Is Pure Barre Worth It? My Experience and Results
My Journey Back To Barre Workouts
I recently hit a significant milestone in my fitness journey – my 50th Pure Barre class! This milestone feels like the perfect opportunity to delve into a burning question: Is Pure Barre really worth it? Let’s unpack it!
I started my Pure Barre journey in August 2023, primarily because of my history many years ago with the Bar Method. Reflecting on those years, my experience was mixed – let’s just say, the crowd could be less than welcoming, bordering on snobby. But that’s a story for another day.
Alongside this, I’ve been a regular at Orangetheory, where high-impact classes are my jam, offering intense cardio and focusing on those larger muscle groups. However, I was acutely aware of the need to hone in on the smaller muscle groups, especially since my knee pain increased from pounding the treadmill almost daily. It’s like my knee was reminding me of the weaker muscles around it, subtly hinting, “Hey, remember barre?”
And remember, I did. From my barre days, I knew it was the perfect approach to target these smaller, often-neglected muscles. So, with a mix of motivation and a dash of nostalgia, I signed up for a free Pure Barre Foundations class, ready to see if it lived up to the hype – and my expectations.
What is Pure Barre?
Pure Barre is a type of workout that combines elements from different exercise styles, including ballet, Pilates, and yoga. It’s known for its focus on small, isometric movements and its effectiveness in toning muscles and improving posture. Here are some key aspects of Pure Barre workouts:
Ballet Barre Inspired
Despite its name, Pure Barre isn’t about ballet dance. Instead, it cleverly uses the ballet barre as a fitness tool along with a small Pilates ball, a double tube, and a light set of weights. Some formats even bring in small platforms, wall bungees, and floor core sliders.
Low-Impact Yet Effective & Beginner Friendly
Pure Barre is a haven for various ages and fitness levels, thanks to its low-impact nature. It’s particularly appealing for those seeking a joint-friendly workout. The pace and intensity are adaptable, making it inviting for beginners. Instructors are adept at offering modifications to suit different fitness levels.
Tapping into my past as a personal trainer, this workout is definitely something I would recommend for newbies or anyone recovering from an injury who needs a less intense regimen. Interestingly, I have overheard other women in my class mention they have their physical therapists’ nod to attend, and I’ve found the exercises align perfectly with my own PT routines for my shoulder.
Core Strength Centric and Muscle Toning and Sculpting
At the heart of Pure Barre is core strength, pivotal for improved stability and posture. I absolutely love that these classes use precise movements for a toned, sculpted physique. It’s crucial to focus on smaller muscle groups, especially if you want that lean, svelte look, which most workout classes don’t emphasize. As a former personal trainer, I’ve seen the misconception that women can’t bulk up.
This is not universally true, as body types vary. For instance, a mesomorph body type, like Serena Williams, might bulk up more easily, while an ectomorph like Kate Moss will not. That’s why in the past, I often recommended low weight or non-weighted exercises for my personal training clients aiming for a lean, svelte look. I’ve personally grappled with this, noticing my biceps remained pronounced even after a break from weightlifting.
Enhancing Flexibility and Balance
Drawing from yoga and Pilates, it’s not just about strength but also about improving your flexibility and balance. This is so key. I am very lazy about stretching, so these classes make sure I get a really deep stretch. If you’re someone who already is serious or plans to get serious about working out often, I cannot stress the importance of stretching enough. I learned this the hard way when my lower back muscles knotted up painfully due to inadequate stretching after intensifying my workouts.
High Repetition, Small Movements
This technique is designed to fatigue muscles, leading to toning and strengthening without the bulk. And as you know, I have my thoughts on bulking up (see above). I appreciate how Pure Barre targets what I call female “problem” areas – like the saddlebag area, the back of the arms, and the lower abs. When positioned correctly, I can feel muscles working that I’m sure are usually inactive.
Mind-Body Synergy
The workout emphasizes the mind-body connection, offering mental benefits similar to those of yoga and Pilates, such as stress reduction. The end of every class format incorporates this aspect, and I find that their Align class definitely has a restorative yoga vibe. The Align class format still ensures a solid core and muscle workout, and it’s perfect for days when you need a gentler exercise session. I suggest taking this class if you really need to fulfill your daily exercise quota, but it’s not one of those ‘give it your all’ types of days.
A Class for Every Fitness Goal
From cardio-focused to strength-based, Pure Barre studios offer a range of classes to suit different fitness needs. At my studio, they offer Classic, Empower, Define, and Align.
Classic: This is where it all begins. The Classic class lays the groundwork for Pure Barre’s core techniques and principles. It’s the quintessential Pure Barre experience, focusing on technique and foundational movements. The class typically starts with a warm-up, then progresses to arm exercises, ballet barre work (targeting thighs and seat), and core-focused exercises. The thigh and seat workouts activate these tiny muscles that I never really work effectively.
Empower: This is the cardio king of Pure Barre. Or so I’ve heard. Empower is a dynamic, high-energy class that uses ankle weights and a small platform to ramp up the heart rate and build muscle strength. I haven’t ventured into this territory yet, as it’s known for its faster pace and suits those more seasoned in Pure Barre techniques. Once I’ve mastered the Classic class, Empower is next on my list.
Define: Aiming at strength, balance, and posture, this class uses resistance bands and sliders for a challenging yet low-impact workout. I love how they get creative in this class, using platforms, floor core sliders, and wall bungee cords. It’s also good for those who want the option to lift a heavier weight.
Align: This class is my personal favorite. Align feels like a fusion of yoga and Pilates, focusing on posture, alignment, and flexibility. It’s a low-intensity class, ideal for recovery and injury prevention, and it perfectly meets my stretching needs. Despite my background as a dancer (not like New York City ballet or anything), I’ve always found stretching a bit of a chore. It’s pure laziness if I am being completely honest. However, Align makes it enjoyable, and I’ve noticed significant improvements in my flexibility and knee pain.
Each class type offers its unique set of benefits, allowing participants to tailor their Pure Barre experience to their fitness goals and preferences. It’s common to mix and match these classes for a well-rounded fitness regimen. I take a mix of Define, Classic, and Align, but mostly Classic.
Community and Motivation
The community aspect of Pure Barre classes is a significant motivator for many. If you thrive in a group setting and enjoy the social aspect of exercise, this could be a major benefit. They host events like Wine Down Wednesday and a Book Club, adding a really cool social dimension. I’m a former extrovert who has turned into a introverted extrovert, so I’m not someone who goes out of my way to seek friends and associates. It’s nice that the opportunity to be more social is there if I want it though.
The motivational aspect is also noteworthy. They reward you with a free pair of socks for every milestone – I got a pair when I hit 10 classes, and now at 50, I received another. It’s a small gesture, but it makes you feel accomplished and valued.
What To Expect and How To Prepare
If it’s your first time, they offer a free foundations class and will send you instructions via email. Once it’s your second time, my suggestion is to arrive at least 5-7 minutes early, especially if you’re particular about your barre and mirror location. People can be territorial about those spots.
Anyway, depending on your studio, near the equipment area, there should be a board indicating the equipment needed for that particular class. Generally, it includes a tube, a ball, and some weights, but the ‘equipment needed’ board has pictures, so it should be clear. I’ll be honest, I still have to look at other participants to figure out how to place certain equipment. But generally, the other ladies are super helpful, unlike The Bar Method, and the instructors are extremely amazing.
Essential Gear for Your Pure Barre Journey
Having the right gear can make a world of difference in your Pure Barre experience, not to mention grip socks are a non-negotiable class requirement to keep you from slipping and sliding all over the place. The studio does have an array of really really cute grip socks, and they also carry some pretty swanky Lululemon gear, along with other adorable Pure Barre promotional items.
But hey, if you’re watching your budget this year (like yours truly), you might want to consider these must-have products. Here’s a rundown of the essential items that will take your Pure Barre workouts up a notch:
Ballet Style Barre Socks: Grip is essential in Pure Barre, and these ballet-style barre socks are perfect for the task. They provide the necessary traction to perform exercises safely and effectively. The design, reminiscent of ballet slippers, adds a touch of elegance to your workout attire. Meanwhile, the snug fit ensures comfort and stability during those challenging tucks.
Crew or Mid-Calf Socks: For those who prefer a bit more coverage, these crew or mid-calf socks are ideal. They offer the same grip benefits as the ballet-style socks, but with added warmth and support around the ankles and calves. This can be particularly comforting in cooler studio environments. They also look super cute on!
Leggings: A good pair of leggings is indispensable in any fitness wardrobe, and Pure Barre is no exception. You’ll be putting your legs up on the barre at points, and instructors will come around to manually correct your form. I find that ankle-length leggings facilitate this best. Plus, you have to admit, they look super cute paired with the longer crew grip socks.
Long-Sleeved Top: A breathable long-sleeved top might seem odd to some, but long-sleeved leotards are worn in ballet classes. In Pure Barre, I find that it prevents your skin from touching the mats. Even though we clean the mats with disinfecting wipes after class, my days as a personal trainer taught me that staph infections are a thing. It also offers coverage while allowing for full arm movement and warmth as studios could be cool until you start to warm up.
Stanley Water Cup: Staying hydrated is crucial, and I’ll be honest, this recent Stanley cup craze is really ridiculous, but hey, if you’re into it, this Stanley water cup could be your hydration companion. The most important feature is the spill-proof lid, which makes it ideal for bringing into the studio.
Slide-Ons: These slide-ons are perfect for slipping on post-workout. They offer comfort and ease, making them a great choice for your pre- and post-class footwear. There’s not a ton of space to sit at my studio, and who has time to lace up and tie shoes? I can just slip these off if I’m running late for class and slip them on quickly to exit and avoid the shoe cubby rush.
Fitness Tracker: As someone who meticulously tracks health and fitness metrics, I love that you can specifically select the barre workout on your Apple Watch, and I’ve noticed many other ladies do the same. As you may or may not know, I am religious about closing those Apple Watch rings.
For those who don’t have an Apple Watch, Pure Barre offers a really cool promo. If you purchase one through their website, you can earn it and pay it off through them. I already had mine when I signed up for classes, but I wish I could have taken advantage of this offer.
Is It Worth It?
So, is Pure Barre worth it? Deciding whether Pure Barre classes are worth it depends on your personal fitness goals, preferences, and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
Fitness Goals: Pure Barre is renowned for its focus on small, isometric movements that can lead to improved strength, flexibility, and muscle tone, particularly in the core, arms, and legs. If these align with your fitness goals, Pure Barre might be a good fit. However, you will still need to incorporate some type of cardio outside of class to build and maintain cardiovascular endurance, which is important for overall health.
Workout Style Preference: If you enjoy low-impact exercises that focus more on toning rather than cardiovascular endurance, Pure Barre could be appealing. It’s also a good choice if you prefer structured classes and enjoy the community aspect of group workouts. Personally, my discipline for workouts stops at walking on the treadmill to get my steps and close my rings. But when I really want to change my body, I need the accountability of a trainer or group exercise to motivate me.
Skill Level: Pure Barre is generally suitable for all fitness levels, including beginners. Instructors often provide modifications to accommodate different skill levels. Even if you have a prior injury, like an ankle or shoulder issue, they can always offer modifications. I used to be a dancer, but not like for the New York City Ballet or anything, so even if you have never taken ballet, you’ll be fine.
Cost: Pure Barre classes can be more expensive than a traditional gym membership. On average one class is $22 if you don’t have a package. Consider whether the cost fits into your budget and if you feel the value gained from the classes justifies the expense. They do offer freebies – your first class is free, and you get a free pair of socks when you complete 10 classes. Plus, you receive a free pair of socks for every milestone you hit, valued at around $20. I got a second pair for hitting my 50th class. Prices range from $120 per month for packages to as high as $300 depending on where you live. Or at least that’s what I saw on a Reddit post where users shared their costs. The annual lifestyle membership where you pay a year in advance seems to save you about 20 percent.
Time Commitment: Evaluate whether you can consistently attend classes to make the most of your investment. Consistency is key in any fitness regimen. The classes are about 50 minutes, which works for me. Also, take drive time and parking into account. Like James Clear says in “Atomic Habits,” make it easy. I can walk to my studio, so that makes a huge difference in my consistency.
Physical Considerations: If you have any injuries or physical limitations, consult with a healthcare provider before starting. While Pure Barre is low-impact, it’s important to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation. Also, if you do try a class and something hurts or doesn’t feel right, don’t push it just to fit in. You could end up worse off. Everyone’s bones and builds are different. There are some movements my body just won’t do and pushing it could seriously damage my knee or shoulder. If an instructor comes around to correct you, don’t hesitate to tell them.
Results and Reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials specifically in your area. They have 600 studios all around the country; this is only my experience at my studio. I am definitely lucky that my studio is so awesome.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if Pure Barre is right for you might be to try a few classes. Take advantage of introductory classes or packages for new clients, allowing you to experience the workout before committing to a membership or package. Happy Barre-ing and if you found this post helpful, please give it a like!
THIS POST CONTATHIS POST CONTAINS AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. THIS MEANS I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU.
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