Dancers are famous for their graceful posture and long, lean physiques. So if you want a body like a dancer, it would only make sense to work out like one. Many exercise forms either have their origins in dance, or developed because of exposure to the dance community — methods such as Pilates and the Lotte Berk Method, for example. And of course, there are now lots of ballet-based workouts on DVD and video. One tool you may have seen in the Lotte Berk, Bar Method or occasional ballet workout DVD is the barre. A barre is a sturdy bar, usually made of wood or steel, that a dancer uses as an exercise tool. In a dance studio, they're often bolted to the wall, but they can also be found freestanding for both studio and home use. Barres aid in balance for many exercises, and they can also be used in stretching and flexibility work. An adjustable freestanding barre is a nice tool to have. It's sturdier and broader than a chair, which is what most non-dancers use in its place when they're working out at home, and the height can be adjusted to the best placement for you. Some adjustable barres, like the one shown above, can also be folded flat for easy storage — a great plus for home use. Barres aren't cheap — even used ones will run a couple hundred dollars. But if you find yourself doing a lot of ballet or dance-based workouts and you love the results you get, then you may want to consider spending the extra money. Working with a real barre can be a revelation.