Barre on hard floor or squishy floor?

alisoncooks · 06-04-20, 07:05 PM

Given the choice, what do you prefer/think best?

Most barre vids seem to be using a yoga mat over wood-type floors. The Bar Method workouts use little squishy pads (?) under their feet sometimes?

I have the options of a carpeted floor with yoga mat over (new carpet = squishy thick carpet pad). Or I can drag out my yoga board (very rigid) and put a mat over it.

I'm just wondering about what's healthiest for feet (does squishy lead to overextension of toe joints). I'm also wondering if I'm overthinking this, haha. (Yes!) But I tend to have problem feet so I want to make the best choice before I cause injury...

So what do you prefer for barre: firm or soft flooring?.

fanofladyvols · 06-05-20, 11:07 AM

Love the question... bumping

Lucky Star · 06-05-20, 12:25 PM

Alison, I've seen it done both ways professionally as well. What feels better for you?

alisoncooks · 06-05-20, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Star

Alison, I've seen it done both ways professionally as well. What feels better for you?

This morning I did a hard surface with yoga mat over. That felt fine -- I have a feeling I'll prefer this since my joints tend to be hyper mobile. I'll try it on the squishy carpet next time for comparison's sake.

DCW · 06-05-20, 12:49 PM

Your body will let you know and tell you.

Nuggie's Auntie · 06-06-20, 06:40 AM

I'd vote for squishy. I have a bunion on my right foot, and just generally less padding in the ball of my feet than I used to.

I think studios often have hard floors just because they're easier to clean. But Bar Method studios pride themselves on their nice squishy carpet.

But again, it's very individual. sounds like you liked the firmer surface!

yogapam · 06-06-20, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alisoncooks

This morning I did a hard surface with yoga mat over. That felt fine -- I have a feeling I'll prefer this since my joints tend to be hyper mobile. I'll try it on the squishy carpet next time for comparison's sake.

That’s what I prefer. I have a 6’ round yoga mat on my laminate floor that I use for pretty much everything. I like to do all my workouts, except step, in bare feet.

Scorpio6 · 06-06-20, 12:39 PM

Having had 8 years classical ballet training, hard floor, definitely. Preferably a wooden floor that has some "give", not concrete, terrible for joints. Hope this helps.

Sand · 06-06-20, 11:38 PM

I have only done barre at home and my exercise room has carpeting. I have a fluidity barre, then lay a yoga mat on top of their mat. I also have the Bar Method cushions.

Over the years, the only thing that I've changed is replacing my 5mm yoga mat with an even thicker yoga mat for barre.

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06-04-20, 07:05 PM
alisoncooks Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TarHeel country	Barre on hard floor or squishy floor? Given the choice, what do you prefer/think best? Most barre vids seem to be using a yoga mat over wood-type floors. The Bar Method workouts use little squishy pads (?) under their feet sometimes? I have the options of a carpeted floor with yoga mat over (new carpet = squishy thick carpet pad). Or I can drag out my yoga board (very rigid) and put a mat over it. I'm just wondering about what's healthiest for feet (does squishy lead to overextension of toe joints). I'm also wondering if I'm overthinking this, haha. (Yes!) But I tend to have problem feet so I want to make the best choice before I cause injury... So what do you prefer for barre: firm or soft flooring?.

06-05-20, 11:07 AM
fanofladyvols Join Date: May 2004 Location: Modify City, State of Fierce	Love the question... bumping __________________ "Everybody's a freak to somebody. You just gotta find your tribe and try to do right by them." --Wolverine Don't just work hard, work smart....Pat Head Summitt Never give up on your body!-- Miranda Esmonde-White Word/Guiding Principle for 2023: Vitality : Live the delight of full throttle conditioning.

06-05-20, 12:25 PM
Lucky Star VF Supporter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: A helluva town	Alison, I've seen it done both ways professionally as well. What feels better for you? __________________ ~ Gina ~ "Remain cheerful, for nothing destructive can pierce through the solid wall of cheerfulness." ~Sri Chinmoy "We are so fortunate that we get to exercise!" ~Erin O'Brien

06-05-20, 12:49 PM
DCW Registered User Join Date: Dec 2016	Your body will let you know and tell you.

06-06-20, 06:40 AM
Nuggie's Auntie Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: I love that dirty water...	I'd vote for squishy. I have a bunion on my right foot, and just generally less padding in the ball of my feet than I used to. I think studios often have hard floors just because they're easier to clean. But Bar Method studios pride themselves on their nice squishy carpet. But again, it's very individual. sounds like you liked the firmer surface!

06-06-20, 12:39 PM
Scorpio6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: St. Louis MO	Having had 8 years classical ballet training, hard floor, definitely. Preferably a wooden floor that has some "give", not concrete, terrible for joints. Hope this helps.

06-06-20, 11:38 PM
Sand Join Date: May 2015 Location: Texas!	I have only done barre at home and my exercise room has carpeting. I have a fluidity barre, then lay a yoga mat on top of their mat. I also have the Bar Method cushions. Over the years, the only thing that I've changed is replacing my 5mm yoga mat with an even thicker yoga mat for barre.