Hitting the Barre

Many barre workouts swept the nation in 2012 and I was one of hundreds that tried them out. My preferred barre method is Pure Barre. I absolutely LOVE these classes!!! Pure Barre has transformed my body and tightened and toned muscles I didn’t even know I had!

My first Pure Barre experience was back in February 2012. I was in the midst of training for my first marathon (I had completed a half marathon back in March 2010) and was suffering from a couple of ankle and knee injuries that just would not go away—these injuries ultimately led to my break up with running, but we’ll get into that later. My best friend had been attending these classes and had mentioned them to me. I was at a point where I physically could not run any more—it just hurt too much—and was looking for another type of workout as I was bored by the whole gym scene. Going in, I thought Pure Barre would be more like yoga where it would not be overly intense. Boy was I wrong! That first class kicked my butt and I was hooked from then on!

These classes are not like spin classes or other aerobic classes that push your heart rate to the max, but they do get your heart rate up and burn some serious calories. My current workout schedule combines 3 to 4 days a week of Pure Barre classes with 2 (sometimes I only make 1) days a week of cycling classes (or some other type of cardio) to get some intense cardio in as well. For now this schedule seems to work for me.

The bare bones structure of Pure Barre classes is the same, but each class incorporates different exercises and every teacher has a slightly different teaching style—this is based on my experience having taken classes at three different locations with different teachers. During each class, you will use a small red ball, a double or single red band (depending on the teacher), an exercise mat and one or two sets of weights (2lbs, 3lbs, and 5lbs). I usually use 3lb and 5lb weights, but if you are just starting out I would suggest using lighter ones. All of this equipment is provided for you. The class begins with a standard warm up, which changes every few months. You then go into thigh, seat, abs, back and butt (back dancing as they call it) exercises and each of these varies with every class. You will likely feel your muscles shaking during these exercises. Shaking is a NORMAL and GOOD thing—it means you are transforming your muscles! After each section you stretch out the muscles worked to lengthen them and create long lean muscles.

I love Pure Barre so much that I have decided I want to pursue teaching it when Seth and I move to NYC in the fall! My favorite pure barre teacher at one of the locations I attend, recently came up to me after class and asked if I had ever thought about teaching because she thought I was very good. That was a huge compliment and super exciting for me. I try to improve my technique and get the most out of every class, so for one of my favorite teachers to take notice was AWESOME!

As a side note and fun fact, Carrie Rezabek Dorr, the creator and owner of all of Pure Barre, did Pure Barre every day throughout her entire pregnancy (it is safe for women who are pregnant and there are modifications for every move). She looked fantastic throughout and just recently posted a picture of her and her baby just 2 weeks after giving birth and she looks AMAZING! You would not even know she just had a baby.

So, I highly recommend every one of you (men included) find a Pure Barre location in your area and get your Lift. Tone. Burn. on.

Have you found a workout that you love or that has transformed your body?

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