I had yet to officially revive my blog a few weeks ago when I attended Pure Barre while visiting my parents so this is a slightly delayed post about my experience. When I attended, I had notions of blogging again so I was sure to take careful mental notes about my experience. I've chatted some about barre workouts recently so why not continue the theme and share my experience with Pure Barre!

Unfortunately, living in Gainesville significantly restricts ones options in regards to specialty studios featuring "boutique" exercise programs. I hate that connotation a little since I think, while trendy, many of the "boutique" programs are here to stay for awhile. These boutique brands include barre concepts such as Pure Barre and Barre3, as well as SoulCycle, and OrangeTheory Fitness (P.S., Gainesville has an OrangeTheory coming this Spring!) to name a few. It's always nice to head out of town to a more populous area where these programs tend to be more popular and established. I love trying new things and would LOVE regular access to the variety. I've been trying to make it a point to take a class or try a new workout when out of town...typically easier said than done while on the road.

Knowing that we were headed to NJ back in December to spend 2 weeks with family for the Christmas holiday, I decided to scope out what the area was offering. I grew up in North Jersey and it is a densely populated, affluent area that is the perfect foothold for these studios. Luckily, I was able to locate a nearby Pure Barre Studio and Barre3 studio. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my attendance at Barre3 but was able to make it to Pure Barre. I even had great company! My brother's girlfriend is very into fitness and also instructs group fitness classes so she was more than willing to tag along and take class with me. If you've never attended Pure Barre before, keep reading for a run down of my experience, a breakdown of the class structure, my overall impressions, and thoughts about the studio.

I currently do Pure Barre in the comfort of my living room. The company offers a nice selection of DVD's and equipment filmed in different studio locations and guided by the founder of the technique, Carrie Rezabek Dorr. They even have two prenatal based home workouts available which I've been incorporating into my routine. As long as you have a sturdy high backed chair to hold onto, you can accomplish your own home version of PB easily. Sometime in the future I'll be reviewing the various DVD programs I've tried but I digress, back to the live studio experience.

I was so pumped to be able to attend a live class. Though I love DVD based fitness, especially for programs that are offered live but I don't have access to, it is always wonderful to be able to experience the energy of a live class. The music is always a little better, the energy of the room and other participants fuels your workout, and if you have an excellent instructor, you get the benefit of more clear form recommendations and even hands on adjustment.

The studio where we attended class was located in Wyckoff, NJ, about 15 minutes from my parents home. Yay for convenience! The studio is located in a newer shopping center and was easy to find. Upon entering the studio, it looks and feels very similar to other Pure Barre locations I've seen. The decor is a sort of rustic/modern with the bold Pure Barre logo and a nicely arranged, though small, check-in and apparel/accessories retail area. It's a smart concept to offer for sale the "uniform" of the class including stylish leggings and tops, headbands, water bottles, and of course, the sticky socks! We arrived about 15 minutes early as instructed for first timers and we were greeted by a very friendly receptionist who gave us our paperwork and introduced us to the instructor. I needed another pair of sticky socks for my home workouts so for $12 I was able to purchase a cute turquoise and black pair...though any socks should do.

(As for what to wear to class, long yoga pants or leggings are encouraged though capri length works too. Shorts are frowned upon and you probably wouldn't want to wear these anyway since you will perform many positions where "gapping" in shorts might be revealing. The longer pant also keeps your muscles warm. As for tops...a supportive, fitted yoga cami or tank will do the trick. Many will also wear a breathable but long sleeve top as well. The sticky socks are meant to keep muscles warm and provide a little extra traction though the studio floor is carpeted. The concept is a little weird to me since I'm so used to doing yoga and BodyFlow in bare feet on a yoga mat...but the socks are encouraged so...when in Rome...)

We were then greeted by our instructor Deihdra. She was incredibly welcoming and gave us a complete run down of how to prepare for class. We were instructed to leave shoes in the lobby, don our socks, and followed her to a room in the rear of the studio complete with cubby's for bags/coats, water cooler, bathroom/changing area and equipment storage. (FYI there is no childcare area or showers). Also in this area is their "100 club" bar. Participants who have completed 100 classes are recognized for their accomplishment and sign their name on the bar for recognition. Cute :) Deihdra then explained the structure of class, helped us choose equipment needed for the class (this particular day we used light hand weights, resistance tube, a small pliable ball, and a nice cushy mat). There were options for hand weights from 1-5 lbs. Since I was about 28 weeks pregnant at the time and trying to manage my intensity I chose 3 lb hand weights. I informed Deihdra that I was expecting, though it was hard to miss, and she was very helpful. Though I had already informed her I was familiar with my prenatal Pure Barre home workouts and was a group fitness instructor, she was more than willing to chat with me about exercises she had planned for the class so I was better prepared to modify. (PS, Pure Barre, or similar fitness programs, are an excellent low impact option for pregnancy.) She explained to us that she would check on us often and since we were new, to anticipate some hands on adjustments from her. She was quick to eliminate any notions of intimidation and told us to work at our pace and within our comfort zone.

We then took our places for class. There were about 12 other participants at the 8 am class. The studio itself is somewhat dark with bright ceiling spotlights directed at the walls featuring large scale photographs of women performing different Pure Barre exercises. The ballet barre extended the length of each opposite studio wall, the walls were mirrored, and the floor was carpeted. I sort of love and don't love the overall feel of the studio. It's hard to explain. While I think the styling is modern and sort of trendy which is appealing, it's also sort of dark and moody. There were times when the lights were lowered a bit and I had difficulty seeing the instructor. While it may not have been my studio style preference, it would also be unfair to say that it detracted from the overall class experience. Given my preferences, I love to practice in bright, airy studio spaces...feeds my personal energy better...but at the end of the day it's more about the workout for me. The most important part...the studio and carpeting were VERY clean. There is nothing worse than a dirty fitness space.

It was clear Deihdra has a great rapport with her participants, many of whom were clearly regulars. The women in our class were of all shapes and sizes and age groups. They all had friendly banter between them and were welcoming to us as well. No cold shoulders or icy stares here! The instructor started the music and the warm-up began. I really enjoyed the music choices...faster paced current hits and some retro throwbacks. Very motivating and drove the workout.

As for the structure of the class, you'll perform some work in the center of the room starting with a warm-up which is a series of knee lifts, reaches, core work including planks, and stretches once you're warm. You'll then grab your light hand weights and begin a series focusing on upper body. After this segment you'll head over to the barre and perform different sequences of plies, leg lifts, and pulses using a "tucked" pelvis. Work then moves back to the floor or up against the wall under the bar for core work and more seat/thigh work. Between most exercises or exercise segments and at the end of class, you'll perform stretches to improve flexibility. The key throughout each segment is understanding the technique. In Pure Barre speak, the technique incorporates the concept of working from a tucked pelvis and performing small, near isometric movements. The instructor will frequently say "pulse" or "up an inch, down an inch". Who knew such small movements could make muscles burn! To learn a little bit more about the barre concept, head over to a recent post titled Let's Talk at the Barre. Deihdra was great about checking in on us, especially me, to make sure our alignment was good. Because my belly sort of affected the position of my spine and pelvis, I was appreciative that she took a few moments to periodically check on me and adjust my form or offer me a more comfortable way to stand or position for safety. Being pregnant, I won't lie and say I didn't have to modify some of the class. I wasn't able to perform some of the traditional ab work and the core work against the wall was a little bit difficult with my belly in the way. It was easy enough to substitute a different exercise or modify the moves to fit my needs. At this point you may be asking "did you feel the shake"? Heck yes we did! I definitely had to take breaks and I've been practicing barre for a little while! I'm not sure my muscles will ever get used to this form of training where is feels "easy".

A few final thoughts. Overall, the class was amazing and I wish I could attend regularly. As I mentioned in my prior post about barre workouts, while it wouldn't be my sole workout program, I'd love to incorporate a live class more regularly. I'll have to stick to my DVDs for now. If you're thinking about trying a Pure Barre class, the website has some great resources including some videos reviewing technique tips, etc. Also, keep checking your local studio's schedule since they often scheduled classes called "breaking down the barre" where they review many of the foundation exercises and concepts in detail. I've included a video below that is a great review of what to expect when you show up for your first class. As for price, this is a big factor for many people. I can't lie and say the class or packages were cheap. One class cost $24.00. Clearly, there is savings when you invest in a package. For example, new client packages will set you back $99.00 while packages lasting 3 months could set you back close to $300. An entire year of unlimited classes will cost you just north of $2000. Based on some quick research, each studio location across the US appears to be fairly competitive and consistent in their pricing.




So tell me. Have you tried Pure Barre? Another barre concept class? Do you do barre DVDs at home? I'd love to hear about your experiences and results!

Now is the time for me to mention that I have not been compensated by either Pure Barre or the local Pure Barre studio for this review including attendance at the live class or my use of their home DVDs and equipment. I independently decided to purchase DVDs, attend the class, and pay for my class. I subsequently chose to review my experience on this blog. 

Let's Talk At the Barre

I'm a big fan barre style workouts. Maybe it's my ballet and dance training growing up but I really love the concept and the different "techniques" and programs remind me of the variety of conditioning classes we would do in between more traditional classes of jazz, ballet/pointe, and tap during my dance competition years. Of course, don't let "barre" fool you. By and large, many barre workouts you will experience don't necessarily feel like dance nor do they necessarily require the grace and coordination of a ballerina. Rather, barre is inspired by ballet but also has strong influences from yoga, pilates, and mainly and probably most importantly, the Lotte Berk Method. Using a ballet bar for balance, you do small, isometric strength training movements. Many of the barre methods of fitness include light handheld weights or resistance bands to up the intensity of high repetitions. Different workouts may also incorporate a small ball or towel for resistance. There is a lot of focus on form and keeping the movements small.

When I first tried barre I didn't know what to make of it. I'm used to big expansive yoga postures, creating length and posture in pilates, or big explosive strength training movements in BodyPump or HIIT workouts. I wasn't entirely sure barre was DOING anything. In all honesty, though much if it felt familiar to those conditioning classes when I was dancing as a teen, I just couldn't recall if I ever noted the benefit. Was I stronger, more toned, more flexible? I think so...

Fast forward to present day. If one thing is for certain, barre classes certainly make you FEEL like you're doing something. The sensation is one of a burning, shaking muscle working to near failure. But what does that mean in the grand scheme of things? Is that the perfect sign that you're changing your body? Maybe. Barre devotees say "embrace the shake". It sure as heck burns so it may be doing something right? Here is my conclusion. To a degree, it is doing something. Although I'm not necessarily sure you should put all of your weight into the "shaking" that occurs as the hallmark sign you are effecting change. A quick exercise physiology lesson reveals that we may only be feeling that sensation because the range of motion being used is less effective at removing the metabolic waste being created in the muscle, hence the burn. If you thrive on a no pain, no gain mentality, then you'll certainly feel like you're achieving something in barre. And not that you aren't, I just wouldn't put all my stock into this type of training as the be all, end all of your workout program.

Don't get me wrong, in many cases I'm a big proponent of this type of training and I feel like it has a place in many of our workout programs...and as I stated before, I just love barre. But even I will acknowledge that barre classes alone does not a well rounded exercise program make. Rather, isometric based training can, and probably should be, a compulsory component of a more traditional cardiovascular and strength training program. In traditional strength training, you are working through a complete range of motion using various levels of resistance. In isometric based training, you contract the muscle and then keep it at relatively the same length for the duration of the exercise. Research has shown that this type of training can aid in muscle strength and development and serves as a wonderful compliment to what we view as more traditional styles of training. Ideally, a well rounded fitness program will include cardiovascular training, strength training using full range of motion concentric and eccentric movement patterns, isometric strength training, and flexibility. As a matter of fact, isometric training has been show to potentially cause negative effects to the elasticity of muscle. This is why barre programs place a great deal of focus on flexibility training incorporating stretching in between each exercise. This subsequently makes barre a great way to incorporate flexibility training into your program, an oft overlooked and important component to your training.

Finally, be cautious of some of the "postures" used in your barre classes especially in regards to the position of your pelvis. Many of these techniques focus on the "posterior" pelvic tilt or "tucked" pelvis. Excessive time spent in this position can begin to effect your spine and result in pain and maladaptive movement patterns. Be sure to incorporate training that focusing on anterior and neutral pelvis patterns as well. Some of the barre programs are better than others at focusing on more neutral spinal patterns. Of course, if you are concerned, or are currently experiencing issues from barre workouts, I would seek the advise of your physician or employ a physical therapist to evaluate your program and movement patterns and recommend corrections.

As for my own personal results... given that I do not participate in barre workouts exclusively, I cannot speak to the benefit or results in isolation. I have incorporated barre into my general fitness program which includes various methods of strength training, cardio, and flexibility. I have heard and read about many women who swear by this method of training and have benefitted from impressive results including weight loss and increased muscle definition. Of course, a main component here is that ANY program that gets you up and moving and not sedentary, paired with a healthy diet, will yield you results. To what degree barre ALONE will help you achieve these results varies I'm sure. Going forward, I plan on paying closer attention to the benefits of incorporating barre training in my regular workout routine. Informally, I feel it certainly contributes to my ability to maintain strength, muscle definition, and flexibility. In fact, as I've mentioned in other posts, barre training has served as a great low impact prenatal workout for me in my current pregnancy.

While I do feel strongly that barre workouts should be part of a a more comprehensive fitness regimen, I plan to experiment by performing barre only workouts in my post natal period. I will likely incorporate walking as well, and will likely return to teaching my BodyFlow and BodyPump classes late this Spring. But besides participating in these forms of exercise, I'm going to shift my focus to barre workouts and make some notes on gains I see in strength, flexibility, weight loss, and muscle definition. I am curious to informally evaluate the pros and cons of solely using barre workouts (well almost) to achieve fitness goals. I'll report back!

So...discuss! I want to know any and everything. I am no exercise physiologist but I have a working knowledge from my training as a group fitness instructor. If I have any of this information wrong I am not above being corrected...always learning and always willing to hear from the truly HIGHLY educated experts! Only helps me do a better job in leading and educating my participants. Also, have you tried barre classes? What do you think? How regularly did you participate and what were your results? Do you only participate in barre classes or do you incorporate them as part of a more balanced fitness program? Tell me anything and everything!

Finally, still scratching your head on what the heck barre is and where to find programs? Many of the barre techniques are national franchises that run boutique style fitness studios and offer home based DVD programs as well. Many communities, including my own, also offer barre classes at local gyms, pilates, and fitness studios. A Google search will turn up TONS of different methods...here are a few familiar names and favorites in no particular order:

Pure Barre
Barre3
Xtend Barre
The Bar Method
The Barre Code
Pink Barre
Booty Barre 
Physique 57
The Lotte Berk Method