A little more than a year ago I set a goal to try new types of workouts, those included Bikram yoga and Pure Barre. I finally made the Pure Barre goal happen when a studio opened just last month in Rocky River, Ohio. Today I want to share a little bit about my Pure Barre experience in this Pure Barre Review (and how this class differs from Barre3) and help you prepare a bit for your first class.
Pure Barre Review
What do you need to bring to Pure Barre?
When I showed up for class and to write my Pure Barre review, the instructor knew it was my first time because of a new student note in their system. She was super helpful with telling me what supplies I would need and where to sit. One aspect of Pure Barre I immediately appreciated was I didn’t have to bring anything. A water bottle is optional, if you like. As an avid yogi, I’m used to lugging my yoga mat and yoga towels around. Pure Barre is really simple.
What can I expect at a Pure Barre class?
Classes are fast-paced and you will probably feel a bit behind or lost when you first go. After a few classes I started to get a hang of the moves and cues. If you feel that way you are not alone! Lori (who owns the local studios by me) said she is hoping to offer some free tutorial classes in the near future called “Breaking Down the Barre,” which sound super helpful, so keep an ear out for that.
Related blog posts:
• Orange Theory Review
• Using Core Work to Eliminate IT Band Pain
• Barre3 Review
• My Running Journey: A Look Back
I didn’t sweat much at all during my Pure Barre review but I felt some major muscle burn during the classes. You perform very small movements over and over. I felt incredibly weak most of the time! Despite all my running and yoga practice, there are clearly muscles in my body that don’t get worked out very often. Pure Barre will fill that void.
Have you ever done the old Jane Fonda workout tapes? I was immediately reminded of her tapes when I took Pure Barre. Some of Jane’s tapes contain the same moves or very similar ones. Lori said the Pure Barre-type moves originated in the late 1970s, close to the same time when Jane Fonda started her at-home exercise phenomenon, so the similarities are understandable.
How long are Pure Barre classes?
Classes are all 60-minutes each and you are in and out in no time. It helps to show up early though so the instructor can start right on time. If you are new, don’t try going two days in a row. You will be way too sore to do so!
Long-term I can see Pure Barre fitting into my workout schedule as a form of strength training. I do enjoy cardio workouts so I can’t see doing only Pure Barre. I like the variety these classes provide with working out. Anyone who has been exercising for years understands, switching up your routine is extremely helpful in preventing exercise burnout.
Do I need sticky socks for Pure Barre?
One last note, there are sticky socks you can buy for class. I don’t have them and haven’t noticed any issues with doing the exercises. I would recommend you wear black socks though if you have them. Also, if you can, schedule your classes in advance. Being the Rocky River studio is especially new there has been a large draw for classes.
Disclosure: I was provided one month of unlimited Pure Barre classes in exchange for writing a blog post about my experience. All opinions and thoughts here are my own.
Chris says
February 18, 2014 at 8:16 AMI work out at Fitworks and I was talking to a fellow member about Pure Barre. She has taken classes there and loves it. She says she works new muscles she never knew she had! I would love to try this class as I am always on the lookout for something new and I need more strength training in my life.
Thanks!
jessica z says
February 18, 2014 at 9:15 AMI would love to try Pure Barre because I am obsessed with booty barre classes and would love to compare the two classes. I love the results from booty barre and would love to experience what pure barre has to offer!
jessica z says
February 18, 2014 at 9:16 AMI follow on Twitter – @jessicanjela
jessica z says
February 18, 2014 at 9:17 AMI tweeted!
Jessica @ Anchored in CLE says
February 18, 2014 at 11:56 AMI’ve been wanting to try Pure Barre because it looks challenging but also like a great way to switch things up and work those under-worked muscle groups!
Jessica @ Anchored in CLE says
February 18, 2014 at 11:56 AMI follow you on Twitter 🙂
Brittany Norman says
February 18, 2014 at 11:57 AMI was a gymnast for years and have struggled getting motivated going to the gym for a “real” workout. A few years back, I was diagnosed with some severed back and hip problems which has really impacted by ability to workout the way that I want to. I can’t do a lot of jumping or pounding, and have been looking to find a workout that could be modified but still keep my interest. I’ve been thinking about doing Pure Barre for awhile now and have just been waiting for the right opportunity to try it. I would love to find something to keep me active and excited about working out again!
Jessica @ Anchored in CLE says
February 18, 2014 at 11:58 AMI tweeted!
Janet says
February 18, 2014 at 11:59 AMI love Pure Barre! I did it a few times last year when I was living in another state! I want to retry it to motivate me for the summer!
Brittany Norman says
February 18, 2014 at 11:59 AMtweeted and followed!!
Jessica says
February 18, 2014 at 11:59 AMLove Pure barre! It’s expensive, so I try to snatch up any deals I can!!
Julia Szabo says
February 18, 2014 at 12:00 PMI want to “retry” Pure Barre because it’s the best full body workout I’ve done in a very long time!
DeAnna says
February 18, 2014 at 12:01 PMPure Barre is awesome for your core! I noticed a difference in only month!
Adrienne says
February 18, 2014 at 12:02 PMI am a dancer, I have been dancing my whole life and graduated from BGSU in 05′ w my dance degree, I still teach and absolutely think dance is an amazing workout! The barre warmup in all of my ballet classes was truly one my favorite parts about the conditioning I received at college. I would love to try this studio!
Holly Hammersmith says
February 18, 2014 at 4:34 PMVery cool. I am an ’07 BG grad. Go falcons!
Julia Szabo says
February 18, 2014 at 12:02 PMFollowing on twitter and tweeted (@jbszabo)
Adrienne says
February 18, 2014 at 12:02 PMI follow you on twitter! @adridanielle
Hannah Smith says
February 18, 2014 at 12:03 PMI bought the 5 week opening package at pure barre and would love to retry. In just 5 weeks I’ve seen significant change in my body and the classes go by so quickly!
tabitha says
February 18, 2014 at 12:04 PMi love pure barre. i’ve been going since the very first class at westlake/avon. its truly the best 55 minutes of my day. i love that even after a year i still walk away from the class sore. i am looking forward to signing the 250 barre by mid march!
Hannah S says
February 18, 2014 at 12:05 PMI followed on twitter @hannah__smith_
tabitha says
February 18, 2014 at 12:05 PMfollowed on twitter (@fabulouslytabs)
Adrienne says
February 18, 2014 at 12:05 PMtweeted 2/18
Dana says
February 18, 2014 at 12:06 PMI am very excited to try the new Pure Barre classes in Rocky River! I have been to a few Barre classes in the past but haven’t found a location that was close to where I live until now. I’m so excited that it is a 5 -10 minute drive from my house now – no excuses! Thanks again for the review and for offering a chance to win the giveaway!
Sarah says
February 18, 2014 at 12:09 PMI too started pure barre in January when the Rocky River studio opened and I’m addicted! I’ve already hit 20 classes and my goal is to eventually be in the 100 club! It’s such a great workout! And it’s even more fun doing this with two of my friends.
Dana says
February 18, 2014 at 12:10 PMI tweeted
Silvia Pelton says
February 18, 2014 at 12:11 PMI have been dying to try Pure Barre, I have a ton of friends who do it and LOVE it. I have fellow Arbonne sisters in the Akron area who take the classes together and get amazing results. I live within walking distance of this studio and it would be amazing to try it out. I literally would have 0 excuses to try it if I won..lol my fingers are crossed!!!!
Dana says
February 18, 2014 at 12:11 PMI follow on twitter – @danakshea
Jennifer says
February 18, 2014 at 12:14 PMI love Pure Barre- the movements may be small, but the results are wonderful. Love, love, love it!
Ann says
February 18, 2014 at 12:14 PMI love Pure Barre – it is a great post partum workout for this new mom!
Jennifer says
February 18, 2014 at 12:16 PMfollowed you on Twitter @JAReece
Ann says
February 18, 2014 at 12:16 PMI follow on twitter @aweinzimmer
Jennifer says
February 18, 2014 at 12:16 PMI Tweeted
Sandi says
February 18, 2014 at 12:19 PMI would like to give Pure Barre another go. I tried it in the fall but just couldn’t get the hang of it. It is really close to my house now, so I would be interested in going to Rocky River.
Brandy Slates says
February 18, 2014 at 12:22 PMI love Pure Barre! I usually hate exercising but after doing Pure Barre for a few months I find myself actually looking forward to going.
Brandy Slates says
February 18, 2014 at 12:23 PMI followed on Twitter!
Brandy Slates says
February 18, 2014 at 12:23 PMI retweeted!
Katie says
February 18, 2014 at 12:27 PMI too, recently tried out Pure Barre for the first time and would absolutely LOVE to try and make this a more regular part of my fitness routine and really experience the results PB can get you!
Katie C. says
February 18, 2014 at 12:29 PMLove Pure Barre! It is one of the best workouts our there- fast results!! Would love to get a few free classes to keep me motivated to workout!- and the goodies look great too 😉
Katie C. says
February 18, 2014 at 12:33 PMFollowing on Twitter and retweeted your post! @katiecseh
Sarah r says
February 18, 2014 at 12:37 PMDying to try heard it it is a great toning workout!
Tara says
February 18, 2014 at 12:38 PMLove pure barre. It does a great job targeting hips and thighs! Great to do in addition to cardio and other strength training.
Emily says
February 18, 2014 at 12:40 PMHi! I love Pure Barre. I’ve been taking classes for about a month now and would love to win this prize package!
Emily
Emily says
February 18, 2014 at 12:41 PMI follow you on Twitter. 🙂
Emily says
February 18, 2014 at 12:41 PMI tweeted.
jackie says
February 18, 2014 at 12:42 PMI love pure barre. I have been going for a month now and I am so glad that I tried to do it. I always wanted to try pure barre after I read about it in a fitness magazine and once pure barre opened in rocky river I jumped on the pure barre bandwagon and have never looked back. Now I have coworkers and friends trying it since I am always talking about pure barre.
jackie says
February 18, 2014 at 12:43 PMI follow you on twitter
jackie says
February 18, 2014 at 12:44 PMI tweeted about your give away.
Monica A says
February 18, 2014 at 12:45 PMIm ready to get healthy!
erin says
February 18, 2014 at 12:45 PMfollowed you on twitter
erin says
February 18, 2014 at 12:47 PMi decided to re-try pure barre since i am getting married in june and decided that i would like to add this to my work out regimen. im hoping this will help me with my flexibility and toning some muscles.
Cathy says
February 18, 2014 at 12:50 PMI’ve been hearing rave reviews for Pure Barre from friends for years and was excited when the Rocky River location opened close to home! I consider myself in good shape from regular bootcamp classes, yoga, spinning, ellitical, etc, but I definitely left my first class feeling the “burn”! I’ve been back multiple times now and plan to keep at it!
Kristin says
February 18, 2014 at 1:00 PMI have been doing Pure Barre since August 2013, and I absolutely LOVE it. Typically I’m not the person who does fitness classes regularly. Now I try to make class 4-5 times a week. Best workout I have ever done!
Lynn says
February 18, 2014 at 1:16 PMI started Pure Barre classes in Rocky River last month and love it. Muscles I didn’t even know I had hurt!
Brandi Mattingly says
February 18, 2014 at 1:29 PMI would love to try barre classes because I have heard great things about them! I just had a baby 8 weeks ago and my body looks like a melting candle. I would love to begin rebuilding muscle and getting strong again so I can be the best mama I can be! 😀
Amy says
February 18, 2014 at 1:32 PMPure Barre is an amazing workout. When I have done it in the past I felt taller, stronger, and more confident. I would love to continue and see the way my body transforms from the workout.
Kelli says
February 18, 2014 at 2:27 PMI love Pure Barre!! I never thought that I would be excited to go to my workout 3-4 a week. I can honestly say I am disappointed when I have to cancel a class.
Daune Calovini says
February 18, 2014 at 2:27 PMTwo of my co-workers are taking classes and love it.
Daune Calovini says
February 18, 2014 at 2:28 PMI’m a follower on twitter.
Daune Calovini says
February 18, 2014 at 2:28 PMI tweeted the tweet!!!
Colleen says
February 18, 2014 at 2:33 PMI love Pure Barre. I’ve been going since September because I really wanted to challenge myself to go outside my comfort zone and try some new workouts. Fast forward a few months and I’m totally addicted to Pure Barre. I’ve signed up for a 12 month unlimited package that works at the Westlake and Rocky River studios. I can’t believe the changes I’ve seen from it personally.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I’ve followed you on Twitter! @colbyers
sonja jarmoszuk says
February 18, 2014 at 4:15 PMI have been doing Pure Barre for 1 month & absolutely love it. I cannot wait to start my next month. So happy that you opened another location. All that have not tried need to give it a try. Thumbs up!!!
Courtney says
February 18, 2014 at 7:21 PMI am hoping to retry Pure Barre soon! The burn is definitely overwhelming at first but if you stick with it, it is Amazing what it can do for your body!
Shawna Kovach says
February 18, 2014 at 7:56 PMI’ve been CrossFitting as my only means of working out for about 2 years. While I’m happy with the results of CrossFit, I have always felt I needed something to balance out the high intensity and heavy weight lifting. Pure Barre is the best supplement and balance to my Crossfit routine. After a month of classes, I’m seeing improvement in my mobility and strength, and I love that “burn” I’ve only experienced in a Pure Barre class. It truly is a workout for any fitness level, as everything can be modified. I look forward to bringing my mom, and my sister who just became a new mom, to class very soon!
Shawna Kovach says
February 18, 2014 at 8:07 PMI followed you on twitter and retweeted the comment 🙂
Adrienne says
February 19, 2014 at 9:08 AMtweeted on 2/19
Eileen says
February 19, 2014 at 10:32 AMI love, love, love Pure Barre! It’s a fantastic workout for toning!
Eileen says
February 19, 2014 at 10:34 AMI followed you on Twitter! (@CLE_Eileen)
Eileen says
February 19, 2014 at 10:38 AMTweeted!
Amanda says
February 19, 2014 at 10:54 AMI love Pure Barre! I just started going last Wednesday and I fell in love instantly! I am getting married in July 2014 so I am trying to get fit for my wedding and wanted a class that would help me that. I have only been to 4 classes but want to continue going because I feel it really helps me! I tweeted and I followed you as well 🙂 Thanks!!
Alyssa says
February 19, 2014 at 11:45 AMI am a first-year law student in desperate need of a new workout routine! (And a little $$ for classes wouldn’t hurt). I’ve heard amazing things about Pure Barre – friends have said they’ve “waddled like a penguin” after class from being sore. And, most importantly, they see results!! Would love this giveaway to get me started! I tweeted the link as well!
Melissa Oscar says
February 19, 2014 at 11:48 AMI discovered Pure Barre two years ago and I swear by it – It keeps you so toned and lean. It strenghtens for all other activities as well! Clearly, I am obsessed and a true believer. So glad you were able to try it and also fall in love!~
Melissa Oscar says
February 19, 2014 at 11:52 AMI followed you on Twitter 🙂 @melosker
Shelley says
February 19, 2014 at 3:26 PMHello! Lovely blog here! I can’t wait to try my Pure Barre skills at the new Rocky River studio. Lori and the other instructors are so supportive of personal goals and provide the best instruction! Winning this giveaway would help me jump start my way to lift.tone.burn! – Shelley
Shelley says
February 19, 2014 at 3:28 PMYou have a new follower on twitter 🙂 and I tweeted about the giveaway! Thanks
Rachel (at) It's A Hero says
February 19, 2014 at 9:31 PMI’ve not yet had a chance to try a barre class! But I really really want to!
Anna says
February 19, 2014 at 10:22 PMI’ve wanted to try Pure Barre since they opened the Westlake/Avon location, but wasn’t able to get in on a class right away because the demand was so high! I’m a former dancer and have done a few barre classes before, but it’s not as close to home as I’d like.
Anna says
February 19, 2014 at 10:23 PMI followed you on Twitter. 🙂
Anna says
February 19, 2014 at 10:24 PMTweeted 2/19
Adrienne says
February 20, 2014 at 8:00 AMtweeted on 2/20 🙂
Ashley says
February 20, 2014 at 11:08 AMI have been wanting to try Pure Barre for a while. I grew up dancing and believe the barre workouts will help me get back into shape like when I was dancing constantly!
Ashley says
February 20, 2014 at 11:09 AMI followed you on Twitter!
Adrienne says
February 21, 2014 at 9:02 AMtweeted 2/21
Julia S says
February 21, 2014 at 1:07 PMTweeted! @jbszabo
Julia S says
February 22, 2014 at 12:56 PMTweeted today! (@jbszabo)
Rachel (at) It's A Hero says
February 22, 2014 at 10:45 PMI follow on twitter! (@itsahero)
Rachel (at) It's A Hero says
February 22, 2014 at 10:50 PMI tweeted
Rachel (at) It's A Hero says
February 23, 2014 at 8:29 PMTweeted again!
Eileen says
February 23, 2014 at 10:10 PMTweeted today!
Adrienne says
February 24, 2014 at 9:56 AMTweeted on 2/24
Brandi Munro says
February 24, 2014 at 7:43 PMI want to retry Pure Barre because since I tried it I have seen results and fallen in love with the classes.
Brandi Munro says
February 24, 2014 at 7:45 PMI followed you on twitter.
Brandi Munro says
February 24, 2014 at 7:47 PMI tweeted
Rachel (at) It's A Hero says
February 24, 2014 at 9:16 PMI tweeted!
jackie says
February 24, 2014 at 11:23 PMI tweeted
Adrienne says
February 25, 2014 at 8:59 AMTweeted 2/25! 🙂
Rachel (at) It's A Hero says
February 25, 2014 at 12:12 PMI tweeted! 🙂
Julia Szabo says
February 25, 2014 at 12:39 PMtweeted today 2/25! (@jbszabo)
Anna says
February 25, 2014 at 4:23 PMTweeted 2/25
Brandi Munro says
February 25, 2014 at 7:53 PMI tweeted today 2/25