Cardiobarre classes are the new fitness fad for all the exercise-savvy here in Los Angeles.  The newly opened, glass-walled Robertson Boulevard studio, owned and operated by the Cardiobarre franchise, is the perfect spot for most of us here at Shalhevet, halfway between Pico and Olympic on the way home from school.  After hearing about it from one of my friends, I had to try it out. It’s a fun and energetic environment, and even though I can guarantee you’re burning calories, it doesn’t feel like an overly vigorous workout. This new craze—I had heard multiple people talking about it before I tried it out myself– combines easy weights and fast-paced exercises using a ballet barre, hence the name Cardiobarre.  The barre is used as an anchor for many of the ballet-inspired exercises. It’s different from a yoga class in that the moves are quicker, not as fluid and calm as yoga stances.  But it’s not as intense as a spin class, where you’re constantly moving without a break.  The classes have a nice balance of movement and time to rest and recover.  Each hour-long class ends with a five-minute stretch without music, to calm your body down after the vigorous workout. Most of the exercises don’t require flexibility; there are a lot of ballet-style moves, such as arabesques to elongate the body and stretch out the legs, and ab exercises to strengthen your stomach muscles.  Though you are getting a major cardio workout, cardiobarre classes are focused more on toning your arms, legs and butt. It doesn’t feel nearly as intense or strenuous as, say, 60 minutes on an elliptical or treadmill. At the Robertson location, you can count on clean facilities and a welcoming staff, as well as friendly and encouraging instructors.  They’ll come over to help if someone is doing an exercise wrong to ensure everyone gets the most of their workout. The first time you go it will probably be hard to keep up – it was for me – but soon you’ll get the hang of it.  You might want to start with a beginner class, as I did, and when you feel confident that you’ve mastered all the moves (or are ready for more of a challenge), try out the advanced class. There are just two levels at Cardiobarre. Even with the latest pop music playing throughout the whole workout and enthusiastic instructors, I suggest going with friends to keep yourself extra-pumped up.  Also, bring a water bottle – you’ll find yourself parched after all the moves.  Wear something you don’t mind getting sweaty in, and whatever shoes you’d like, because exercises are done barefoot. The only drawback about this class was the price:  $16 seems like quite a bit to shell out for an exercise class. If you buy a set of 10, the price comes down to $15 each, and there are several other levels all the way to 50 for $550, which comes out to just $11 per class if you get really addicted. You may find Cardiobarre more enjoyable than going to the gym or working out on your own, but considering the price, for most students these classes are more of a treat than something to do regularly. Classes are offered seven days a week with the first class starting at 7 a.m. and the last class at 8 p.m. Spaces aren’t reserved, so you should arrive five to 15 minutes early, depending on the time; on weekdays, the late evening will be more crowded.  There are also Cardiobarre studios in Hollywood, Studio City and Woodland Hills, to name a few, and locations are planned for Santa Monica and Thousand Oaks as well. Price aside, Cardiobarre classes are an exciting, energizing way to stay in shape. I encourage everyone to try it out!