If you’ve ever taken a Barrecore class, you’ve likely experienced the infamous muscle shake – a telltale sign that your body is working hard to transform. For newcomers, it can be puzzling or even a bit concerning. But rest assured, those trembles are not only normal but also an integral part of Barrecore workouts. Let’s break down why your muscles shake during barre, what it means, and why you should embrace it.
The Science Behind the Shake
That shaky feeling is your muscles being pushed to their limits. At Barrecore, our classes are all about small, controlled movements that target specific muscle groups. These moves are designed to work your muscles to the point of fatigue – where they can’t contract as smoothly anymore, which is why they start trembling.
Here’s the science bit: your muscles are made up of motor units (basically groups of muscle fibers and the nerves that control them). When you’re holding a barre position or doing tiny pulses, your motor units are firing to keep your muscles engaged. When a single motor unit gets fatigued, your body recruits additional ones to pick up the slack. This quick cycling of motor units, especially when they’re pushed to the edge of exhaustion, creates the trembling sensation you feel.
Why Shaking Is a Good Thing
Yes, it feels intense, but shaking is actually a sign you’re getting stronger. Here’s why that tremble is your friend:
You’re Building Strength: When your muscles start to shake, that means they’ve reached fatigue – a key part of muscle strengthening. By working your muscles to their limits, you create tiny micro-tears in the fibers. As your body repairs these micro-tears, your muscles grow stronger and more toned.
You’re Working Deep Muscles: Barre movements activate smaller, stabilising muscles that often don’t get enough attention in other types of workouts. These muscles play a key role in improving your balance, posture, and overall strength.
You’re Building Endurance: Each time you push through that shake, your muscles adapt, making you more capable of holding those challenging positions for longer next time.
How to Manage the Shake
While the shake is a sign of progress, it can feel uncomfortable if you’re not prepared. We’ve got some tips to help you embrace it and get the most out of your next class:
Focus on Your Breath: Keep your breath deep, slow, and steady. It helps calm your body and gets oxygen to the muscles you’re working.
Perfect Your Form: Proper alignment makes a huge difference. It means you’re targeting the right muscles and avoiding unnecessary strain. If you’re unsure, ask your instructor for guidance.
Rest When You Need To: Listen to your body. If you need to drop out of a move for a second, that’s totally fine. Shake it out, then jump back in. Incorporate rest days into your routine to maximise results and prevent overtraining.
Build Gradually: If you’re new to barre, it’s normal for the shake to happen sooner. It’s a sign that you’re doing the work, and the results will follow that. Over time, your body will adapt, and you’ll notice the difference in your strength and stamina.
Embrace the Shake
At Barrecore, we encourage you to see muscle shaking as a milestone, not a roadblock. It’s a sign that you’re pushing your body out of its comfort zone—a crucial step toward building strength and achieving your fitness goals. So, the next time your muscles tremble during class, take it as a badge of honor. You’re getting stronger, one shake at a time.
Ready to feel the shake for yourself? Book your next class today and experience the transformative power of barre!
