My First Pure Barre Class Experience

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that last week I started going to classes at my local Pure Barre studio (which was on my 101 in 1001 list). I've wanted to try out Pure Barre since the studio opened a few years ago and I finally mustered up the courage to sign up for a few classes and go.

I decided it would be the perfect post to go over my experience from my first few classes and also what y'all should expect in taking Pure Barre classes.

What is Pure Barre?

Pure Barre is a workout class inspired by ballet. It is a hour long class that uses low impact exercises to give you a full body workout.

What to Wear

Pure Barre requires that you wear workout pants that are either capri length or full length. This is so you don't expose anything doing any of the moves in shorts or a skort. As for tops, a tighter fitting top of whatever sleeve length works. Looser fitting clothing isn't advised because the instructor needs to be able to see you perform the movements, which can't really happen in loose clothes.

What's up with the sticky socks?

If you check out Pure Barre's website, there's a lot of talk about sticky socks. Sticky socks are just socks that have a bottom that provides better traction and support to the floor. You can buy them at your studio but they aren't required to take Pure Barre classes.

Getting to Class

Pure Barre always starts on time and if you haven't checked in 5 minutes before the class is set to begin, your spot may be given to a stand-by student. For your first class, they advise to get there 15 minutes before class starts so the instructor can show you around.

I go to the noon class at my studio so I typically leave at 11:35 so I can get there at 11:45.

Start of Class

For your first class, you'll check in and then fill out your waiver. If you're under 18, make sure to have a parent either come with you and sign the waiver or call the studio to give permission for you take the class. Then, you'll take off your shoes and put your stuff in the cubbies they have to the side of the studio. 

The instructor will then show you the basics of Pure Barre (how to tuck) and then give you the equipment for the class (typically a ball, two weights, and an elastic band). Then you'll find your spot in the room, stretch, and wait for the class to begin.

Actually doing the Moves

Before you know it, the instructor starts talking on the speaker, everyone stands, and then class begins. Listen to the instructor and do the moves to the best of your ability. It's totally ok not to fully understand what's going on. Look to your neighbor and see how they are doing each move. During your first few classes, you are learning the rhythm of the class so to say and like the flow of which move goes into what. So, if you find yourself lost and looking incredibly un-graceful compared your neighbors, just keep going!

The instructor is always walking around and will adjust your position if needed. I love that Pure Barre is really encouraging and the instructor is always praising the class as the whole as well as the individuals in statements like "Y'all are doing so well today" or "Good job Katie".

And you're done!

Before you know it, the class finishes and everyone starts clapping. Pure Barre is a hour long class but it goes by so quickly. I've always found that 30 minutes on a treadmill is torture for me but in Pure Barre, you're constantly moving and doing different moves so if you're doing something that isn't your favorites, it's over in a minute or so. Usually for me, class passes super quickly and then you're done. Not to mention, you're usually so sore afterwards, which means you got a good workout in!

So far, I have been loving taking Pure Barre and will definitely be going to more classes in the future!

Have you ever done Pure Barre? Let me know in the comments!