BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Building strength, barre none

By Noor Khan, age 16 | March 27, 2024

Click the Buzz Me button to receive email notifications when this writer publishes a new article or a new article in this column is published.

PLIÉS AND PERSISTENCE Noor Khan, a sophomore at DeBakey High School for Health Professions, has taken over 400 barre classes, and loves how it has built her confidence, energy, and focus.

At first glance, the serene studio adorned with mirrors and ballet inspired barres might be an odd place to associate with strength and mental fortitude. Yet, the 50-minute barre class that seamlessly blends yoga, Pilates, and ballet isn’t just a way to lift weights, tone muscle, and burn fat, but also a way to uncover a hidden reservoir of strength just waiting to be tapped into. More than 400 transformative, empowering, and sculpting classes later, barre classes have not only reshaped my body, but also my mindset, infusing my life with strength, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Like many others in my classes, my introduction to barre came during the upheaval of the Covid pandemic. Stepping into a barre class during such uncertain times was a leap of faith, but it became a cornerstone in my journey towards mental toughness. Barre demands unwavering focus and precision. During my first class, every movement felt like a test of my endurance. Music blaring, muscles on fire, I felt like my body was reminding me of my limitations, but I was inspired by the energetic instructor and those around me.

After many milestones and challenges, I now introduce many others to class with me. I have not only gained newfound confidence in myself, but also seen improvements in my focus, time management, and overall energy. No matter how tired I am before class, I always feel refreshed, energized, and mentally sharper after my workout. This feeling has been well supported by research; according to a study written about in a 2023 Washington Post article, just six minutes of exercise can multiply the production of a neurochemical called BDNF, known to be essential for lifelong brain health.

Managing an exercise routine with school can be challenging, but I stay committed by attending on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and three to four weekday evenings after school. Because I usually have limited time due to schoolwork and studying, barre class also forces me to stay on task and manage my time better. I’ve mastered completing my work without getting sidetracked by distractions, and it definitely sweetens the deal on the ice cream cone I get later!

Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to [email protected]. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.