It's the workout that Prime Minister Scott Morrison couldn't pronounce. Now barre studios in Canberra are going virtual to work around the coronavirus lockdowns.
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Gyms, yoga and barre studios have shut their doors, as the government escalated its social distancing restrictions due to the rapidly spreading virus on Tuesday night.
Google search traffic for "barre" - a blend of ballet, pilates and yoga - spiked as Mr Morrison fumbled the pronunciation.
"I hope I've pronounced that correctly, I might need some help with that. I'm not quite sure what that is, to be honest, but B-A-R-R-E for those who are looking for the specific definition," Mr Morrison said.
For SOULution owners Bonnie Argo and Roz Penfold, it was a moment of comic relief in an otherwise uncertain time.
"He'd probably never heard of barre before yesterday. It's a very difficult job he has at the moment and he's doing his best," Ms Argo said.
"It's good he's finally addressed all the different kinds of businesses affected. We were sitting on the couch on Sunday night trying to decipher if we had to close, and how in 12 hours we were going to close the doors and turn around something people could use online."
Coronavirus is the biggest challenge they've faced since opening the Braddon yoga, pilates and barre studio five years ago.
They began building an online portal last week as more and more students started missing classes because of social distancing.
It went live on Monday, and will offer prerecorded classes for different levels of ability. They will also offer some live classes through Zoom, as well as guided meditation and social catch-ups to keep their community connected.
"We wanted to provide something that makes our community feel supported and not alone and a part of something bigger. As contact becomes more limited, it's important people find different ways to connect. It's part of our vision," Ms Argo said.
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The online membership fee of $14.99 per week is cheaper than what an in-house weekly pass would normally cost. They're recording up to three classes a day and are getting creative with equipment.
"People don't have props at home so we're saying use a big book for stability instead of a block. It's not filmed yet but there's a barre class in the works. At home you can hold onto the kitchen counter and do your leg exercises," Ms Argo said.
"It will never feel the same at home because you're not among other students but if you've had a studio practice before, just a few small steps like lighting a candle or incense can create a sacred space to tap into that experience cultivated from a studio practice."
Lucas Studios in Mitchell is offering unlimited classes via Zoom for $15 per week. It will include mat pilates, yoga and cardio barre, with just a chair required.
"The transition to online by no means will be enough to pay the rent," owner Mary Cullen said.
"It's about keeping the connection with clients and helping them stay motivated - they book into a 6am class they know I'm up as well instructing the class live."
How is your job changing because of coronavirus? Email katie.burgess@canberratimes.com.au
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