Update on 5/31/13:
I've taken a total of 4 classes and had a different instructor and different sets of exercises each class. Definitely more variety than Bar Method when it comes to exercises.
Ashley, Claudia, Julie, and Rebekah have all been fantastic. For first timers, I highly recommend starting with either Rebekah or Ashley--I feel they provided the most guidance and form correction.
My abs hurt when I laugh, that's how intense it is!
Original Review written 5/21/13:
I tried Pure Barre for the first time today and I really liked it! Today, torture came from the instruction of an adorable and enthusiastic instructor named Rebekah.
For those who haven't tried Barre classes, I highly recommend them! They're low impact (I have really bad knees) and EXTREMELY effective if you want to tone. I did about a month of Bar Method in NYC and another few weeks in CA and my legs look amazing. I'm a member of the batwing arm club-- no matter how thin I was or how many exercises I did for my arms I couldn't get them more toned, that is, until Bar Method. I was never able to touch my toes until barre classes, it helps with your flexibility immensely. When I found out I'd be out in TN for a while, I decided to sign up for Bar Method again but since they didn't have Bar Method I decided to try Pure Barre.
Location and Parking: There is an open lot a little past the studio with plenty of parking. I love that it's right across from Whole Foods. I can pick up dinner at the hot foods bar before heading back to my hotel.
Studio: One bathroom and one closet for changing and cubbies to store your items. Pure Barre, may I recommend getting a water fountain? I'm used to the Bar Method in SoHo and Tustin where they offer a shower, water fountain, lockers, towels, and hair ties so I'm a little spoiled. This studio does sell cute Lululemon gear. There's one mirrored classroom with very cushy/padded carpeting. Overall, very clean and spacious.
Scheduling: Pure Barre and Bar Method use the same web interface for scheduling and buying classes (Amex is NOT accepted). I like that it's very easy to use. You can sign up to classes as far as 3 weeks out.
Pricing: I believe it's very reasonable. I bought the New Member Special for $100 (unlimited classes for one month) and plan on continuing with the Student Special for $100 since I'm still a graduate student. A regular unlimited month membership is $175/month.
Instructor: I've only had Rebekah so far but she was great. I'll update with other instructors. One other person and I were new and she helped correct our forms which I really appreciate. She's also very encouraging. She took the time to answer my questions about one of the exercises after class so that was great too!
Class: For those who haven't done a barre workout, it's a mix of exercises at the bar (seat work, thigh work), ab work on the mat, stretching, warm-up exercises, arm exercises using light weights, etc all in one hour. Some things used during the workout are weights, stretching bands, a mat, and a ball. Pure Barre seems to be much faster paced than Bar Method. One con of this is that it does not give much time for the instructor to correct posture since we're moving into the next exercise so quickly. One pro of this is that I feel it makes for a better workout cardio-wise. Audio system and music selection was great. I took the 5:30 class and it was only about 10 folks so I liked how small and intimate it was. Not to mention there was a lot of room to space out.
Overall: I already signed up classes for the next few days. You feel sore but in a good way. It gets addicting. I highly recommend Pure Barre. Your body will hate you but thank you. I do want to say for the new folks do NOT feel discouraged if you can't follow the exercises your first class! Form is important and since we do move into next exercises so quickly it may be hard to follow. It gets better! read more