My best friend is obsessed with Pure Barre. She, like so many others, swear by it. Some even call it cult-like, so clearly I was ridiculously excited when I heard Pure Barre was coming to Birkdale Village in Huntersville.
I dropped by with Hailey a few weeks ago to peak inside and drop the not-so-subtle hint that I wish they had childcare.
Since they don’t have childcare, I wasn’t sure when I’d get to try it out. However, David worked from home on Tuesday, so I skipped out during nap time to try their noon class.
What to wear – I wore cropped yoga pants and a workout top with built-in bra. There isn’t any high impact jumping around, so a heavy duty sports bra isn’t necessary. During class, participants wear socks, not shoes, so I brought a plain pair of socks with me and decided to skip paying $15 for the fancy ‘sticky-socks’ the studio sells. I found my socks to do just fine for most of the class, with an exception of a few moves I found myself sliding around for.
The equipment – a pair of light weights (very light weights- 2 lbs) were provided, along with a resistance cord, ball and mat. I got a little cocky when I saw the light weights. I shouldn’t have.
The moves – I’m not sure what I expected. Well, yes I did. I expected ballet class. It’s nothing like ballet class. The entire class centers around small, repetitive movements with little to no weights. That description makes it sound easy, but let me assure you, it isn’t. We started with abs and I after 5 minutes I feared I wouldn’t make it through the class. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what it was that made it so challenging, but I imagine the isolated movements, the number of reps and the focus on squeezing individual muscles made it unlike any workout I’ve ever done.
Arms lasted all of 5 or so minutes, but it burned. Today I still can feel it in my triceps. A lot of class is done in the middle of the floor, but as the name would suggest, we also spent some time at the bar. Squatting and flexing and ‘tucking’ my way through class made my muscles tremble. By the end, I couldn’t keep my legs from vibrating when trying to straighten them.
There is a learning curve, though. The famous ‘tucking’ that Pure Barre is known for takes some time to learn. It took some sincere focus and positioning trial and error for me to do moves correctly so I could feel my muscles working.
The Pros –
- The music is upbeat and the energy is rocking. Katie did a great job of keeping us all focused and engaged.
- It’s exciting. The studio vibe works for me. Whether yoga or Pure Barre, I get really excited to go to a studio over the gym.
- It works! Leaving class, my muscles felt fatigued. The next day I could feel it in my triceps, my thighs and my lower butt. You know, the part of the butt that connects to the leg. Who doesn’t want to tighten and tone that area?!
- You don’t get drenched in sweat. At least I didn’t. Since I often go run errands after workouts, I liked that.
The Cons –
- It is EXPENSIVE. To drop in for one class is $23.00. A package of 10 classes is $200. A month unlimited is $225 (unless you sign up as a new member and take advantage of their 1 month unlimited for $100 that they are offering now). That’s some serious money.
- No childcare. This one is huge for me. Maybe when Hailey starts her school program in the fall I’d be able to do it, but for now, I refuse to pay for a sitter to watch her to only go and pay more to take a class.
- I think it would be really difficult to do during pregnancy without some serious modifications. I know people will argue with me on this one, and that’s fine, I may be wrong, but almost the entire class incorporates your abs. There are straight forward bicycle crunches and plenty of ab engagement at the bar, which is great, but I think it would be difficult with a pregnant belly. (I’m not pregnant, but have friends that are that asked what I thought.)
Overview –
I won’t pretend I didn’t love it; I did. If a year of unlimited classes and childcare dropped onto my doorstep, I’d go 5 days a week. The low impact, sore muscles and upbeat vibe was right up my alley. I thought about ordering one of their DVDs, but I know myself enough to know that I won’t stick to it at home. So I guess for now, I’ll just be an admirer from afar!
Have you ever tried a Pure Barre class or something similar?
What did you think?
Erica says
I’ve never tried an in-person barre class but I *love* doing barre workouts at home. Booty Barre and Xtend Barre are amazing workouts!
Jen says
Thanks for your honest review, girl! I really have no desire to try these classes. I can get sore on my own and could not fathom spending that much money on one class! That amount is 1/3 of my family’s monthly gym membership. And, yeah, no childcare is a huge con.
la says
Honestly, i love the classes but the customer service is terrible. I’ve been to many of their franchise locations and their cancellation policies differ and arent communicated well. For Buckhead, GA if you cancel within the timeframe you dont lose the class and arent penialized. For Mainline Philadelphia, I cancelled 12 hours beforehand but they charged me $20 ONTOP of taking away my class credit. that was $42 down the drain and I didnt realize until I checked my account. I called them 6 times with no reply and emailed them.
I also dont like how your classes expire. Why should they expire if you pay the studio upfront? What cost is it to them to let you keep your classes?
My classes expired while I was traveling for work and marathon training and when I asked the studio about it they snobbily said, ” Our Clients usually run and couple barre training with their running.”
that was $56 down the drain!
Marji says
Here in Pensacola the owner opened up a Coffee Barre and had a daycare attached to it and back door that leads from the Barre class to the daycare. You pay for membership and that includes daycare. I don’t know of why more Pure Barres don’t do this. So simple and would get a lot more moms of little ones in there. I’m not a mom myself but have a lot of friends that are moms and they appreciate this.
Brittany Dixon says
That sounds amazing! I would definitely be able to consider it as an option if daycare option was right next door. What a smart move!
Kelly says
I always wanted to try a Barre Method/Pure Barre class. Like you said, it sounds like it would really be a great muscle workout/core strengthening routine that would work muscles I don’t normally work much running.
I agree that it is awfully expensive, especially when you already pay for a gym membership and need childcare to boot.
Caitlin says
I am 25 weeks pregnant and just tried a free online trial to Barre3 and they had specialized pre-natal videos. I enjoyed them!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Wow, that sounds great and like a class that I would really LOVE. But the price…ouch!! :/
Beth Sheridan says
I’m so glad that you found it challenging, because I have looked into some and I just didn’t think I would get a very good workout, but I’m also like you, childcare is a must for me too 🙂
char eats greens says
Haven’t tried barre and probably won’t for a while because I doubt my small town would be getting it in the near future (unless I ventured down to Toronto, which I’m SURE has it!). I don’t think I can get over that hefty price tag attached to it! I think that’s pretty crazy to pay that kind of money (mind you, I probably would for one visit to try it out like you!).
It does intrigue me though, since I used to dance growing up, and I know you said it’s not like ballet, I still feel that the dancer in me would love it!
Maria says
I haven’t tried Pure Barre (or any Barre) class, but my biggest fear would be boredom. Did you find it to be boring? That being said, I would like to work that under the butt muscle.
I do get your vibe about studios vs. gyms. I always prefer studios, though the prices are outrageous. I pick up Yelp deals here and there but they are still so pricey…
Olga says
Hahaha boring??? You would die of pain, not of boredom, let me assure you! The class requires so much concentration to do it right, you won’t be bored 🙂
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
I am hoping to try a barre class here in FW soon but thankfully they are not nearly as expensive (though still pricey for me). I cannot get on board with the $20+ boutique classes. I can’t. And I think more and more gyms are trying to do more with group fitness schedules, which could be tough competition.
Anyway, I’m glad you liked it and I appreciate the review. Hope you get to go back every now and then.
katie says
I haven’t tried a barre class yet, but good to know that you’re supposed to wear socks! $23 is expensive, but if it were me (I’m childless) I’d hop on that $100 unlimited right away! I totally understand why you aren’t of course!
Erica says
I have a Barre video that I bought on Amazon Prime and stream on my computer and playstation – I really like it!
Just FYI – you seem to have a smudge on your camera lens! There is a blurry spot in the bottom right on all of your pictures from the past two posts. This happens to me all the time, because my son is constantly poking at my camera and phone 🙂
Christina says
I’ve been wanting to try a new Barre studio near me for awhile, but I was never ever to find a time that worked between their class schedule and my work schedule (along with a toddler!) So instead, I went for a monthly membership to Barre3 online — It’s only $15 a month and they have TONS of online videos (so you can never get bored!). I love the fact that I can choose a 10, 30, 40 or 60 min video based on my schedule. I’ve never been one to do at-home workouts before, but I have to say – this totally works for me!
Krista says
Great review! I am certified in Pilates, all apparatuses, and barre. I take pure barre on a regular basis, and LOVE it! I am 23 weeks pregnant and the modifications for the class are very few. During all the thigh work, not only are you engaging your abdominal muscles, but you are using and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. When you are in first position, creating resistance by pressing your heals together or squeezing the ball, you are pulling up those pelvic floor muscles. Also, in round back at the barre, you are in a “c” curve with your spine so you are engaging you transverse abdominals, such an important spinal position during childbirth 🙂 Like anything, if you have not been taking barre classes prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy is probably not the best time to start. Thanks again for your review and I wish they offered child care, too!!
Dawn says
I’ve tried Barre3, and I went in feeling a little smug about the teeny tiny weights too. Haha! I was DYING!
Caitlin says
I’m the most non-loyal gym/studio goer ever- I find studios that have a first class deal and I go once and then never return- those deals are usually $10-15/class, but $23?? Heck no. It’s unfortunate ’cause I love working out with others and LOVE my running group- maybe one day a package of unlimited spin classes at a local fancy studio will drop on my door step.
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
It’s def on the expensive side but so is pilates if you do a studio. In my mind its still cheaper then a personal trainer. So, if it does the job I’m all for making it work money-wise! I can’t wait to pop this baby out and try the classes!
christina says
My best friend teaches PB and I looooooved it. But yes, definitely too expensive for my budget. 🙂
Sarah says
Yowza – that is expensive! I guess I’m spoiled by pretty good instructors in the no-cost classes at my gym (which includes child care)… I just can’t imagine paying that much. I guess that’s about where you are with it, too.
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
I just went to my first class this week, too! As a former dancer, I was expecting to hate it, but I actually enjoyed it, and it’s really nothing like a dance class. The cost is really the biggest deterrent for me. I’m not sure I *loved* it, but I would go again if it wasn’t so expensive… I’d like to figure out exactly what they mean by “tuck” 🙂
Liz says
It sounds good, but I’ve never tried it. It’s expensive! I like yoga, but I haven’t done that for awhile either. Very healthy, and if you can swing it financially, I think it’s a good thing.
Jane says
I live in the same area and was so excited when I noticed this addition to Birkdale. I have heard a lot of positives about this workout….but then I found out the price (insert sad face here) even if I loved it I could not afford or even justify the cost. Now about that new Lululemon going in there…haha I cannot wait to browse around in there and daydream!
Liz @ iheartvegetables says
I’ve tried a few barre classes and LOVED them but they’re definitely expensive. I lucked out an got a groupon so they were only like $5 a class and that was AMAZING! The drop ins here are 15 but that’s still a lot for one workout!
Pure Barre Lake Norman says
Although there is a lot of talk about price, we want to make sure everyone knows we are constaintly running specials! New client special is $100 for one unlimited month of classes. We are running a summer slim down special starting next week. We have student/teacher/military discounts for $150 a month. Membership options that are 3, 6 or 12 month commitments that take the membership rate down to as low as $175 a month. Bride to be and baby bounce back specials as well! Come check us out for more information.
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says
Love this review! I so want to try a Barre class but worried about loving it and then it being so expensive
Emily S says
Thanks for a great review. I’d really like to try it. 🙂
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
I didn’t think that the barre style workouts would be much when I first tried them either but they will WORK you. In such a different, but still good, way. I could never afford a class or membership (plus we don’t have one local) but I do use Physique 57 DVDs when I do at home workouts. They’re actually really good and I’m surprised how much I have stuck to using them for home workouts.
Becca says
I have tried it too and while I like it and see how it can lead to great results I can’t get past the price! I also think I would get bored of only having one option there, unlike a yoga studio or gym where you can choose from different types of classes. I did appreciate the burn though!
Kim @ healthy nest says
I’m SO with you. I LOVE barre classes but the money is just insane. And I don’t like that if you belong to a studio like this, your workout options are so limited. I certainly couldn’t afford to belong to a gym AND a studio. Siiiighhhh 🙂
Christina says
Hi Brittany! I am so glad that you were able to give PB a try and share your experience with your readers. I started PB at the end of January 2013 and personally, I am a huge fan. That being said, I don’t have a child so I can go whenever I want and the unlimited packages (especially when they have a promotion) work for me. Otherwise, they probably would not. I have purchased and used the podcasts (Mile High 1& 2) for when I am out of town, and they are a very good workout/supplement to the normal class. From my perspective the only thing I’d like to share with your readers is that while the podcasts are great (and the DVDs are probably great as well), is that it really helps to have taken a few classes in person so you know exactly what the cues mean. Thanks again for sharing your experience! Very helpful. 🙂
Emily says
I LOVE Pure Barre, but the classes became too expensive for me. I bought half a dozen of their videos, and I do those at home now. They are just as challenging as the class; the only downside is that I have to push myself, so I cheat a little more often 🙂
Diane says
I recently took a Pure Barre class for the first time in Boca Raton when visiting family and really enjoyed it! I had only ever done the Bar Method before and found the Pure Barre style a little more energetic and younger. Loved the pace as well. But it can really drain one’s wallet. Now back in France, I turned to the barre3 online workouts since there’s nothing anywhere near me for in-studio work. Def worth a look!
Caroline says
I agree that Pure Barre is EXTREMELY expensive! $20+ for an individual 55 min class is over-the-top, especially when no “fancy” equipment is being used. It’s over $2k for a yr of “unlimited” classes, and 1/2 that for 6 months.
I wanted to try it out, and prior to going to just 1 class, I signed up online for their $100,1 month unlimited package (I figured if I dropped the cash, is feel guilty if I didn’t take advantage of it). I’ve been 11 times in 14 days and I’m obsessed! They say you will start to see results after 10 sessions, and if you put forth the effort in class..they are right! They also had a Groupon deal, 5 classes for $50, so I jumped on that.
Now that I’m almost 1/2 way through my month, I’m wondering how on earth can I keep going at such a hefty cost! It’s very popular, so there’s a lot of people who can justify spending that much on something like this, but it’s not the ONLY way to get in shape, but I will say that I’ve never really felt like I have ever gotten such a great workout doing other things. My arms are getting toned (I’ve “graduated” from the 2lb weight to 3lbs), my core is feeling stronger everyday, my PB “ledge” as they call it, is getting up there& my legs/behind are feeling so much stronger..and of course the abs are getting more toned, and that’s just from 11 classes.
One of our instructors is VERY pregnant, and although a lot of the class the instructors focus on helping everyone with their form, she’s doing everything, and we all gasp when she drops down into the splits like it’s nothing.
For those who are interested in trying it out…I wouldn’t buy their “grippy” socks. They stink! I’m noticing more& more people wearing different types of socks that have grip. I find myself sliding all over the place in the socks I got from them, so I bought a pair on Amazon, for WAY less& they work much better.
I think it’s a great way to get in shape. I would suggest doing some extra cardio on other days, just to help get the heart rate up more& to help melt some extra fat….now I just wish they’d melt some of that cost!
Chris says
Just started Barre classes at Carolina Woman. These Barre classes are included in my membership, along with lots of other great workout options. I believe you can add these classes to any level membership also. I have been twice and I love it! Low impact, but I feel it the next day or so. Mixing this up with some semi-private training, and soon to try Pilates (and more yoga classes) which are now being offered at Carolina Woman. I have been a member for about 3 or so years now, and love how they are always working to improve this club for women with the latest exercise offerings. Tell them I sent you! Chris Wissell
Chris says
OK, just lost everything I just typed…Check out Carolina Woman for Barre, Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Semi-private/private training, etc. They have it all, and for a lot less money! Tell them I sent you! Chris Wissell
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry says
Yes, I have taken Pure Barre as we just had our first studio open in Sonoma, CA. It is so pricey and the new member class price is worth it. There is a 60 challenge going on now for $150 per month {still ouch} but unlimited class can make it worth while. I have seen a difference already in my body and I have done boot camp for a year and half. The workouts are so different from one another and I love them both..I will be heading back to the Barre {adjusting my budget} and find a way to make it work 🙂
Great post Brittany
Kellys Reality says
I’ve been a recent barre addict since October and am loving it! The results are incredible and it’s a workout I actually look forward to 🙂 Great post!
http://www.kellysreality.com
Melissa says
I went with a friend today to the Lift, Tone, Burn class at Birkdale. I am pretty fit and have been doing Barre3 for a bit now. Without a doubt, that had to have been one of the most dangerous classes, of any type, I’ve ever been to. Very few verbal commands, no effort at modeling the proper technique, no interest in checking on the client, no modifications offered. I am well schooled in alignment so I was able to do the work out and keep myself safe. I had to look at others to see what move we were supposed to be doing. The loss of form I saw in their bodies was scary.
I am committed to fitness and healthy lifestyle and love to try different classes and teachers. But, I can’t see me trying this again at any Pure Barre. Cost + lack of teacher’s training made me sad.
Deidre says
Good blog post. I absolutely love this website. Keep writing!
Erin Violette says
Hello! I really enjoyed reading this! Thank you 🙂 I have been attending Pure Barre, but because of the high price, I have decided to just go with a $10 a month Planet Fitness Membership! I can’t fathom paying around $200 a month or more for a membership. Yikes! I love the Pure Barre classes and the way they make me feel, but I can also get the same feeling from pushing myself hard at Planet Fitness. I also love doing the Suzanne Bowen’s Barre Amped videos! They are inexpensive and work your body just as well as Pure Barre. Plus I can do the at-home videos and spend time with my 9-month old son!!! I feel guilty leaving him just to take a Pure Barre. class. At first, I thought I was the only one who thought the prices were a bit ridiculous. After reading your blog and some of the other comments, I know that I am not alone and that other regular mommas like myself, find the cost out of reach. Thank you, again! Take care 🙂
Vandana says
I love barre too but hate the cost. But I live in your area. Some of the local YMCAs have Barre/Pilates classes.