Barre at the Bar: This South Milwaukee pub is hosting fitness classes in June

Typically cheers in a pub are clanks of glasses or yells for a favorite team.

At Moran’s Pub this June, the cheers will be for community members trying out a new fitness program called "Barre at the Bar" (both pronounced the same).

Sandy Moen said she and her husband, Perry, love going to Moran’s, 912 Milwaukee Ave. in South Milwaukee.

“That’s kind of our hangout when we have a date night or time away from the kids,” she said.

Moen had taken some barre classes and is now hosting her own class at the South Milwaukee Library for about 80 people. She said she once somewhat jokingly mentioned to the pub’s owner, James Moran, she should hold classes there.

A few months later, Moran said he bumped into Moen at a local restaurant and he suggested she seriously consider hosting a barre session at the pub.

“I thought by setting it up at the pub, we could bring in and introduce Sandy to a whole new group of people looking to get fit this summer, myself included,” he said. “So, we got together for coffee and worked out the details for two sessions on Wednesdays in June.”

Moen said Moran has promised her he'll participate in at least the first class. Here's more about what's planned.

What are the class details for Barre at the Bar?

Two classes will be held every Wednesday in June ― one at 9:30 a.m. and another at 12:30 p.m. Moen said these times were selected so students could utilize the bar space when it was normally closed to the public as Moran's typically does not open until 4 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The morning class has 11 of 15 spots remaining as of May 22. The afternoon session, which will be a shorter 20–30-minute session to accommodate people on their lunch break, has all 15 spots remaining.

People can sign up for one class or all four weeks. The dates are June 5, 12, 19 and 26.

The cost per session is $15 for a drop-in or $12 if booked in advance. Those interested in signing up for the entire month can do so for $40 and select one session per week for a total of four classes.

How do you sign up for a barre class at Moran's Pub?

To register, contact Moen at pilgrimagedance@gmail.com or via her Facebook page, Pilgrimage Dance, a business name Moen said she came up with when she was a senior in college.

“At the time, I was just using it as a way to construct a flow of a business that might travel to different places,” she said.

What is barre?

Barre is a combination of yoga, Pilates, ballet and some strength training, Moen said.

“It engages muscles you normally don’t target, but with moves that are actually helpful for a functional daily life,” she said.

After having kids, Moen said she was “just not feeling confident in (her) body.” Barre made her feel happy all day and she said it combines many forms of exercise that she loves.

“It’s got great benefits not just physically, but mentally as well,” she said. “It’s never boring, it’s always different.”

Moen said barre exercises are also good for people who have pain issues in their knees and back. The classes are welcoming for beginners and all ages.

“I have a lady who is in her 70s and she kicks my butt,” Moen said.

What can people expect in a Barre at the Bar class?

Each session will be held in the main area of the pub and starts with some warmup stretching and then some work on a mat with arm and core strength exercises.

Some standing work incorporating ballet elements will utilize the bar top itself for balance.

The class will end on the mat again with an abdominal series and “a final glute bridge, because those are my faves,” Moen said. Finally there will be a closing stretch sequence.

Do people need to bring anything?

Moen said she will supply all materials.

She suggests people come in comfortable clothes and wear “sticky socks” which can be found in most workout stores.

Will any alcohol be offered at the classes?

No. The bar top will only be used for balance, not beer.

“We don’t have any drinks. It’s just going to be a workout class,” Moen said.

Is there else anything like this in the area?

The closest thing Moen is aware of is a swing dance class at a bar on Water Street in the Third Ward.

“But that’s nothing like a real workout class,” she said.

Could more classes be offered?

Yes, if these are successful.

If people want more classes at Moran’s, she’s up for it. Moen is also willing to host classes at other locations.

She is currently finalizing a pop-up at Mari’s Flowers, Wine and Gifts in South Milwaukee for “Barre in the Garden” which Moen said will be a pay-what-you-can class.

Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Moran's Pub in South Milwaukee to host 'Barre at the Bar' classes