Bring ear plugs. Not for the music, but the instructor's headset was super loud to the point that it was distorting, and the room is small. I'm an active musician who's played in metal bands, so I'm no stranger to volume and amplification. I asked her to turn her headset down, but nothing changed. So I left after five minutes. Too bad, as the moves in the class seemed good and challenging. Pro musicians learn to safeguard their ears. People in the class seemed oblivious to the volume/distortion, but if they expose themselves to this regularly, they will experience hearing damage. read more

Great classes!! The instructors have fun music and I love coming here! Your first class is free

Pure barre Evanston was phenomenal the classes were upbeat and kept on moving and the moves were hard but doable. This is definitely a place I will visit again when I'm in town. I am glad that I did not have to miss a workout even when I'm on vacation. If you are staying in downtown Evanston Pure Barre is centrally located, andcloseclose to the hotels and many restaurants. read more

Pure Barre - Barre Classes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I love barre workouts. I've been a regular at both large franchised operations and independent, single-location studios all over the USA - in Houston, Portland, New York, Denver, San Francisco, and Kansas City. I was excited to try this location in Evanston on a sunny Saturday - hoping to make this a regular spot. Alas. From the moment I walked in the door, this place disappointed. When I entered, no one greeted me. I was clearly a new client - looking around for the right place to sit, store my stuff, and so forth - but the front desk associate was too busy looking at her phone to even look up to acknowledge me. I had to announce myself and say, "Hi there, I'm new, I'm here for a class - what should I do?" Getting just the MOST BASIC information about the facility was like pulling teeth. "Where can I change?" (Answer: Nowhere. They do not have a private locker room. Better show up with your workout clothes already on). "Where can I put my things?" (Answer, hurriedly: "Oh, use the cubbies.") "Where are the cubbies?" (Answer, with attitude and a flippant, vague hand wave: "In the back.") "Where can I wait before class begins?" (Answer, with a quizzical look as if I'm the first person in the history of the world to show up for something five minutes before it's scheduled to begin: "Oh, I guess you can sit on this bench." You'd think a high-end workout studio would offer more indoor square footage for its clients, especially considering that in Illinois winter temperatures regularly veer into negative territory. But I digress.) Let's talk about the class itself. The instructor announced herself by waltzing in and saying "I see a few new faces in here. Let me tell you a little bit about me. I don't do demonstrations, and I don't do corrections. Let's get started." So wait. You are telling me that you... don't... demonstrate... the exercises? Do I have this right? You have a room FULL of human beings who are LITERALLY PAYING YOU to show them how to exercise, and you don't intend to show them how to set up their form correctly? And if they do the exercises incorrectly, you WON'T correct them?! Then what on earth are we all paying you for? Without demonstrations or corrections, being in this class was like attending a poorly-run summer camp for suburban adults. The only way to tell what the hell was going on was by furtively glancing around at everyone else in the room, taking the average of the five NONPROFESSIONAL people closest to you, and trying your best to approximate what you guessed was the right form. So again: I paid $24 to try my best to mimic an exercise move "demonstrated" by some random teenager to my left, a middle-aged housewife to my right, and another bewildered newbie across from me - while the instructor made jokes and told us about her weekend plans. Cool. The cherry on top of this experience was being added to the Evanston Pure Barre drip marketing list - so I keep getting emails from them reminding me of how sad I am that there are no decent barre studios in Evanston. While this was a terrible experience for me, it could easily have been much worse. I am lucky in that I've been doing similar workouts for years, and am more than capable of preventing injury in my own body without a hands-on instructor. For people new to this workout, those recovering from serious injuries, or those just starting out on a fitness journey, attending a class like this - especially over a long period - can worsen existing injuries or cause new ones. Without proper demonstrations and form corrections, a workout like this can actually do more harm than good. I really hope that the owner reads this review, and takes some valuable lessons away. Sure - stashing your stuff in insecure, open-air "cubbies" is annoying and is an invitation to theft. Shitty customer service is a real bummer and makes clients feel unwelcome. But poor instruction can actually injure people, and that's completely unforgivable for a fitness professional. I will not be back. read more

I recently moved to Evanston and have loved attending classes at Pure Barre! I'm excited they have their new Define class that focuses on heavier weights. The instructors are great - I especially love working with Crystal and Nikki. It's a very welcoming community! read more

I've been a member of Pure Barre Evanston nearly four years now, and I still absolutely love it! Everything you read about the physical and mental benefits is true. The workouts make me stronger, and the whole experience eases any stress I'm feeling. The teachers are wonderful and keep me motivated. I especially love the amazing community we have at PBE. Everyone is so friendly and supports each other. I've made good friendships, and I'm grateful to have PBE in my life! read more

Pure Barre Evanston is my second home. I've never liked to exercise - but I love it here! All of the instructors are fabulous!

Pure Barre Evanston is literally my home away from home! From the moment I finished up my free Foundations class last April, I was totally hooked. Pure Barre is the only fitness routine I've ever been able to stick with consistently, and the loving and supportive community at PBE is 100% to credit for that! Fellow clients, front desk workers, and teachers always chat before and after class, and there's nothing like knowing you'll see a friendly face to get you to those early morning classes! I always leave the studio feeling stronger, more confident, and ready to tackle anything. read more

Great teachers and a well run business! If you are a runner and looking to strengthen and help prevent injuries, this is for you!

I came to Pure Barre in February of this year as a first time client and I absolutely loved the studio, the insanely difficult but rewarding workout and the wonderful teachers who are always there for me to correct my posture and to mentally motivate me to continue with my workouts and just do it. I feel good coming here. Today I was able to put on a pair of jeans from 5 years ago!!! Yep. You know the feeling! read more

I started barre in March of 2019 and have been obsessed since the beginning! I remember feeling an instant sense of community when everyone referred to be my name as soon as I came in and during class. I've built such a community while being at barre and couldn't imagine a different place to lift, tone, and burn! read more

I love the energy and spirit of Pure Barre! I bought an unlimited month off Gilt City and couldn't wait to see what barre is all about! Within 2 visits, the instructors and staff knew me on a first name basis, which is really refreshing and personable! Another not-to-be-underestimated touch is that I received a postcard in the mail about a week after visiting welcoming me to the pure barre family and encouraging me to keep on going in! I noted some pros and cons. Read on! + *Classes are capped (to about 25)! Woohoo! Prevents overcrowding that happens a little too often like at Core Power Yoga. *Wipes are provided at the end of each class to clean off your ball, resistance band, and mat! *You have to cancel atleast 2 hours in advance of the class. This is a more generous window than other studios (4 hours or more). It's also an understandable measure (if you fail to cancel, you get charged) bc you could be taking someone's spot! *Verbal encouragement given during every class! The instructors are sharp on getting to know everyone's names and will give you a shout out by name as you're sweating it out! *Hands on assists to improve your form are given by all instructors! Really helpful! - *Parking in the area is $0.75/hour except on Sundays. It doesn't seem like much, but adds up. Say you go 3x/week; that's $12 a month, which could be money spent on lunch or something else! *Pricey if you buy a regular priced package! My deal was $79 for 4 weeks, but regular price tag on that is $225! +/- *Once you've been to a handful of classes, you know what you're signing up for. The routine or order of the class is the same (warm up, abs, arms, thighs, stretch, butt, abs, lower back, cool down) for every session, but movements vary from instructor to instructor. *There aren't any lockers for your belongings, BUT there's cubby holes in the back, and there's always someone at the front desk while a class is in session. PBE is a relatively small space, with retail clothing and merch up front, 1 studio, and 1 bathroom. I really enjoyed Mia's and Brynn's classes! Their energy is infectious! My fitness goals include strength and conditioning, and for me, I missed the cardio and conditioning aspect that I crave in workouts. Though barre isn't 100% for me, I'm glad I experienced it! read more

Very unfortunate decision on the part of Pure Barre in Evanston to not participate in the AARP Renew Active program. They are, in fact, listed on AARP website as a participant in this benefit for people over the age of 65. read more

When I told my friends I started doing barre class, they were definitely surprised. I'm definitely known more for eating than for working out. However, all the girls at Pure Barre has made working out so much easier and fun for me. Pure Barre Evanston offers a lot of classes every day, which is perfect if you have a free hour and want to pop in. Every instructor I've done it with has been supportive and helpful. The Pure Barre methodology focuses a lot on arms, thighs, seat, and abs. After my first class I was extremely sore throughout my whole body. Every class is similar enough that you get the flow of things pretty quickly and that you can have a regular workout on all areas. Each class is also just different enough to keeps things interesting. After every focus area, there's a session of stretching to relax the muscles that was just worked. The music is great and definitely helps with the pace of the workout. I always wish I have the playlist. Definitely check out Pure Barre. There's also a student discount! read more

I love waking up with the thought of working out at pure barre Evanston. It has become an essential part of my daily routine. I love the variety of classes offered at it and how instructors and staff make the workout joyful, easy and lovely with all the personal attention they give to each and every member at the studio. read more

I've been coming to PB Evanston for about a year. I've always struggled finding a work out and sticking with it, so needless to say, this stuck! Pure Barre is a great workout and offers a variety of classes and ways to modify so it's never boring and never easy. I love how the classes strengthen your mind and body. It really is total body fitness. The community is great and the instructors are knowledgeable, they always know how to challenge me to work harder. read more

I am a Pure Barre addict. I've tried a number of the studios around the city and I have to say, Pure Barre Evanston is hands-down my favorite. I changed my membership to this location because of the great instructors and customer service. My favorite instructors are Brynn and Mia. Their energy is infectious, they always correct when I'm not doing something right (which I greatly appreciate - this has been inconsistent at other PB studios), and you can tell that they really love what they do and care about their clients. I'm always greeted by name when I walk in the studio by one of the friendly, smiling faces behind the desk. Even when I'd only been to class a few times, they remembered my name! If you're considering trying out Pure Barre, this is an excellent studio to visit! read more

I've been here on my ClassPass two nights in a row now - once with Lou and once with Jess - and I've been having a great time so far. Honestly, as far as the workout itself - it's pretty boring. And also really hard. But I think that, even after just two sessions, I'm feeling pretty good about it and feel like it's effective, so I'll definitely be coming here in the future! read more

I can't stay away from this place. Pure barre has helped me reach my fitness goals and I can tell I am stronger, fitter, and healthier. All the teachers here are extremely friendly, experienced and get to know you by name. Working out has never been more fun :) The music is really upbeat and addicting. I always ask for the playlist at the end of class. The online class reservation system keeps you accountable (you signed up so you show up) and there are classes available all throughout the day so it is very doable for any full time workers or students! Take advantage of their new client specials (one month unlimited for $99) and come join us at the barre! read more

I haven't tried Barre yet but I spoke to Katie who was so kind and so sweet. She gave me every single detail regarding the class and answered my questions in full. I am very excited to try this class. Katie convinced me with her upbeat positive attitude. Thanks you so much for the inspiration! read more

My new years resolution was to work on strength training after my favorite yoga studio closed a year earlier. I started by trying another barre studio (Barre Method on Wacker) and wasn't in love with the studio or the teachers, but enjoyed the idea behind the workout. After some research of studios close to me, I tried another one month $99 special (all barre studios offer this and its a great way to see if you like the studio and teaches!) and fell in love with Pure Barre Evanston. My first class was with Jess and she was great! Before class she introduced herself, went through some of the basic tips (tucking, bend-stretch, pulse) and asked if I had any injuries. The class is structured and fast pace (which isn't for everyone) but you will feel your muscles working and you will be sore the next day! After my month was up, I jumped into the deep end with a yr membership because of the great perks (retail discount, free bottled water, free passes for friends and up to three weeks of putting your membership on hold) and have been going between 11-12 times a month to really make it worth my monthly membership price. I haven't seen many changes, but I wasn't looking to lose weight..and do you ever really notice changes in your body until someone points it out?? However, I know it is working because I did a last minute 5k with a girlfriend last month and wasn't winded at the end (and I am not a runner). My favorite teachers are Jess, Brynn, Mia, Lou (if you want your ass kicked go to a class with Lou or Mia!) and Jamie. read more

Great workout!! If you are need of a mental health break and/or want to improve your physical fitness, you'll love it.

As a recovering couch potato, I never thought I'd become so utterly addicted to a workout! But, I guess that's the thing. Pure Barre is so much more than a workout. It's a community. From fun studio challenges that encourage you to better get to know your fellow barre addicts and your community - to the simple act of ending each class with a round of hands to celebrate making it through a class, Pure Barre is at its heart a group of fierce ladies cheering each other on - both at and away from the barre. A BIG shout-out to Brynn, Mia and Jess - thank you for helping me feel fierce, fit and fabulous. See you at the barre! read more

The day I stopped in to Pure Barre to ask about classes, prices, etc. I was pretty much hooked on the spot...what a welcoming community!! My first class was with Jamie and she was so great. The workout is difficult, but at the same time its completely obtainable. And right when you think you can't go on for one more second the instructors are there cheering you on. I love the studio manager, Brynn, she is so attentive to the needs of all the clients and a fantastic instructor to boot. I've lost inches and gained so much beautiful muscle tone...this summer I couldn't stop admiring how good my legs looked in my shorts! When has that ever happened? All thanks to my hard work at the barre. After finally making it to the 100 (class) Club I'm looking forward to the 250 Club and then the 500 Club, I just don't see ever getting bored with Pure Barre! read more

A total body workout that will quickly become a healthy addiction! With three different classes to choose from, Pure Barre Classic, Pure Empower and Pure Barre Reform there is no need to go anywhere else. If you are willing to put in the work, your reward will be strength, flexibility and stamina. (Not to mention how good you will look in your clothes :o) As a regular member of this studio and a fan of the workouts - I highly recommend it!! Roberta P. read more

Try it! Odds are very high that you'll love it and come back for more (and more, and more). The staff of the Pure Barre - Evanston studio provide a wonderfully embracing environment. Exceptional customer service combined with loads of positivity, motivation and inspiration. Genuinely caring, they love to help improve people's lives, and it shows. Plus, the studio is extremely clean, which means a lot in a group exercise space. As far as the workout, it is strangely addicting! High intensity but no impact, so it's very easy on the joints. That said, the routine (i.e., choreography) is constantly changing, and every day is a great challenge for the body. It exercises the mind too, and strengthens the mind-body connection. Never before have I become so focused during a workout as I do in Pure Barre. For context, I'm a 42-year old, full-time working mom of a 3-year old. I need to be healthy and strong to keep up with her! I've led a very active life but I think I'm in some of the best shape of my life thanks to spending many lunch hours at this studio! Hope to see you at the barre! read more

Pure Barre Evanston is incredible! The teachers are supportive, kind, and also keep it challenging. I first started a couple of months before my wedding, and decided to add it to my regular workout routine. I could not believe the difference I saw in my body within two weeks of doing classes (I do about 3-4 classes a week)! I work out daily, and I have not seen such a difference. I have continued to attend since, and I continue to get stronger. Not to sound too vain, but I looked really good in my wedding dress thanks solely to my pure barre classes! The classes can be tough, but you go at your own pace and challenge yourself based on your goals. I recommend this location because the class sizes are perfect, not too crowded, and the teachers are so sweet! And of course, you will not be disappointed with the results you see! read more

As someone relatively nervous or shy about working out, this place was a boon when i was in Illinois. A special shout out to Brynn and Mia who were simply awesome and also great trainers back then - it's really a community of women, not just a workout center. But I would be remiss to not send a special shout out to Rachel True - their new owner. I could not have continued this awesome relationship with them even after I moved to Wisconsin, had it not been for their awesomeness and going way above and beyond to ensure it was a smooth transition. Rachel, you are beyond awesome and I feel so blessed to know you! Thank you Pure Barre for everything you have given me - most especially self confidence. Thank you, thank you, thank you! read more

I've changed work out studios and gyms constantly never sticking to a place and obviously never seeing any results. I've been with Pure Barre Evanston for two years now and its been nothing less than great. The owner fosters a family like culture when clients feel accepted and supported no matter what one's fitness level is. The instructors are amazing, knowledgeable, and so encouraging. The studio is always neat, has some cool merchandise selection, and the schedule is great with lots of different classes throughout the week. I've gotten stronger, my body is toned and most importantly, I am excited about working out. Highly recommended! read more

I've been a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and Registered Yoga Teacher for 8 years now, and I have NEVER found a workout that challenges and pushes your body as far as Pure Barre. (My first class had my muscles shaking during WARM UP, my thighs burning out of control at the barre, and my abs trembling at the end.) The class is very musically driven; when I hear my "jam", I just close my eyes and focus on the burn. Their mantra is "lift.tone.burn." and boy, they're not kidding. I struggle with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, IT-Band syndrome, scoliosis, and a broken tailbone, and I can do Pure Barre with no problems. If I ever need to modify, the teachers know how to make the proper adjustments. It's great knowing that Pure Barre is non-impact and safe for my joints. The teachers are knowledgeable, experts in their field, and highly professional. It seems like there's a good reason there are almost 200 locations nationwide. Pure Barre works, it's fun, and everyone who loves it...LOVES it! P.S. Their clothes are adorable, and they sell high-end fitness brands that last forever. read more

I keep wanting to love Pure Barre but sadly I'm not quite there yet (and I've taken more than just a few classes). The workout could be really effective but I think the studio doesn't do a good job of teaching the correct technique. You're thrown into classes with no up front instruction. The teachers are hit or miss in terms of whether they'll correct form or not or even demonstrate the exercise effectively. Lastly the lack of diversity (race, shape, size) can be frustrating and leave you feeling like you don't "belong". read more

LOVE this studio and workout!!! Before trying it it, I had been very skeptical of the boutique-y appearance (just thought 'oh another one of those places'), but I'm glad I trusted my friend's enthusiasm! It got me out of my rut and feeling awesome! It will humble you, be prepared, but it builds you back up stronger than before. You get such the rush of energy every class, and....I have never experienced anything that changed my body so fast (former runner, triathlete, cyclist, swimmer, etc....), and NO impact, so no more silly fitness injuries (shinsplints, IT band or knee problems) or crazy eating plans needed--only feeling great! It works every part of the body (arms, abs, thighs, seat) to exhaustion, so you'll be sore, but it gets better and the soreness is temporary. Each class is varied enough that boredom is never an issue. The teachers are all fabulous and such high energy! They create such a positive and encouraging space for the class, helping everyone individually go as far as they can in class that day. It's clear they are very knowledgable about what they are doing and always willing to help or modify something to accommodate personal needs (new mom, injury, etc). They never push you into a place that is not safe for where your body is at the moment...it's not an ego-fest at the barre, it's a love-your-body-fest. These ladies are bright spots in my day :) This is totally life changing--come try it! read more

I was so happy to see that they offered a Breaking Down the Barre free workshop on a weekday evening for those of us who actually work. Being in the north shore and on a college campus, I feel that these boutique studios do not cater to the working folk. This is a solid workout by far! Be prepared to squat, hold, and do tiny movements with various weights, bands, tiny rubber ball and the barre. Not for the weak, and definitely a good workout for those extreme runners like myself who need to work those opposing muscles. Believe me, no matter how hardcore you think you are, this will bring you to your knees! The instructors make the absolute most out of the class time. There is no banter, chit chat, side conversations, or lengthy stop and go explanations from the instructor. You jump in and you GO the whole 55 minutes. You can tell that corporate is very, very strict with them in how they teach and the order of the exercises and pretty much every word that comes out of the instructors mouth. The instructors are very robotic and working from some sort of memorized script and don't get to put any of their own unique twists on anything, which means less time wasted and makes it easier to pick up on the sequences. Yet I can't help but feel this place has a "drink the kool-aid" vibe because of that. Also, don't be intimidated by the pictures on the website of the attendees...there's plenty of old t-shirt wearing, average sized ladies not clad in Lululemon. read more

this is my 6th month of PB, and i feel transformed. i actually noticed visual results (ab tightness and definition, flexibility, more toned arms and legs) after ~20 classes, and right now i feel stronger than ever. after finishing my intro month, i had to commit to a year membership immediately. after trying several studio fitness places in evanston, i found pure barre to be the only one that i always look forward to and make time for. the workouts are fun and i especially love the playlists that include classic chicago house tracks. they have two class types right now, for you to switch up your fitness regimen (as u should)- classic barre, and empower, a cardio based class. i know they're working on releasing a new class that is more focused on resistance training soon and i'm very excited! the staff are caring and make an effort to get to know you. not only do they are on a first name basis with every patron, but i was shocked to see that i had received personal texts from the front desk and owner, continuing conversations we had in real life or just following up on how i was doing, because i had never really experienced that with any other business before! the teacher training is very rigorous from what i've heard, and you can tell from the way class pans out. they seem to never miss a beat, are constantly adjusting postures that make the burn excruciating, have the entire routine memorized (class "curriculum" differ class to class, month to month, and teacher to teacher). the joint events they do monthly with other wellness businesses, i.e. juice shops and free people, are also super fun, along with PB events and activities like monthly challenges and bingo. the studio is very clean and their clothing selections are very cute. they carry favorite brands alo yoga, lululemon, etc (BasicB******alert) i also love how there is an emphasis on strength and empowerment, rather than on losing weight and being skinny. kudos to the body positivity read more

In October I bought their 1 month new client special. After that I signed a year contract. I really enjoy pure barre class and the teachers are all fantastic. It's definitely not an easy work out. But the the teachers are very accommodating and can help modify exercise that needs to be. They also go out of their way to learn everyone's name. This is a great studio. I'm glad it is a few blocks from my apartment, but even if it weren't--- it's worth the drive. read more

Absolutely worth every penny! It's pricy compared to other options in Evanston but completely worth it, you are getting back way more than you are paying for. Numerous classes, not too crowded, excellent instructors & a lot of extra help with form during class. I'm brand new to barre & there is a learning curve which they are wonderful helping you to learn the form. After 3 classes I started seeing changes to my body which was super exciting! 6 classes and down 5lbs! Love the challenge & results. It's a hr of working out that I don't have to think and can truly shut my mind off . No longer having to put a workout routine together ! read more

This place and the people who work there are something special. Not kidding! Working out has been an important part of my life for many years, but never before have I felt such motivation or seen such results like I've experienced through Pure Barre. read more

Pure Barre Evanston is one of my favorite places to be! The teachers are fantastic, the music is upbeat, and the environment is supportive and fun. Classes are held throughout the day/ evening, which is nice because having options allows for greater opportunity to lift, tone, & burn! I've been taking classes consistently here for over a year now, and I definitely credit these barre workouts to my increased strength and flexibility. From my very first class with Jess, I've been hooked. I actually look forward to coming here and working out, which is something I have never experienced before. Pure Barre truly is a community I love being a part of. read more

I joined Pure Barre for a month on a special "new member" promotion with a friend. I loved the upbeat atmosphere and high-energy classes, which were held at convenient times and were easy to sign up for. I would have stayed longer, but the monthly memberships are a bit too pricey ($200+ per month) and it didn't seem like I would fit into any of the promotions (e.g. pre-wedding). read more

Pure Barre is an incredible work out that gives you strength, confidence and a clear mind. Pure Barre EVANSTON is the studio that gives you all of that and more! Pure Barre Evanston is staffed with enthusiastic, passionate, and caring employees. They are always coming up with new, fun ways to motivate their clients and take the experience to the next level. Every time you walk through their doors they greet you with a smile and make everyone feel so welcome. I took my first class in July of 2014 with my aunt and cousins and since then, I am completely hooked. I now go 3-4 times a week by myself, or with a friend who I also got hooked. It is not only a great place to spend 60 minutes making yourself a better version of you, but it is also an amazing work out. It challenges me, yet is enjoyable. I absolutely love this place and this exercise method! read more