BMC Wellness Class Feature: Barre and Yoga 

By Savannah Logan 

The BMC Wellness Center is proud to offer a Barre and Yoga class that perfectly embodies the center’s mission to support the Bibb County community’s health and well-being. Led by experienced instructor Leanna Stephens, who has been a fitness instructor for over a decade, this class is a wonderful opportunity for adults of all ages to engage in low-impact exercises that are both effective and gentle on the body. 

Meeting every Tuesday evening at 6:15 p.m., this class typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, providing just the right amount of time to focus on strengthening and balancing the body without overwhelming participants. With a class size ranging from 5 to 12 attendees, there is plenty of room for individual attention, while still fostering a sense of community and camaraderie — hallmarks of every BMC Wellness class. 

The Barre and Yoga class is especially designed to be accessible and beneficial for everyone, regardless of fitness level. By concentrating on low-impact exercises, the class helps increase strength and balance, making everyday life tasks easier and less strenuous on the joints compared to traditional exercise routines. Participants are encouraged to complete the exercises barefoot or in socks, eliminating the need for shoes and promoting stability and a deeper connection with the movements. 

Barre, the central component of this class, is a unique and effective exercise method that combines elements of ballet, yoga, Pilates, and strength training. Utilizing a stationary barre, a chair, or another flat surface, the class guides participants through small, repetitive movements that target specific muscle groups until they reach fatigue. This is followed by stretching exercises designed to create long, lean muscles, enhancing both form and function. 

The Barre and Yoga class at BMC Wellness is not just about physical fitness; it’s about building a supportive community. The welcoming environment ensures that every participant feels included and motivated, which is a testament to the incredible sense of camaraderie that defines the BMC Wellness Center. This class, like all offerings at BMC, stands as a valuable asset to the Bibb County community, promoting both physical health and social connection.