This review is from the perspective of someone who doesn't work out but wanted to give the idea a shot. I wanted a workout that required minimal "effort" and maximum efficiency (not fat, not fit, my goal is to get more toned and incorporate a sustainable workout lifestyle) hence barre suited my needs.
LOCATION: Very good plaza, right next to Nekter Juice Bar and Starbucks, both well known staples, and Tea Maru, a house-made-boba shop that wasn't very good the one time I tried. (Will give it another shot and update.)
PARKING: Easy, ample parking right in front.
COMMUNICATION: Monica (the owner) and Alani are exceptional. They quickly answer any questions you have, both via email and phone.
WORKOUT: My favorite thing about Pure Barre is that there are stretches (and time for rest+water) in between each set. Extremely important for someone who isn't used to working out. Some other places I went to didn't have this. Also, everyone is extremely motivated and it pushes you to try your own best.
STUDIO: Clean and efficient. During COVID times you have markings on the floor to indicate your 6 feet wide area around you. Lighting depends on instructor. Equipment all provided, which is very convenient. (Some places required me to bring my own mat, not a fan.)
DID I SIGN UP?: Yes, I did in the end because I just wanted a set routine that I can see myself maintaining regularly. This was probably my best shot at it. My first class (Bahareh) played a huge role in it (see section on instructors below), and the plaza location helped a lot too.
CLASS TYPES: This location has enough Foundation classes that I felt would be suitable for me. If I'm not wrong, the order of difficulty is Foundation, Classic, Pure Empower, Pure Reform.
CLASS TIMES: Barre everyday, which is great since my biggest qualm about Equinox is they don't have enough barre classes. Weekdays multiple morning classes as well as late afternoon/evening classes. Weekends only morning classes.
INSTRUCTOR: THIS VARIES.
- BAHAREH made all the difference in my decision to continue. I took my free trial Foundation class with her and she kept the workout challenging while keeping the newcomer in mind. She picked sets that had a beginner version while also allowing for veterans to modify it to harder versions to suit their needs. Best of both worlds. She also helped me fix my stance/position as required, while also demonstrating and making sure I understood what was going on. Very good teacher, highly recommended. Also very motivational for when you feel your muscles dying.
- JENNA: If you are a veteran you will love her; if you aren't, look elsewhere. She filled for a Foundation class I took and I'd like to point out that some people take a FOUNDATION class for a reason. The Pure Barre veterans commented after class about what a good workout it was and how they didn't expect that from a Foundation class. Meanwhile, I am stuck with a class I didn't enjoy because I either can't keep up or the class was too difficult with zero modifications available to new weaklings such as yours truly. Also, she didn't help, direct, or correct any of my positions despite me visibly struggling to keep up and knowing I'm doing some positions wrongly (because I don't feel the muscle burn in the right area). Overall, I'm sure she is a great teacher, it was a good workout. Just wouldn't recommend for people new to barre or new to working out.
- Will update with other instructors as I try out their classes. Figured it'd help other newcomers interested in booking classes. (I wish someone could've written me a guide.)
MEMBERSHIP: The membership price on the plaza website is outdated and they emailed in to change it. Their communication skills are very timely and top notch as they called to clarify the situation. Overall, I am now fairly convinced that I received a good offer, usually available during festive times or if you sign up quickly. Current prices are set at $89 4x/month, $159 8x/month, and $199 unlimited. $189 if you opt for the annual contract. Cancellation policy 30 days notice which is fairly nice since you don't have to sign a year long contract.
Overall, I was honestly too lazy+impatient to try out many other places and this place beat the only other place I tried. To be fair, I do think its pros outweighs its cons. The environment also makes you push yourself while emphasizing that it is "your workout, just do your own best" which I do believe in because I'd like to not pass out in the middle of class or get berated for something I truly physically can't accomplish yet. Would recommend, if just because it feels like a simple system that works. read more