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!