Athens, Georgia
Stats
Calories: 66
Fuel Points: 303
“If it doesn’t challenge
you, it doesn’t change you.”
Connie Popwell, PB
Instructor
Before
I begin this review, I would like to share with you what I thought about this
class prior to attending. I grew up dancing (ballet, tap and jazz), which
means, I spent many years at a ballet bar doing pliés, grands battements and tendus. Of course, this is how I pictured my time at Pure Barre—I was
way off…
The
entrance to Pure Barre is pleasantly inviting. As I walked up a decent sized flight of stairs, a fit young
woman and a small bit of paperwork greeted me. Like most (if not all) gyms, they have to cover their butt
just in case I fall on mine.
Because of this, I would recommend getting to a Pure Barre class about
10 minutes early if it is your first time. After I filled out the paperwork, I
found a small waiting room where I hung my jacket and purse. I waited patiently
for some direction from an instructor. However, no direction was given and I
stood helplessly, hoping to follow someone who knew what they were doing.
Eventually, some women began grabbing equipment, so I followed and proceed to
the fitness room.
Once
everyone was seated, the instructor went over a couple of pointers to remember
throughout the class. Then, we jumped right in. My arms were burning in just a
few short minutes, and I knew this class was a bit more intense than I
imagined. (It didn’t help that this was the first time I had worked out in
months.) While I did feel the burn throughout most of the class, there were
multiple times throughout the class that I felt that I needed more direction
and even an example would have been helpful. “Tuck, then press”—umm, what the
heck is the difference? The Pure Barre technique requires very small movements, so it was
hard to tell which part of your body you were supposed to be moving. For a
beginner’s class, I would have liked more detailed directions and examples.
Additionally, I would have liked to be introduced to the equipment. Even after
attending class, I am still unclear what name they have for a workout band
(Pure Barre tubing—according to the website). This evening’s class began with
arm toning (2 lb. weights), continued with thighs and gleuts, and ended with
abs. Not exactly your traditional ballet class.
This
particular class was a free promotional class for people who have never
attended a Pure Barre class before. If you are interested in attending a Pure
Barre class, follow your local Pure Barre on Facebook and look out for special
deals or visit their website to pricing. Classes range from $20 for one class
to $1795 for one year of unlimited classes.
Overall,
I enjoyed the experience, but I’m not sure I would invest the money for future
attendance. I might need a little more convincing with “before and after
photos” of those who have had good experiences with this fitness program. I
will be attending a second Pure Barre class in a few days, so I might have a
different experience the second time around. Stay tuned for Pure Barre, Part
II.