Part of my #MoreMEin2016 resolution was to try new things, especially new workouts. I tend to settle for a errand run on the bike with the kids, or a quick walk around the neighborhood. I am bored with my elliptical in the garage (don’t tell my husband I said that, I swore to him I would love it forever when we bought it) and I really want to enjoy my workouts.
Working out was always a fun activity, usually done with friends. Over the years, my exercise routine has become more and more boring… so I am trying to step it up. (not literally, I suck at step class. ZERO coordination here) My goal is try at least one new type of workout/class each month. This will help me switch up my routine and maybe find something different that I really like. I decided to share these with you guys to help me stay accountable and maybe you will find a workout you want to try!
My first new workout of the new year is Pure Barre. I have seen plenty of people write about this ballet-esque fitness trend. They recently opened a studio in my area, and one of my close friends has become a huge fan. When I spotted a deal on Groupon, I decided to give it a try.
Here is an small explainer from the Pure Barre website:
What is Pure Barre?
Utilizing the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to fantastic music, Pure Barre is a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs, and arms, and burns fat in record- breaking time.
What does Pure Barre do for my body?
By taking Pure Barre classes, you will burn calories and gain lean muscle. Its low-impact, isometric movements target and tone certain areas of your body, and your heart rate will go up and down depending on how hard you work.
How soon will I see results?
You can see results in just 10 classes! For optimal results, classes should be taken at least 3-4 times per week. Your actual results will vary, as it depends on how often you are coming and what you are eating!
Price:
1 class: $20
5 classes: $95
10 classes: $180
My opinion:
For the first class I went with my friend and it was hard. (she DID warn me) It seems simple enough, since they are really small movements. However, they are extremely isolated movements… so before you know it you are sweating, your legs are shaking and you feel like you are about to faint. (maybe that was just me) The instructors are good at explaining each position and going through the class to make sure everyone is doing it right. They also offer variations for people with lower back problems or other ailments. The class is 55 minutes long.
I was sore for days after taking the class. Really sore. Mainly in my abs and legs. I have been taking a class once a week, and there is no way I could do the recommended 3-4 times a week like the website suggests, since I can barely walk the next day! I’m sure that would go away over time as I strengthened the areas I am working on.
I have found the instructor makes ALL the difference (isn’t that always the case though?) I have taken a few really awesome classes, and 1 so-so class since I personally wasn’t a fan of the teaching style/music choices of the instructor. (other people may love her class for those exact reasons)
I was surprised that you don’t even really use the barre that much. Just for a few things here and there. I guess I expected more ballet movements, and while there is some of that… it is definitely different than what I thought a barre class was.
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| I do love the sparkly non-skid socks all the fancy girls wear in the class. I needed them. Obviously. |
There is no doubt that this is a killer workout and I am sure I would see results if I continued with it. However, I am not even through my full Groupon yet and I am already kind of bored with it. I think it would be fun to take one or two classes a month, but I couldn’t make this a regular thing. I think $20 is the normal price for specialty classes like this, from what I have seen in the past. My Groupon was a great deal, I paid $35 for 5 classes.
In case you are wondering about the lack of pictures of the actual class, to keep these “Work it Out” posts authentic, I am paying for all the stuff that I try, so since people don’t know I am doing this for a blog post, it would be kind of awkward & weird to take pictures of the class in progress.
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| I took a picture of the outside. Still felt creepy doing it. |
Have you taken a barre class? What did you think?
Good Morning! I, like you, am a working mom with a two year old. I've always been athletic and try to keep in decent shape even though I love to eat all the wrong foods and indulge in Sauvignon Blanc all too often. I started Pure Barre in October, and I am absolutely hooked. It is stupidly expensive, but I have found that right now it makes me feel tremendous and energized. I'm seeing results and slimming down. The studio I attend has amazing instructors. All of them! I am currently working on the challenge of doing 40 classes in 60 days. The problem with working out consistently is that I spend less time with my son which I constantly feel guilty about. The mom guilt is very real. With that being said, working out and being in better shape has made me happier which I think makes me a better person and mom in general. So, for now, I'm going to pay the expensive membership. You can't put a price on physical and mental health, right? Xo!
Keep up the great blog!
-Rebecca
I dont think it is that expensive, I think $20 is the norm for any type of group class like this, unless it is through a gym. I feel guilty about going to workout too, but my big goal for this year is #MoreMEin2016… cause if momma isnt happy no one is! Ha! Thanks for commenting and good luck on 40 classes in 60 days, your body is going to look amazing!
I think the studio I attend is $25.00 for a single session. I pay $215.00 a month! I'm a little embarrassed about paying that much, but it's so worth it.
I have been taking Pure Barre for two years, I love it!! You can read more about it on my blog 🙂
I will check it out! I think I till def keep it around since I can tell it is working out my problem areas!
I have never heard of this..sounds like a great way to get a work out and a break from the usual boring stuff…lol. Thanks for sharing, have a great new year Lauren!
Valerie
xo
it totally kicks my butt too!!
I haven't taken a barre class yet but it's on my todo list. I also assumed that it would be a lot like a ballet class, but now that I have your insider info, I'll be better prepared lol. Also, have you heard of ClassPass? You can try different types of workouts to switch up your routine. If you contact them, they'll give you a free trial 🙂
I never heard of that! I need to check them out… thank you for sharing!!
Good to know! I've always wondered! I would love to try it sometime. But I can imagine I would get bored too. If I find a deal, I will try it. But $20/class is a bit steep for me. Thanks for sharing your experience!!
It is def worth the groupon (and I got an extra 20% off since it was a holiday deal!)
I have heard a lot about Pure Barre and have been considering. I don't work out at all now, so I'm happy I read that there was a little post-workout pain involved. Now I know! 🙂
I mean, it was serious! I had to ROLL out of bed! It is getting a little better each time I go.. I was really out of shape I guess!
I'm hoping this comes near me, I would love to try it!
They are expanding fast.. I'm sure you will have the chance soon!
I recently wrote a post about a barre class! I just went to my first one back after having the baby. I really love the class. The one I attend is slightly different though because they have a cardio component. I do love my instructor too!
i will have to go check it out! I think I would like the class much more if they worked in some cardio..
I love barre classes! And I teach them! Keep it up pretty lady!! 🙂
I know you do, but I bet I would love your class! You have the best energy!!
I have been wanting to try these classes! My daughter does ballet and is amazingly fit.
It makes me so sore.. it is insanely difficult. (I am kind of out of shape though! ha!)
Oh I've always wanted to try it but it's definitely not $20 for a class here…. maybe one day!
They are on groupon a lot here, esp when a new location opens.. it was def worth the reduced price! 🙂
I've been wondering about these classes. I just had twins and will be looking for workouts to try as soon as I'm given the ok.
Congratulations!! This is really hard on the ab area.. so def be careful if you just had babies! 🙂
I've heard so many awesome things about pure barre, I really need to try it sometime.
I want to try barre, but I'm waiting until I'm skinny because it looks like a skinny person activity. I really like your honest feedback. I think I'll still try it, but I won't feel so bad if I find it boring. I am itching to get back into dance. Can't wait to see what else you try!
I would love to try this! I am terrible at switching up my workouts
Everyone RAVES about Pure Barre…I might have to give it a try!
Haha! I love your sneaky pic 😉 I feel you on that! I am a huge fan of barre workouts!!! I did and taught ballet and after a way to long hiatus (and a lot of extra pounds) haha. It has been awesome to get back into it. I love it!
I've never tried Pure Barre but I def want to. I've seen some people have major body transformations by doing it regularly for a few months!
I take a Barre class at our gym, and I was really surprised about the lack of actual bar too. Definitely depends on the instructor for sure.
I've done a couple Pure Barre classes and loved them! Only thing keeping me away is the price!
Good to know! I've been intrigued by Pure Barre classes, but like you said I'd expect more barre use.
I've heard about these classes but I didn't really know what they were. I would try it out if my gym offered it, but it's hard enough to get there on a consistent basis! Thanks for sharing about your experience, though — it sounds like a fantastic workout!
Congratulations on making Top 30 Mommy Blogs! http://www.rebeccakrusee.com
I keep hearing fabulous things about barre classes. Maybe one day I will stop being lazy and actually give one a try ;-)!
I'm going to check and see if they have this in my area. I think I would like to try it. I think I would hate it but…well…I think it would be good for me.
I would love to try a Pure Barre class, I know there are babywearing ballet classes in my area and I would love to try them! One day I hope to!
I love your honest assessment of these classes! I think it would be fun to try something new, but this does sound difficult! I think I need to get used to going to gym for a little while before I up my game 🙂
I want to try it pronto! I really need to get back in shape and have no excuses now!
I have always wanted to try a barre class. I heard it was challenging (maybe that's why I haven't gotten around to it yet).
Your description of barre class (shaky, feeling faint) was much like my first encounters with ZUMBA.
Love the socks – so cute!
xoxo
How cool! I've never heard of Pure Barre, but I love the idea! I would definitely try it if they had something like it around here where I live!
Thanks so much for linking up at the Bloggers Spotlight party! I pinned this to our group board. Don’t forget to come link up again on Thursday and see the featured posts!
Wow!! I really need to do a bit of research and see if I have any of these classes nearby. It looks like it could be a work out for sure but minus the hard impact I tend to run away from (well walk but you know…lol) Thanks so much for sharing! PS – I want those socks too…so sparkly! 😀
I was wondering what they did in those classes. One just went in near me. Thanks for the report!
I have heard a lot about Pure Barre, and didn't really know what it was. Thanks so much for sharing. It does sound hard! It is definitely something I would be willing to try though, especially now that I actually know what it is 😉
Thanks so much for linking up to Fitness Fridays on Drops of Learning. Hope to see you back again today.