Sarah Jessica Parker seems to be aging in reverse. The Sex and the City icon turns 60 this week - and is looking as toned and fresh as ever.
But how does she stay so fit? Every A-lister has their go-to workout routine, preferred mode of fitness, or sporty obsession but the And Just Like That... star's may not be what you would expect.
SJP famously wore tulle ballet skirts as Carrie Bradshaw so it is hardly a stretch (pun intended) to say that the actress would love a Barre workout. The Hocus Pocus actress reportedly loves to take part in a regular Barre workout at Physique 57 in New York. So what makes this such an effective workout for people 60 and above?
© GettyHELLO! spoke to Barre experts to get the full low down on the Here and Now actress' fitness obsession, and why it's so good for women in midlife...
What is a Barre workout?
You may have visions of young children in tutus when you think of Barre, but it is a serious workout. Lottie Anderson, founder of Bondi Rise, explains what it actually involves. "Barre is a dynamic fusion of Pilates, ballet, and fitness, using the classic ballet Barre and small equipment," she says.
Why have Barre workouts have increased in popularity?
As with yoga and Pilates, Barre has seen a rise in popularity in recent years and has even gone TikTok-viral. Lottie explains why novices are turning to the Barre for a full-body burn. "With an emphasis on mindfulness and breath control, Barre classes offer participants improved flexibility, posture, and mental focus," the expert explains.
"Additionally, the accessibility of Barre workouts has made them appealing to a wide range of individuals looking for a challenging yet inclusive fitness option."
© GettyBarre isn't just an excuse to invest in cute yoga leggings - it offers a range of bodily benefits. Paola di Lanzo, founder of Paola's Body Barre, explains that the benefits of Barre workouts are six-fold: muscle-toning, improved flexibility, improved posture, increased endurance, enhanced balance, it is low impact making it safer on joints.
© GettyWhy is Barre a great workout for over the 50s?
Despite Barre's popularity amongst Gen Z TikTok users, it is an exceptionally effective workout for women over 50, like SJP. "I, for one, am going through perimenopause at present and the benefits for me extend beyond the physical," says Paola.
"It is well known that women over 50 suffer from muscle deterioration and lower bone density, which Barre can help counteract, but at the same time, it's the mental clarity that Barre provides that helps those going through things such as menopause."
© GettyLottie concurs. "It targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting stability, balance, and flexibility," she says. "Its emphasis on mindfulness fosters a strong mind-body connection, while the cardiovascular component boosts heart health and endurance."
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Barre in our 60s
With SJP now a member of the 60 club, the actress will be pleased to know Barre is brilliant for 60 and beyond too, according to Barre teacher Tara Riley. "Barre is beneficial for people in their 60s for so many reasons - including future-proofing yourself. Longevity isn't always about lifting heavier, it's about moving better for longer," she says.
"Barre is a full body comprehensive workout combining control, mobility and endurance and it's an absolute necessity for bodies if we're talking about vitality and moving well into our 60s and beyond," Tara, who founded workout platform the Tara Riley Method.
© Instagram"Barre offers strength without strain and is fantastic for your joints," she says. "Think of it as precision strength training, where you are putting your joints under a safe load for a high number of repetitions.
"Endurance, mobility and flexibility are happy byproducts of barre, too. Barre classes fatigue the major muscle groups and work the stabiliser muscles, all while improving joint mobility. Unlike traditional stretching routines, Barre enhances active flexibility and takes joints through full range of motion, helping you move better in everyday life."
Getting into Barre as a beginner
The safest way to get into Barre, our experts say, is to find a local class where you can be led by a qualified instructor. Paola does, however, say that beginners can start by buying a resistance band, a set of light hand weights and ankle weights, and a Pilates ball.
© GettyComplete novices may struggle to spot the signs of a safe and effective Barre class - but Lottie is on hand to help. "A good Barre class effectively challenges participants while emphasising proper form and technique," the Barre instructor explains. "I always recommend finding friendly instructors who are hands-on so they can ensure your form is correct, and therefore getting the most out of your workout.
© Getty"With motivating cues, upbeat music, and a supportive atmosphere, participants leave feeling energized, accomplished, and with improved strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing."
© GettyPaola recommends a class lasting between 45 and 60 minutes. "The more rigorous, cardio classes tend to be set at 45 minutes," she tells us. "Barre workouts are an excellent form of exercise to introduce to your weekly routine, whether you combine it with strength classes, running, spinning or any other form of exercise. If it’s combined with other style workouts one to two classes a week would be a great complement."
When will you start to see results?
Lottie reminds us that the timeframe for seeing results with a Barre workout can vary depending on factors such as individual fitness level, a balanced diet, consistency of practice, and specific goals.
© GettyHowever, she does say that "many people may start to notice improvements in strength, flexibility, and muscle tone within a few weeks of regular practice, typically 3 to 4 times per week."
She adds: "It's important to remember that progress is gradual and may vary from person to person, so staying committed to your Barre practice and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are key to achieving long-lasting results."
© GettyPaola keeps it simple - "After one session, you will feel the difference mentally, and after 10 sessions you will notice the difference physically."
