Tara Riley Recommends 3 Barre Moves for Over-70s, Citing Balance and Bone Benefits
Updated
Updated · Fit and Well · May 31
Tara Riley Recommends 3 Barre Moves for Over-70s, Citing Balance and Bone Benefits
2 articles · Updated · Fit and Well · May 31
Three at-home barre moves — a supported second-position plie, standing arabesque and side-lying leg lift — are being recommended by instructor Tara Riley for adults over 70.
Riley says barre’s low-impact format can improve proprioception, strengthen stabilizing muscles around the knees and ankles, and support balance without the pounding or jumping that can stress joints.
One client with osteoporosis saw improved DEXA bone-density results after 2 years of barre and Pilates, Riley said, pointing to potential skeletal benefits alongside mobility gains.
Each move is set at 16 reps, uses a stable support or floor position, and is framed as a beginner-friendly starting point for older adults seeking healthy-aging exercise options.
Are gentle workouts like Barre enough, or do seniors need heavier lifting to truly reverse bone loss?
We are told to exercise gently with age. Is this popular advice actually making us more fragile?