned that the building he bought was listed Monument. The question therefore arises as to how bars useful for warming up dancers can be hung on the walls. 

Boris Kniaseff then thought of an alternative: move the exercises initially performed on the bar to the ground and without using the bars. 

The discipline subsequently developed throughout the world and is particularly appreciated for its simplicité d’exécution and the results obtained. In fact, the bar on the ground allows you to work on your flexibility, THE deep muscles responsible for the good natural posture of the body as well as the breathing. It also evolved into different types of floor bar pour s’adapter à tous les besoins et toutes les envies !

To learn more about the benefits of the floor bar, go to the dedicated article!

Yoga: between spirituality and self-awareness

THE yoga has less of a sports dimension than the floor bar. In fact, it is more of a spiritual activity, based on the breathing, there reflection and the meditation. 

The realization of postures allows you to become fully aware of your body and mind so that they become one. 

Several styles of yoga coexist but the discipline has 8 fundamental pillars which apply to each style:

• Yama : have fair and healthy relationships, in harmony with others
• Niyama : respect yourself 
• Asana : perform postures to develop self-awareness and body awareness
• Pranayama : practice to control your breathing and more broadly your breathing
• Prtyàra : learn to suspend your senses to understand them better
• Dharana : develop concentration 
• Dhyana : practice meditation 
• Samādhi : the unity of body and mind also called the state of awakening

To know what type of yoga to choose to start, do not hesitate to consult our article!

The similarities and differences of barre and yoga

To see things more clearly, let's take a look at the different points that bring the two disciplines together but also the points that differentiate them. Follow the leader !

Commonalities

The floor barre and yoga have several points in common notable. 

First of all, we think of a common point in the carrying out the exercises. Indeed, flexibility and breathing are two essential points of the two disciplines. Certain exercises can thus be crossed in order to strengthen flexibility as well as the deep muscles.

Moreover, little material is necessary to complete the disciplines: a mat, comfortable clothing... and that's it!

And yes, contrary to what one might think, to make a barre class, we don't need pointe shoes, slippers, leotards, etc. All you need is a comfortable outfit!

It is the same thing during a yoga class. Just equip yourself with suitable clothing to allow you to move freely, a mat and a towel and that's it. 

These are therefore not restrictive sports in terms of equipment and therefore inexpensive. Indeed, mats and towels can be provided to you in your studio, as at Studio POSES.

The differences

However, despite some similarities, the two disciplines are very distinct and it is therefore important to explain to you how.

There ground bar is a sporting activity resulting from classic dance. From its origin, the main goal is to work the deep muscles as well as flexibility as during classical dancer warm-ups. C’est une pratique idéale pour losing weight effectively!

As to yoga, it's a spiritual activity coming from India, carried out for millennia throughout the world. The main objective of the discipline is based more on the personal reflection, meditation, breathing, etc. It is a true art of living, a philosophy which does not end at the end of a course but which continues in your daily life. 

Their origins are therefore very distant and even if certain benefits can be compared, they are two very different activities. They are nevertheless totally complementary ! The practice of one does not prevent the practice of the other, quite the contrary. You will thus have thesporty aspect of the floor bar and thespiritual aspect of yoga.  

To conclude

What you need to remember is that barre and yoga are disciplines not to be confused ! They both have their own specificities, which make them very different activities.

Of course, they can be practiced separately to combine the different benefits of each. Your body will thank you!

To recap, here are the similar elements of barre and yoga :

• breathing
• little material
• complete discipline
• some common benefits

THE points that allow them to be differentiated are :

• different and distant origins
• a sporty side for the bar 
• a spiritual side to yoga 
• different but complementary benefits

Do both intrigue you? To see the differences for yourself, all you have to do is test! 

Discover the two disciplines at POSES Studio

Did our article make you want to try one of these disciplines or even both? That's convenient ! 

We will meet you at Studio POSES to discover the worlds of barre and yoga. 

On the program, a full immersion au sein d’un décor dans la twilight and play of light, of the passionate coaches and flows rhythmic.

Most ? No need to have already done Barre or Yoga before to excel during the 50 minutes of workout !