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.
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