Lift. Tone. Burn

Whew! Just the thought of those three words can make me tired--but in a love to hate kind of way! I have already been to a handful of Pure Barre classes and thought this would be a good time for me to talk about my experience thus far! For those of you who haven't heard of Pure Barre before, it is a 55 minute full-body workout in which you utilize a ballet barre to perform small isometric movements that "lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs, and arms, and burns fat in record-breaking time".

I'm not going to lie, I was nervous my first class! I did some research online beforehand, reading reviews and trying to figure out what to expect from the class. It wasn't until I walked into the studio for that first time, grabbing a stretchy tube, two small hand weights, and a little ball and found a spot on the floor that I really learned why so many people say Pure Barre is more then just a workout...that it's a lifestyle. 

Generally you are asked to arrive 10-15 minutes early to make sure you have time to sign in, gather the things you will need for the class, and to find a good seat. Class starts when the teacher enters the room, turns up the music (which is in my opinion great--a slur of remixes of popular music, and always upbeat) and says "Hey everyone, it's that time again"!

Once the class starts, you don't stop for 55 minutes. There is no "break". You push yourself from start to finish. Exercises generally begin from standing positions, down to the floor, over to the barre and back, incorporating the tube, weights, and ball. Small and quick movements really make you feel "the burn" in a hurts so good kind of way. Every class, I try my best to put all of my concentration onto the instructor and towards my breathing and tucking. And y'all, it is NO joke when they say you will shake! I didn't think it would happen but boy was I wrong.

I remember my first class, the instructor came over to correct my posture while at the barre and I apologized to her because my legs were shaking so much and I felt my body was out of control. She laughed a little and said "You are doing a fantastic job! If your legs are shaking it means you're changing your body". That simple statement will stick with me forever. It was at that moment that I reminded myself that I wasn't taking Pure Barre for an easy workout. This class wasn't meant to be easy. Those small moves that you do, result in HUGE changes that you mentally and physically will experience.

On Pure Barre's website, they state it best that "when your body shakes, it means your muscles are reaching the point of fatigue, which is a good thing. Your goal is to have the muscle group you are targeting during a specific section of class to shake every time. After the shake, you will stretch, to elongate the muscles while they are warm and malleable. This leads to long, lean muscles"! 

So what do I love about PB?

1. I love the class size. I think every time I have gone, there have been no more than 20 others in the class with me. I love this because it allows for more attention from the instructor and for the fact that you can't go "overlooked". Because the classes are smaller, the instructor is able to focus on each individual's form and walk around the room and answer any questions or concerns that one might have during class.

2. I love that the Pure Barre studio I go to is in walking distance from my condo. 

3. I love that all classes are at the same level. That all the positions and movements done in the class are basic-- meaning that ANYONE can take and enjoy the class.

4. I love that they provide you with the workout equipment that you will need, that's always a bonus.

5. I love that you sweat but aren't leaving class feeling like you have been beaten up. I like to feel like I have just worked out, but not to the point that I can't catch my breath or move!

6. I like the fact that because of Pure Barre, I have improved my diet. I eat healthier and WANT to eat better so that I not only feel good about myself, but because it's important for my health overall. 

7. I honestly feel that I am more flexible! And it doesn't  hurt to say that my arms are starting to get some definition that I have always wanted! Now if only I could get my abs looking the way I want! 

What are the downfalls to PB?

1. It is expensive. There is no way around it. As a new client, you can get the special which is 30 days of unlimited classes for $100. After that, a single class costs $23 and one month unlimited is $225. Because of the costs, I don't know if I can go every month. But I also don't want to stop going after this month is over. What I think I will have to do for now is go every other month. That way I am not in debt, but still get to enjoy the classes every other month. For the months that I am not going, I plan on doing workout videos, taking longs walks with Miller, and using the few pieces of workout equipment that is at the clubhouse in our complex.

2. To see results and really get a lot out of the class, you need to go at least 3-4 times a week. Now for me, this isn't an issue, nor a downfall. But for some people, 3-4 times a week can be a stretch.

3. Like most gyms or fitness center, there are multiple locations you can visit. However, from my understanding, you can't go to any location that you want for Pure Barre. For example, there is a studio in Greensboro that I would have LOVED to have gone to when I was visiting family two weekends ago, but I couldn't go because the pricing was a little different. So yes, this is a down fall because you may be limited to the locations that you go to.

Overall, I love Pure Barre and am going to try to fit in as many classes as I can before October is up and gone! I recommend everyone trying Pure Barre if money isn't an issue and you truly want to do something that you WILL see results from!