One of the hardest lessons learned from being on ClassPass? No two classes are alike. One studio's interpretation of a work-out can be completely different than another studio's - and barre, in all its leg-shaking, thigh-blasting, ass-kicking glory, is no different. Don't get me wrong: I had an AWESOME work-out here. It's been two days, I'm still sore all over, and my oblique's are still crying bloody murder. However, I feel it would've been nice to have some extra attention from the instructor since it was my first time at Pure Barre. They did ask me if I've taken a barre class before, which I have, but every studio does things differently: different pace, different equipment, different ways they USE the equipment, different forms/positions. In that sense, I felt like a complete newbie despite having previous barre experience. I would've appreciated more proactive interaction from the instructor (i.e. showing me/helping me into form right before the class transitioned) instead of the more reactive interaction I was receiving (i.e. the instructor only coming by to CORRECT my form). Because of this, I felt self-conscious and out-of-sync with the class (who were all obviously regulars), in-between passing frequent, panicked "What the hell are we doing?" looks with another newbie across the room.
Despite all this, the work-out was still pretty damn effective: you grab a ball, resistance band, 1 set of weights (2lbs recommended for beginners), and find a place in their spacious studio room to set up shop. Expect to move between this space and to the ballet bar against the wall frequently, and you'll finish up with abs after mats are passed around near the end of class. Keep this in mind when you decide what to bring into the studio with you - I'll admit, it got pretty annoying having to move my water bottle back and forth. Barre is a mix of ballet, pilates, and yoga, and it focuses on small, repetitive isometric movements (pulses, clenches, and squeezes) in many of the female body's "problem" areas like abs, legs, and glutes. Pick up those heels, drop that ass low and pulse for a minute, and I promise it won't be long until your body is shaking with sheer exhaustion. But damn, does that burn feel good! The instructor walks around to check forms, but since she also has to demonstrate the positions, expect that you'll mostly be left on your own to figure it all out. This was super frustrating for me, especially since the pace of the class was quick and the class always seemed to transition to a new form the EXACT moment I seemed to get my shit together. Ugh!
In the end, despite its fast-paced and not-too-novice-friendly nature, Pure Barre still gave me the strenuous, yet rewarding work-out that I absolutely adore about barre. I'll be back. Here's to hoping that visiting this place a few more times in the future will get me out of that "newbie" funk and get me pulsing like the other pros in class!
OTHER QUICK TIPS:
+ Restroom, changing room, & cubbies available. No sign of showers.
+ Bring socks! Grip socks are preferred.
+ Currently the only Pure Barre location eligible for ClassPass-Houston.
+ Located in a strip center near Whole Foods, so parking is plentiful. read more