This week I have a slightly different kind of review for you.  The new year brought a new workout studio to our little town.  Here in Hudson, Ohio we now have a Pure Barre gym right downtown.  I have heard some great reviews online and when I saw a social shopping deal for less than half off for 10 classes, I figured I would give it a try to see if I can kick-start a new workout routine.

I dragged my sister-in-law along so I would have some support.  The studio is beautifully renovated.  Make sure you sign up for a class ahead of time online.  They fill up fast and are usually full in the evenings and mornings.  Our class was full to the gills.  We put our shoes, coats and purses away after checking and and headed into the studio.  We were the last ones in and found two spots in a corner.  Waiting for us was a small ball and a tension band.  The instructor welcomed us and grabbed 2 pound weights for us.  We took our seats and the class started promptly.

It was tough!  I don’t work out regularly, but I’m not totally unhealthy.  Pure Barre focuses on the areas that women face the most problems, mainly the thighs, hips, belly, seat and upper arms.  I have tried a lot of home workouts that claim to burn those areas and rarely feel it.  But at Pure Barre my thighs were shaking (they call it the “pure barre shake”) from muscle fatigue.  The 55 minute class goes fast, but you use every second.  I love that is combines stretching and some yoga inspired poses.

Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons…

Pros:

• It targets areas ladies have trouble with and you actually do feel it in those areas (seat, upper arms, inner thighs, belly, etc).
• You can take 2 free classes to try it.  Note that the classes must be used in succession, 2 days in a row.
• It accommodates all ages and sizes.  I was amazed at the diversity in the class.  Everyone from bodybuilders to curvy girls, from college girls to women in their 60′s.  And everyone could not only do the class, but tailor it to their ability.
• It’s women’s only studio.  I find this to be a pro personally.

Cons:

• It is expensive.  Depending on if you are paying for individual classes or buying in bulk, classes range in price from $14.50-19.00 each.  You can purchase packages with unlimited classes (for instance $200 for one month of unlimited classes).  I purchased my 10 classes as part of a Groupon deal.
• It’s new, so Pure Barre gyms aren’t everywhere yet.  I was lucky that one opened in our little town, but for the most part you can find Pure Barre is bigger cities.
• Classes fill up fast!  While that reflects well on the quality and results of Pure Barre, it makes it somewhat difficult to get into your first choice time slot.  I recommend signing up for your class at least 3 days in advance, especially if you are going during prime time in the evenings.

Tips:

• Wear socks.  Ideally you would use a pair of socks with grippers on the bottom (which you can purchase online or in the studio).  I have taken 2 classes, one with gripper socks and one without them, and the grippers helped a lot.
• Push yourself, but don’t feel pressured to push beyond your ability.  Trust me, you’ll feel it the next day no matter what.
• Bring water.  I thought I could make do without it since it’s low cardio, but I really could have used it.
• Make sure to sign up for your class on the website at least 3 days in advance!  They fill up quickly.

If you have a Pure Barre gym near by I would give it a go.  I don’t know if I can afford it long term (probably not), but if I had the extra cash I probably would.  If you could do the class the recommended 2-3 times a week I think you really would see and feel some serious results.