Add me to the "skeptical at first" group. After my first class, I wasn't sold on Pure Barre, but…read morewas determined to make the most of my introductory unlimited month for $100.00, because once I set a goal, I'm determined to see it through. My dislike wasn't just because of the awkwardness everyone experiences during the first class (though admittedly, I felt like I sucked at everything at first, heh). It was because I considered the prices for regular classes to be pretty steep for a class that doesn't even last an hour. Not to mention the Pure Barre branded stuff everywhere (which of course is typical of any gym franchise), the cheesy pop music and the fact that the stretching didn't seem to be enough (you can stretch on your own, obviously). I thought it was really just a glorified exercise class that you can get anywhere and didn't really see what the fuss was.
And now after 10 classes, I'm hooked on the burn. They say that it takes about 3 classes to get the precision of the moves down (think tiny, intense movements) and that's about right. Now, I find myself doing these exercises just about anywhere. It's strangely addictive to clench your muscles like this.
It's a fast, intense workout. Time may seem to stand still as your muscles are shaking, yet it goes by so rapidly that the class is over in the blink of an eye. You may feel that it's so fast that surely this isn't enough of a workout and what the hell did you just spend 25 bucks a class for? But it is. It's a great way to tone that body up (though you'd definitely want to supplement the workout with cardiovascular exercises to keep yourself in tip top shape). People liken it to a combination of yoga, pilates and ballet. I actually don't really see anything too much in common with yoga. Ballet, absolutely, for you're standing at a barre doing pliés which totally kill your thighs. I've never taken pilates before, so I can't remark on that.
The teachers are great overall, and of course you will like some more than others. I tend to prefer the teachers that give you some kind of countdown and verbal encouragement throughout. Once the teacher becomes silent, people are more apt to rest, which you don't want to do b/c working the muscles to fatigue is kind of the point (and many will tell you this).
Other good stuff: the studio is spotless, fans are plentiful, and the staff is nice.
FYI, the price goes down if you buy 5, 10, and 20 sessions at a time. I just bought my next 10 classes. This is a great supplement to yoga and cardio workouts. I yearn for a gym in this city that offers both good classes and equipment, but until there is, I'll be working out at my bare bones gym, Pure Barre and various yoga studios When you compare Pure Barre to yoga, the price is kind of astronomical. (At Life yoga, 90 minute classes as low as 8-10 dollars a pop) but they do have promotional specials and in March, if you take 20 classes you are eligible for a month of unlimited at 100.00, which is pretty sweet.
