IM=X® Barre, IM=X® Tower, IM=X® Tower/Barre and IM=X® Cycle/Tower are four powerful and interrelated programs created by IM=X® Founder Elyse McNergney. We often get asked about the difference between these programs, and also what makes our programs unique compared to other Barre concepts.
All of these programs are taught on the IM=X® Wall Tower which has several unique features. The first thing you will notice is three levels of hooks with springs attached. The springs can be clipped to each of the three levels depending on the exercise sequence and client’s height. There are two different lengths of springs: short (typically more resistance and used for upper body) and long (less resistance or used for lower body and particularly standing Tower/Barre exercises). At the end of each spring, you have the option to fasten either handles, foot loops or a wooden dowel, for a variety of movements and assorted target muscles. To add even more resistance, many IM=X® Wall Tower exercises also incorporate the IM=X® ring or light hand weights.
IM=X® Barre IM=X® Barre is inspired by ballet training, fusing moves like plies, tendus, attitudes, leg extensions and arabesques with stabilization techniques and light upper body resistance to provide a powerful lengthening and toning experience, challenging flexibility and burning calories. Traditional ballet moves are paired with IM=X® stabilization techniques and spring resistance for upper and lower body toning. Twelve sequences provide a unique variety of hybrid routines, particularly when taught in combination with the IM=X® Tower Barre sequences. Grande and demi pliés are performed in combination with IM=X® Ring Stabilization Techniques. The leg sequences progress with tendus, attitudes, leg extensions and arabesques to provide a powerful lower body lengthening and toning. Calf raises known in ballet terms as relevés are combined with upper body strengthening using light weights. Quick leg lifts or grande battements challenge leg flexibility and raise the heart rate. The secret to a lean and strong body has been known by dancers for years – now IM=X® clients can learn these moves and enjoy the benefits. IM=X® Barre can be taught as an excellent stand alone or mixed with IM=X® Tower for a powerful total body Tower/Barre workout.
So what is IM=X® Tower? The IM=X® Tower is an exciting all-in-one apparatus that provides a cross-conditioning alternative that is effective and adds numerous programming options for class variety. IM=X® Tower course begins with the IM=X® Fundamentals and progresses through seated, supine, prone, and standing positions for a total-body workout which improves stabilization, strength, balance, flexibility and range of motion. The sequences follow the IM=X® philosophy of providing increased resistance and unique variations on traditional pilates choreography.
A separate program (but taught in the same certification course) is IM=X® Tower/Barre. The seven unique Tower/Barre sequences add upper body and core strengthening to grand pliés, relevés, tendus and other ballet-inspired movements to allow for a barre workout that uses springs, handles, foot loops and a dowel for a truly unique blend of exercises not found anywhere else.
Lastly, the IM=X® Cycle/Tower program is a unique blend of indoor cycling techniques with upper body resistance and stabilization – not found anywhere outside of IM=X® studios! Combining the IM=X® Tower with an indoor cycling bike provides participants with cardiovascular endurance, upper body strength and range of motion all in one workout. Not your typical indoor cycling ride, this unique workout keeps participants focused on posture, balance, breathing and core muscle endurance!
The exciting part about all of the IM=X® Tower-based workouts is that they can replace multiple fitness routines all in one place. Rather than “studio hopping” from a Spin class to a Barre class to a Pilates class, you can make IM=X® Pilates a one-stop shop for all your fitness goals.