Barre is having a moment. You’ve probably seen it popping up in boutique studios, wellness centers, and hybrid fitness spaces everywhere - and for good reason. It’s elegant, effective, and surprisingly intense. But beyond the physical benefits, barre can also be a smart business move for studios looking to diversify their class offerings and attract new clients.
What exactly is a Barre Class?
A barre class blends the precision of ballet, the strength training of Pilates, and the mindfulness of yoga. Using a ballet barre for stability, clients perform small, controlled, isometric movements that target specific muscle groups.
The result? Long, lean muscles, improved posture, and better flexibility. And because the movements are low-impact, barre is accessible to everyone - from beginners to lifelong athletes.
Why Adding Barre Could Be a Smart Move for Your Studio
Adding barre to your schedule isn’t just about keeping up with trends. It’s about meeting clients where their interests and needs intersect: graceful movement, low-impact strength, and a sense of community.
Here’s why it makes business sense:
1. It’s Popular, and Growing
Barre has evolved from a niche trend to a mainstay in the fitness industry. In 2025, it’s one of the fastest-growing class types in boutique studios. Offering barre helps you attract an audience that’s already actively searching for it.
2. It Attracts a Loyal, Engaged Clientele
Barre clients, often women aged 20–50, tend to be highly committed and community-driven. They value consistency, connection, and results. That means better retention rates and strong word-of-mouth growth.
3. It’s Accessible to a Wider Audience
Because barre is low-impact, it’s ideal for pregnant clients, those recovering from injuries, or anyone seeking a gentler approach to fitness. It opens your doors to new demographics without overhauling your programming.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
You don’t need a full studio renovation to add barre classes. Here’s a quick equipment checklist to get you started:
Marketing Your New Barre Classes
Once your setup is ready, it’s time to spread the word. Try these ideas to fill your classes fast:
- Host a Free “Intro to Barre” Event: Let people experience the class without commitment. It’s one of the easiest ways to convert first-timers into regulars.
- Leverage Social Media: Share videos or short clips of your instructors teaching. Barre is visually beautiful - use that to your advantage.
- Collaborate Locally: Partner with a coffee shop, boutique, or wellness business for cross-promotions. Joint events help you reach aligned audiences.
- Offer Founding Member Discounts: Early access or special rates can help fill your first few classes quickly.
Want more ideas? Check out our guide to marketing new classes.
Making it All Work Smoothly
Adding a new class offering comes with moving parts - scheduling, payments, attendance tracking, and communication. The right gym management software can make it all effortless.
That’s where Recess comes in. Recess helps fitness studios manage everything from class bookings and payments to client communication - all in one free, easy-to-use platform. It’s designed to simplify your operations so you can focus on growing your community and creating amazing class experiences.
Whether you’re a yoga studio branching into barre or a boutique gym looking to expand your offerings, Recess helps you stay organized, professional, and scalable , without extra costs or complexity.
The Takeaway
Barre isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a long-term opportunity. It brings a fresh, inclusive energy to your class lineup, attracts a loyal audience, and adds meaningful value to your studio’s community.
With a smart launch strategy and the right systems in place, barre could become one of your studio’s most successful and rewarding additions.
