At first glance, I balked at the small 1- to 3-pound weights sitting in the bins at the Barre­Amped class at the Body Balance studio on Kapiolani Boulevard. I grabbed the 2-pounders and asked the instructor which weights would be best for me. She brought over a set of 1-pounders. Sheesh!

After a few rounds of the arm exercises, I could see why. Many folks dropped their dumbbells, and I ended up switching to the lighter set.

The workout involves lots of small, isolated movements for toning that require holding of positions. For example, making small circles with your arms held out to the side and weights in each hand, or performing arm presses for what seems like an eternity. These exercises were all a part of the warmup, which included stretching.

A ballet barre (the waist-high horizontal bar dancers use for support and balance during exercises) wraps around the room and mats are available for use, but participants are welcome to bring their own. People of all ages and body types attended the class.

The workout combined toning exercises with ballet-influenced movements. To achieve optimal positioning, the barre was used while performing pilates, yoga, orthopedic stretches and balance exercises. Instructor Jessica Svensson walked around the class and corrected participants’ form while providing encouragement.

To work the core, a lot of the exercises — such as squats and balance positions — were done standing on the toes. During many of the moves, my muscles started shaking from the intensity of holding the position.

Svensson pushes you to that quivering state to exhaust the muscles so they can get stronger over time. It’s a sign that you’re working hard and not allowing the body a chance to rest too much between sets.

BarreAmped is said to increase metabolism, burn fat, lengthen tight muscles through body-weight exercises and increase joint mobility.

Mekia Earle, 34, has been attending classes a few times a week for the past three months.

"I was hooked after the first class," she said.

The Punahou School physical education teacher and former college athlete said she plans to incorporate the techniques into her lessons.

"I wanted to try it because it’s so popular on the mainland," she said.

Earle said she feels more toned and stronger as a result of the workout. "I wish I’d known about this when I was playing volleyball in college. It would have helped me," she said.

Barre originated 50 years ago in London with German dancer Lotte Berk, who developed a series of exercises that combined her dance experience with strength and flexibility training. Svensson hopes participants "have fun, feel challenged, and gain awareness and grace in thier movements."

Although a ballet barre is used and some of the exercises are similar to a dance workout, no dance experience is required. I found the class fun and upbeat, and felt the results immediately.

“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.