Above Barre Groupon

I'm gymless for about two weeks in December, so I bought a steal of a Groupon to Above Barre.

I'd been eying it for awhile—and was waiting for am extra percentage off. Between the extra percentage off and knowing I'd need some fitness classes over the holidays (when everything including my usually gyms and studios are closed) I decided it was worth the money.

I knew I liked barre classes. They're low impact (which is great for all the over-use injuries I get from running.) And the deal averaged out to about $5 a class. Awesome.

A few days before Christmas I went to redeem my Groupon.

There was a pretty hard sell to get me to a one-month contract. Which honestly, didn't make sense to me. I just stared at the girl. I bought 10 classes to use over the holidays. Why would a one-month plan be any better? I don't need an Omni membership. I don't plan on taking unlimited barre in January.

I explained to the girl that I was looking for a once-a-week option, that I had other classes I regularly took. She told me about their $59 once a week plan. So I'd change my $50 10-class Groupon for a 4-class Groupon? I continued staring at the girl—and said I was sure they'd have New Year's deals when I was done with my Groupon.

After that unpleasantness, the class was good. The instructor had a kind, fun energy. It was much better than the class I took back in January of last year. There were less ballet terms. There was more equipment and variety in the exercises. The clientele had also changed (in part to the college students going home for break) and it was more moms, grandmas, and grad school aged women. There were less co-eds. And there are also more class times, including more evening times when I can make it. (So good changes from my last visit.)

I had told the teacher it was my first class there—and she was pretty impressed with my form. (Thanks Pure Barre).

I went back a few more times. (I haven't used all 10 visits yet. Because the weather's been nice enough to run outside on a few days and I've picked up some free classes here and there.) And I've enjoyed the classes. There's less work on pointe, less barre holds (which I don't really like).

The class works your core. There's an abs series they do, that involves scissors and bicycles. There's arm work. They have weights and they use bands for exercises at the barre (Almost like Pure Barre's velcro band classes). I've done curls, back flies, pullups and more with the bands. There's the usual leg work—on pointe, lots of calf, hip flexor work. And the class ends with stretching and some yoga poses.

Above Barre also offers more variety in classes.

They have a Core Express class, which focuses more on abs and is 45 minutes. I really liked this class and hope to go again.

There's also a HIIT class, which is barre with more cardio and harder options. Really liked this class too.

And some of the instructors teach harder classes than others. I feel like I need to take another one of Hillary's classes. I remember really liking the toughness of her class.

 I've liked all of the teachers and all of the classes. I haven't had a bad experience.

The classes were smaller—in part because it was holiday break.

The difference between this and Pure Barre?
1. Not as much Lululemon at Above Barre. Girls were wearing Under Armour, Fila and regular—not luxe activewear.
2. There's a larger variety in equipment. More bands etc at Above Barre.
3. The classes all vary as do Pure Barre. A class with one of AB's veteran instructors is going to be similar to a class with a veteran Pure Barre teacher. There's a set formula of warmup, barre work, arms, abs, cool down etc for classes at each studio—with slightly different variations depending on the instructor and day.
4. Pure Barre keeps their studio slightly warmer.
5. Pure Barre's classes are more crowded (and have a younger, Greeker clientele.) PB has a larger studio and can accommodate 29-34 people.
—In January, most of Pure Barre's classes are waitlisted. I've never had that problem at Above Barre. This might only be a problem for January and Platform classes.
6. The Pure Barre instructors look like they hopped out of magazine. AB has normal looking instructors—beauties, moms, fitness enthusiasts.

Both are barre workouts. I'm not sure who has the edge, really. I like classes at both places. Classes at Above Barre have improved a lot since my last visit. Pure Barre is an established chain. And Above Barre is a barre method studio—they're popping up everywhere.

If you want a membership to a big gym (Omni) or childcare, Above Barre probably has the advantage.

Pure Barre was the first barre studio in Athens—and now there are also classes at UGA (on my list to try) and I did try a mini barre class at Above Body studio. I should do a full class and give you a review.

But taking any fitness class is a step in the right direction.

Happy tucking!

(Update: I liked their HIIT barre class so much I purchased a 5 pack of classes. It burns the same amount of calories as Pure Barre Platform, without Platforms choreography that I suck at, and without two week wait lists.)

Pure Barre Platform Review

Today I survived Pure Barre Platform. I did not fall on my face.

Verdict: This class torches a ton of calories. This is what I need to take after going on a cupcake binge.

It really wasn't like traditional Pure Barre classes at all. Where Pure Barre is about small movements—this class is about big movements. And there's a definite adjustment needed.

I took a Wednesday night class. It was a small class of 7, including an instructor who was taking. There was another lady's her first Platform class.

I felt like a little lost sheep in the class. Like in my first class—when I just didn't know what to expect at all. I was looking around to see what others were doing a lot. And there weren't that many people to look at. I was more lost in this class than I've been trying new classes in awhile. That said, I think I'd do better next time.

The class starts with a step on and off the platform warm-up. I was the worst at this. I was also bad at the Pure Barre warmup. So this is expected. I'm so bad at choreography.

There were similar sections to Pure Barre: Warmup, obliques, leg work at barre, ab work, and cool down. And the floor work toward the end definite felt like Pure Barre so I wasn't as lost. There were lunges with pulses, familiar weight work, bring your knee to your chest, seat work. It's a full body workout.

Highlights:
• Pushups with toes on the platform. At some point over the years, I started liking pushups. (And vainly how my arms look in the Pure Barre mirror.) These were great.

• The flying leaps that are in all the ads. These are fun. (I struggled with them in general, and could do the left side better than the right, but I'll get it.)
• All the big kicking—bringing your leg from the floor to several feet up in the air. This is fun!

Low points
•  At some points it was hard to see the instructor and what I was supposed to do.
• How long we worked the right and left thighs. Way too long. Dying. I thought I'd done a leg twice by accident.
• The motions do look really crazy. This could be amusing to watch. I also don't have those fast twitch muscles you must need for this. Not sure I work at that speed.
• And ha ha. I did fall off the platform once. But not on my face. Just during leaps I missed my footing. No big.

Sweat was dripping down my arms for the whole class. I did bring a towel. And sipped on my water a lot. At the end of class, I just chucked my wet tank in my bag and put on a long sleeve shirt for outside over my sports bra. That shirt was too gross to wear home.

The class was surprisingly low impact. There wasn't too much jumping. I was worried about box jumps—like in the Body Shred class I went to. But no the leaps off the box are controlled (lock out those arms on the barre.)

I got a few corrections. I won't beat myself over this. It was really different from Pure Barre. And I think I will go again a few more times to see if I like it. Or just if I overeat and need to burn 500+ calories.

Seriously, the calorie burn was the best part of this class. My Apple Watch is super stingy with calories burned. It gives me 100 calories for a pilates class. Maybe 280-300 for a barre class, and a little less than a 100 calories per mile for a run. I burned a ton of calories in this class. (More than an hour of trampoline fitness.) And I'm confident I'd do a better job next time.

If you go:
1) You will sweat. I wouldn't recommend a cotton shirt. Wear something sweat wicking. I wished I had worn crops—but couldn't remember if you were supposed to wear full length leggings for this class.
2) Don't worry about looking stupid. I was too busy watching my feet and trying not to fall off the platform to worry about what anyone else looked like.
2) Just when you think you can't do another rep—it's time for stretching. (I love stretching breaks!)

Back to the Barre

I headed back to Pure Barre this weekend. Because FREE CLASSES!

I love free classes. Especially when my gyms are closed and most of my classes are on hiatus for winter break.

I took the Saturday morning class with the owner. I was sure I was going to die. It's been four months since I did Pure Barre.

I walked in. Everyone was chatting excitedly, with a few people looking around nervously. The class started. And the warmup.

1. I forgot about the warmup. It starts out kind of jazzercise march in place and gets difficult quickly. I forgot how bad I was at the twisting part of the warmup.

2. I forgot how brutal the warmup is. 90 second plank hold is hard enough but to do it while tucking. OMG.

3. After the warmup, the class isn't quite as hellish. I settled into the routine of the class and still knew enough of the basics to not feel foolish. Thank you 100 club, for teaching me Pure Barre basics. Actually I was surprised that with the exception of the twist, I fell right back into it. I could still stand on pointe, tuck, and was still bad at the things I used to be bad at ;)

4. I picked up Pure Barre's 3-pounds weights and forgot how light they are. I use 5's at home. They get heavy quickly when you keep your arms up for 3-5 minutes so I was fine with the 3 pounds.

5. Sweat was rolling down my arms in the warm-up. They keep the room a little warmer than normal—which I like. I forgot about the sweat drip. It just shows I work hard!

6. The class got hellish again in barre holds. I just can't keep my leg up that long. I need to stretch it. And then beastly again in abs. The hard part was keep your arms up—and overhead the whole time (at some points, your elbows by your ears and hands on your shoulder blades). Eventually, I had to take my arms down. I know my limits. I was at them.

I finished the class. And was glad to have survived. And not not have sucked. It was a great class and a great workout.

I checked my watch—and the class burned more calories than Above Barre classes, but not as much as the HIIT class they have.

The owner told me I needed to try their Platform class.

A few people have told me that. (The manager at Lululemon ;) And I kind of want to. I kind of think I'd fall on my face or look ridiculous.

She offered me a free class. And I said let's make that happen. I'm going Wednesday and will report back! I'm kind of excited/ hoping I don't die.

And round two, I took a second class on Sunday.

And I'm totally embarrassed and feel like a mooch.

My friend was going to come with me—so I only signed up after she said yes. She bailed a few hours before class (too late for me to cancel) so I showed up and felt like I looked like cheapskate. (I am but don't want to look like one.)

The Sunday class was good. Less crowded than the Saturday class. Apparently a lot of people didn't show on Sunday. But I like it when there's room not to kick people at the barre ;) There were some new girls near me. They did great. I tried to make sure I had extra perfect form so they knew what to do. (So that's what I bring to the free class. Someone for them to watch during barre work.)

The class was taught by one my favorite teachers. This sweet girl who used to be a college cheerleader and is working on her Ph.D. (She is amazing!!) My Apple Watch said this class actually burned more calories. Both classes were difficult—they were challenging, my muscles were shaking and I was working. But it wasn't too challenging that I got frustrated with myself or wanted to leave. It was just the right amount of challenge. I like that.

The owner's ab section was more difficult—and I didn't know quite what to expect for the first class. By the Sunday class, I was more comfortable. But don't worry, there was still awful hip flexor exercises that I am so bad at. (Anything in beetle, I suck at. It hurts so much!!)

I survived two Pure Barre classes in two days. And was totally fine afterward. I feel like this just means I'm a beast.

Part of me misses Pure Barre. I like the structure. I like the instructors. I like the ab section and what it works. I like going up on my tip toes. I like the stretching in the dark at the end. (I really do like this part. Favorite part of class. The cool down.)

If I had unlimited time for workouts and didn't have to worry about money—I'd be there now. But while I'm running, taking a Canopy session, doing gymnastics—my time and funds are limited, I don't know how to make the money work.

Until Wednesday Pure Barre, and then I might have to find the money for my Platform addiction. (I've been warned.)

If you go to Pure Barre
1) Wear tights or leggings. And socks. Don't wear shorts. Also, if you have Lululemon, that's the unofficial wardrobe and you can't go wrong with it.

2) Bring: water bottle. Optional: towel. You will sweat!

3) Get there early to sign the waiver, talk to the teacher and find a spot. Do you want to be in the front or back? By a barre or a mirror?

4) There's usually an instructor taking class to watch if you're lost (they will usually be at the front of the room and the instructor teaching may introduce them during the warmup.). If not, find anyone wearing 100 club socks and watch them. Or ask the instructor before class who you can watch. The instructor will give hands on corrections. I always say THANKS because I want to do the workout right and not hurt myself. Don't be hard on yourself for a correction. It just means the instructor cares that you have the best experience.

5) Think small movements. A lot of bootcamp classes emphasize bigger movements. In Pure Barre, small movements will work your body harder.

5) Know your limits. It's okay to stretch or break form if you need to. It's ok to modify or take breaks. Heck, fake it until you recover if you have to. You'll get stronger every class.

Best for: Former dancers, anyone looking for a low impact workout. There are many grandmas who love these classes and excel at them. Also I told my sister who just had a baby—that this class works exactly those muscles. She should try it for her core.
Note: Not a lot of guys go. So unless it's a "Bring on the Men" class, I wouldn't really force your guy friend to come with you. (But the girls are all cute.)

Happy tucking!

2015 year in review

As 2015 is coming to an end, I'd say it was a great year fitness wise.

I was pretty diligent about working out 5-6 times a week. (Gotta have that off day. I get hurt when I try to skip my rest day.) I think I was eating healthier and when I started running I actually slimmed down some (for the first time in two years! Nothing else worked.)

2015: The year of the Gym Rat.

1. I tried lots of new classes.
1) Above Barre
2) Rush fitness classes
3) Flying trapeze at Leap and Cirque Fit
4) Sparc fitness classes
5) Body Shred at Chase Street Yoga
6) Beginner Pole
7) Gymnastics at Oconee Gymnastics
8) Handstands at Canopy
9) Pilates—tower and mat
10) Walk Georgia Boot camp
11) Walk Georgia Fitness at noon
12) ice skating. (no class, but counting this as something new).

I did nine months of Pure Barre—for a total of 120+ classes. I made it to the 100 club in about six months. Pure Barre was my obsession for the first half of the year. I even took a class at their Destin studio. I let my membership expire in August—mostly because of cost. At $150 a month, it was just too much and I really like to do more classes and try different things.

2015 was definitely the year of flying trapeze. I did my first class on my birthday and did classes until the rig closed. I learned

Tricks
1) Knee hang
2) Whip
3) Split catch
4) Seat roll from whip
5) Pullover shoot
6) Single Reverse
7) Never caught my cutaway—WANT TO GET THIS
8) Backend split
9) Backend straddle
10) started learning straight jump —COME back to.

Running
I ran 245+ miles in 2015. I started off running once a week—just to vary up my workout and get some cardio in. I tried to increase my mileage too fast and had IT band issues for about 6 weeks, but then kept it up strong, bumping it to twice a week and then three times a week in the fall when I killed my barre membership (and needed to workout without the fees.)

By the numbers
Miles ran: 245+
Best mile: 7:19
Best 2 mile: 15:35
Best 3 mile: 23:02 for 3 miles on an indoor track
Furthest ran: 4.5 miles

In high school I was a runner. I honestly haven't run this much since 2001 when I graduated high school. I was a speedy little thing and I trained so hard. Two-a-days when I could. I'd run a mile or two in the morning, or do weights, and then running and or weights after school. I ran six days a week—most days between 2 and 6 miles. My best times ever were a 62 second 400, a 2:17 800, a 5:58 mile. I don't remember my 2 mile time. 12 and change? And I think I got under 20 minutes for a 5k.

In college, I didn't have time to workout. I went to college full-time and worked 20+ hours a week. I didn't really have the time to workout until I switched jobs three years ago. Once or twice a year, I'd try to get back into running but this is the first year it stuck. I have a $15/moth gym membership and feel like I need to use the indoor track once every week or two so I'm not wasting my money.

I dropped my barre membership to pay for playing trapeze—and started running more as workouts. I'd run trails when the weather is nice and on the indoor track when the weather was cold. In October I really amped up the miles and my times started dropping. I don't feel the need to run every day. I think running every other day suits me just fine.

In 2016, I should run a 5K and I want to join a running group or get a coach to help me drop the times. I think it's something I want to make time for.

Tumbling

I'm working on my front fly spring—hopefully I can double this in 2016. Maybe even work on a front handspring on the floor.
I'd like to work on my front and back walkovers too. I need to go back to my kickovers and work some.

Still working on my handstand but it's getting better.

I got my pull-up!

I started missing trampolines so I need to go once a week if I can. I just love bouncing.

Year midpoint goal check

Half of 2015 has flown by. How is this possible?

But what a great time to look at my fitness goals from January and see where I am.

1) Get my left split.  Done.

Doing a split at Pure Barre. 

2) Front tuck on the floor (with a spring board is acceptable).  Haven't tried. I can't figure out run, run punch. 

3) Climb once a month. I got certified to climb in February and have climbed twice and mean to go this weekend (before even looking at this post.) I miss climbing.

4) Keep trying new classes (once a month if I can find something new).

Have tried trapeze, a new barre class, a different Pure Barre, a SPARC class, fitness class at Rush, ninja course at Rush and took up running. I'd say good progress is made on this.

Taking a class at SPARC.

5) Take a class at Leap Flying Trapeze school.  Done. Obsessed.

6) Try the 6 a.m. Pure Barre class. Have yet to do.

7) The the vertical pole class at Canopy. My goal to do this summer maybe this month. 

8) Hold a handstand for at least 5 or 10 second. I'm still working on my handstands but think I've gotten a five second hold a few times.

Handstand on the beach.

9) Buy something from Lululemon. (Maybe a cute top for my birthday). I have 20 or so pieces and am a total Lululemon addict. I've spent my lulu budget for the month and aren't allowed to buy anything else.

10) Keep working on 6-pack abs. (One day!). My abs are looking good from Pure Barre. Not six-lack, but it's a something pack when I suck in ;) 

So, four of these goals I can check off as done, with two in progress and four to work on. I'd count this as progress.

Maybe I should even add a few goals. (Not necessarily by the end of the year.) 

1) Bump up running to twice a week.

2) Run a 5k. Before next summer.

3) Run a 5k in under 25 minutes.

4) Get a fitness tracker.

5) Touch my feet to my head. (Handstand scorpion).

Working on my scorpion. I can hold my
 own weight for about two seconds! Will get this trick. 

6) Do body composition testing.

7) Make a fitness plan for the fall.
8) In 2016, find some relay races to run in like the Chick Fil-A Half or the All Comers Track meet.
9) Take a class at Blast.
10) Try a pilates class. 

Joining the Pure Barre 100 club

We had sparkling grape juice for my 100. Thanks Rachelle! 

I've joined the Pure Barre 100 club. In a little over 5 months I took 100 Pure Barre classes.

In a large studio, it's nice to have the recognition and something to work towards. And free socks! I like that they do this. And I like the social media posts. It helps me learn the other regular's names.

And it's been a long journey.

Officially, I took 100 classes in a year and a week. I took my first Pure Barre class May 30 last year. It was free friend Friday. I met one of the instructors at the local trampoline gym. She invited me to try a class and was surprised when I actually showed up.

I liked my first Pure Barre class. It was challenging and well organized. But I wasn't sold, frankly because Pure Barre is expensive. And it's not as fun or adrenaline pumping as some of the other fitness classes I've tried.

I took another free class that fall. It was hard. And Pure Barre was filed away in my list of workouts to try when I get tired of my current gym/when my contract runs out.

And in December my gym closed to move to a bigger facility. Their lease ran out and there was some gap time. So I went to Pure Barre. (Also, it was one of the only fitnesses places open over Christmas break in my college town.) I took a class. Decided I'd give it a whirl and bought the one-month new client special.

At $100 for a month, it was the most I've ever paid for a gym membership.

I went to the classes. My metabolism reved up and I was hungry all the time. My calves were cramping. And finally my body got used to the new workout routine.

Did Pure Barre transform my body or make me lose weight? I'm not one of those people

Two years ago I started working out. I'd lose weight and gain muscle. Eventually, I dropped one pant size, settled at a few pounds less than my pre-workout weight and I've plataeued there. I'm happy with being an athletic size 4. Sure, I'd like to drop 10 pounds, but think I'd have to diet miserably for months to get there. I'm at a happy, healthy weight. I'm lean and toned, but was before I started going to Pure Barre.

But instead of workout out two hours a day, I only have to do 55 minutes at Pure Barre. I've tried to go crazy and run on Pure Barre days, but I don't think it's good for me.

I'm currently battling an overuse injury in my knee from trying to balance running, Pure Barre and everything else I want to do. My knee definitely limits what I can do.

I try to take 4 pure Barre classes a week, do two alternate workouts and take one day off.  I miss climbing ropes.

Will I join the 250 club? I'm not sure yet.

Reasons I love Pure Barre

1. It's challenging. The tucking and up-an-inch, down-an-inch is difficult, but I feel like that means it's something I need to work on.
2. No brainer workout. I just show up and they tell me what to do for an efficient workout. No guessing what machines to get on at the gym.
3. The socks. Honestly, they're just cute and comfy.
4. The instructors are so nice and positive. (No shouting drill sergeant style)
5. Getting a shout out for doing a good job.
6. The music. (Love the pop music.)
7. All the cute gym clothes. The girls at my Pure Barre all wear the cutest clothes. Love seeing all of it.
8. Lots of class availability. 5:30, 6:45, 8 p.m. Even with my crazy schedule, there's usually a class I can take.
9. It really works your calves. If my calves get any bigger I might not be able to wear my riding boots.
10. It's a hard workout that doesn't leave me too drained afterwards. I'm happy to be done with the workout and have enough energy for the rest of my day.

Workout Review: Above Barre

Where's Waldo? You can barely see me in this photo.

With Pure Barre ever so popular, a second barre studio opened up in Athens. My interest was piqued. Would the classes be smaller? The  memberships less expensive?

Above Barre is located next to the Omni on Atlanta Highway. It opened in late December so it hasn't even been open a month. And they're offering your first class free so I decided to try them out. The plan was to go with my sister, who took ballet in college.

I get to the parking lot and text my sister "I'm here" in case she has trouble finding it. She's not coming. Her toddler threw up in the car. Groan. So perk of Above Barre: Childcare is provided.

I go into Above Bar solo. The reception area is pretty and well lit (not a lot of chairs or space to wait). The staffers are nice. I buy a pair of Sticky-Be socks. They say "Be Calm," something I struggle with. Maybe the socks will help?

There's one lady waiting for the next class. I worry that the class will be too small.

Then the class before mine lets out. It's Barre-lates. Barre meets pilates. A few college age girls show up for the next barre class and I enter the studio. It's nice. There are two barres.

I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. No one told me. I look and see that everyone has a black mat, black ball and weights. I see the teacher at front and ask her. She says to get all of those and the two--pound weights. She repeats herself several times as about half the class is new.

Even before class begins, I can see that the women who come her are almost exactly the same clientele as Pure Barre. It's mostly sorority type thin, beautiful girls, with a few older women. I'm the odd one out, a little too old for college, but not 40s.

The studio seems smaller too. Pure Barre maxes out at 29 in a class. My class had about 16 and I felt the barre was pretty full. There are two barres, possibly longer than Pure Barre, which has four bars. The space is a little longer.

And class begins with marching in place. There's some arm work with the ball. And then the instructor says to do something in first position.

First position? I have no idea what this is. I've never take a dance class.

She explains it briefly as heels together toes apart in a V. She says first position a lot in this class. And second position. Which I guess is like first but more turned out? And she also calls out releves, which means something on your tip toes, she also calls out some plies, which I know vaguely what it is but not what I'm supposed to do. What are my knees doing? What are we working?

I've taken a month of barre classes, but the terms were confusing to me. I don't know what they are. Not everyone has taken dance.

The class had an arm section, which I really liked. We used the stretchy bands to work biceps, and did some arms with lunges and curtsy (does anyone know how to curtsy these days?). There were sections on the barre—seat work, which I always hate, and some open hip, toes to ceiling thing where I had no idea what to do. If your hip is open your leg is to the side not ceiling. There was the usual ball behind your knee part, where everyone drops the ball. I wasn't that impressed with the ab section. It was ball between your thighs, and lower and up with straight legs, that type of thing.

I got only one correction in arms. I needed to move my arms out with the band. So not so bad. The lady next to me seemed to be a new mom and she was really struggling with the workout. Really. She had Pure Barre 100 club socks on and I later heard her say she'd done a year at Pure Barre.

The class ended with some yoga style stretching. She called out some yoga style poses that I wasn't familiar with. She did call out Happy Baby, which I've heard of but don't quite know how to do.

Then class was over. I perused he boutique, which was nice, and ended up buying a top. (If I get a free class I usually feel compelled to buy something.) They were out of Sticky-B socks. I bought their last pair. I was really looking forward to those.

I wasn't completely wiped after the class. I ran errands for two hours, went home and walked my dog and then ran to stretch my legs out.

Pros: 
• Good arm section
•  Cute boutique
• Nice staff
• Childcare provided
•  Lots of parking (though you might have to hike)

Cons:
• I generally felt like more explanations were needed, but it's new and I've seen this happen with a lot of new instructors. (It's a new boutique. This will get worked out in time)
• I was hoping for it to be cheaper than Pure Barre, since that would be a big draw.
•  Above Barre also offers far fewer classes, 4 classes a day on most weekdays, 2 or 1 class a day on weekends, or about 20 classes a week. (Pure Barre offers 8 classes on weekdays, 2-3 on weekends, for a total of 43 classes a week).
Want a class before work? At lunch? Later than 5:30 p.m. so you don't have to rush like mad out of work and then get stuck in tragic? Above Barre doesn't have those offerings.

The instructor should explain things more. If she wants to appeal to dancers, the ballet terminology is great. If she wants a broader appeal, she should drop the ballet terminology. I wasn't that lost in the class—but I take a ton of classes. And I feel like she was teaching to someone even more hardcore than me. I'd be worried about novices.

Price comparison: Above Barre's pricing is almost identical to Pure Barre.
(Above listed first then compared to Pure Barre)

Single Class: $19 vs $21.
One month new client special, $99 vs $100.
Above Barre is currently extending this to six weeks unlimited to celebrate their grand opening. Pure Barre is doing 5 weeks for January.
Contracts: Pure Barre will occasionally offer 10% off their contracts

Three month contract:  $165 a month vs $170 a month

Six month contract: $160 a month for both
12 month contract, $150 a month for both
20 classes, $340 vs $320
10 classes, $180 for both

My Pure Barre membership is up Monday, so it would make a lot of sense to try this place out for six weeks. It would save me $75 or so. Maybe it's loyalty, but I just like Pure Barre better. They take you aside before class to make sure you know how to tuck, they tell you great job! when you leave. They try to learn your name. They explain more, which I'm realizing the importance of now. They tell you what body part you're working, explain the movement and give clarifications (don't move your knee across your chest, keep your head straight etc.) Also, I have more class options at Pure Barre.  If I did sign up for an AB membership, my only options would be 5:30 p.m. (which would be super stressful to get over there on time) or weekends.

Verdict: Great arms section. I could see myself going once a week for conditioning in addition to my running, climbing and tumbling and various other pursuits. But there's no real deal in going once a week. If I ever get tired of Pure Barre, I'd consider this.

There's definitely room for two barre studios in Athens. Pure Barre classes are always jam packed.

The Nerdy Girl’s Guide to the Barre Method

I’ve been hearing a lot about Pure Barre, a ballet based fitness chain that’s popular in Athens. One of the instructors also goes to Aerofit and offered me a class on their Free Friend Friday. I was curious about what this was (and she assured me I didn’t have to be a dancer to take the class), so I tried it.

In my town, it’s in a little studio in a busy shopping center (near the Moe’s I go to and the pet store where I get dog and cat food.) You walk upstairs and there’s gorgeous studio and storefront ($90 workout pants.)

There’s a room with cubbies for your stuff, and for you to take what you need to workout: weights, a red mat, a red tube.

I then walk into a silent dance studio—full of toned women in Pure Barre socks. Thankfully, I have a friend in the class and we were chatting before class began.

The instructor is at the front of the class—on a headset. (There were 20+ people in the class). And she guides you through the workout—but after the first demo she walks around the room correcting body position—move your feet out, hands in, bend your knees, on your toes etc. She calls out kudos to those doing a good job. And it’s all encouraging, and nonstop. There is no break. There’s not even time to complain to the person next to you!

For some of the exercises I wasn’t sure what to do and because the instructor was walking around, I was trying to figure out who looked like they new what they were doing and copying them. I’d probably get the hang of this with more experience. Hopefully I wasn’t flailing too gracelessly and didn’t look TOO stupid.

The class is set up in rows—kind of a choose-your-own space situation. Part of the class is in these rows. Arm stuff with the little weights, Jane Fonda-esque leg lifts, crunches on the little red bar (killed me!). And tucking. That’s the signature move. It’s tucking your hips underneath you, bringing your tailbone down and out. Maybe the tiniest bit like an athletic baby twerk. (Your booty goes a little back when you contract).

The other part of the class is on the bar. It’s not really ballet though. It’s holding on to the bar and doing leg work—on your toes, holding one leg out, doing circles. And this part really makes your thighs burn.

And everything is in a 10-count. I kept dropping my form after 8, being relieved to be done, only for the instructor to still be counting. Oops. I’m not even a dancer and I’m used to an 8-count.

I survive the first class, fumbling through most of the motions. My thighs and abs were burning. (The crunches on the red ball really got me.) My legs hurt walking down the stairs on the way out. If I went to more classes, I’m sure I’d know what I was doing soon enough. I thought it was a good workout (but wasn’t too tired to go tumble at Aerofit for an hour afterwards).

Quick guide to Pure Barre

Verdict: I'd sum up the Pure Barre experience in one word—intense. It also worked everything I want to tone: core and thighs. Exactly what I need. And no need to be a former ballerina. I thought there was only the finest bit of dance/ ballet in the workout.

Atmosphere: For those serious about working out. This isn’t a giggle with your friends class. There isn’t even time for talking. It’s non-stop. When the workout gets too intense and you’re ready to quit, the instructor calls out stretching, so it’s active rest—with no real breaks.

Intensity: Super intense. Like Aerobics on caffeine pills and Red Bull. One of the most intense classes I’ve been in.

Price: $20 for one class. A monthly membership is $200.

What to wear: Leggings or capris, a yoga-looking top and socks. The website urges against wearing shorts. They want your leg muscles to stay warm.

Would I go again: Yes. I thought it was a great workout. I’d love it if I could afford to do this once a week or once a month and I’ve heard you get more benefit if you go everyday, but at their prices I can’t afford more than once a month.