one month of pure barre.


A month ago, I started my Pure Barre journey. I shared my thoughts on how to survive your first barre class a few weeks ago. My goal with my unlimited month was to attend as often as possible. In that month, I averaged a class every other day. While I am no expert after a month of classes, I can certainly attest to the magic of Pure Barre. Here are a few of my takeaways from my first month...

#1: When they say small movements, they mean it. For the first few weeks of class, I couldn't control my movements to "just an inch". I don't nail it every time, but I spend more time focusing on this control with each exercise.

#2: No class is exactly the same--and that's great! I loved having classes with a multitude of instructors. Each instructor teaches the same movements slightly differently. In doing so, I was able to learn the movements a little better. When I got deeper in my "tuck", I realized why the small movements  (from #1) mattered. During class (and the morning after), I definitely felt the difference.

#3: It gets harder. Really. I truly believed that after a month, I would be a Pure Barre rockstar. I like to master things. After this humbling month, I knew more about the flow and speed of a class, but I could never predict which exercise would "get" me on any particular day. 

#4: Pure Barre helped my running. After my stress fractures in the 2011 and 2012, I was forced to run every other day--rather than every day. By integrating Pure Barre into my workout routine, it sometimes meant that my running took a backseat. When I did run, I looked forward to my road time. I ran a 10K and I felt stronger than I have in years. 

#5: You'll see changes in places you don't expect. My legs shake each and every class--and I love it. I definitely see the change in my legs and butt, but the place I see the most change is my arms. As a runner, I never spent any time focused on my upper body. The Pure Barre warm-up makes sure I devote time to my entire body. I love seeing little bitty biceps in the mirror!

#6: I stopped looking around the room--and focused on myself. As a competitive person, I found myself frustrated after the first few classes because I wasn't able to lift my leg as high or nail the "bend stretch" movement. I decided to find a place in the studio where I could always see my movements in the mirror. By doing this, I focused on my movements--and no one else.

Are you a devoted Pure Barre fan? If so, what have you learned from your time at the barre? This month of Pure Barre convinced me to stick with it. I feel stronger--and I'm so happy I gave Pure Barre a chance. Many thanks to the ladies of Pure Barre Cranston for encouraging me each and every class! xoxo {av}

17 comments:

  1. I love this post! I used to be a Bar Method junkie! I fell off the wagon when work got busy and never started up again. You've inspired me to start again! Keep it up!

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  2. I wish we had one close to where I live!

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  3. I've never tried the Pure Barre class, but I've always been a tad bit intrigued by it. Thanks for your review. This is definitely something I would like to try when I'm not in peak running season.

    http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

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  4. I've never tried it, but I would love to someday!!

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  5. thank you SO much for this post today! A PB opened up near me a few months ago and I have gone back and forth with whether I should try it or not. Like you, I am competitive and I like to get things right- so seeing mixed reviews had me freaked out!!!

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  6. I've tried Pure Barre, but it's been quite awhile...I loved it when I did it though! There is a similar barre studio here in Portland and I'm thinking of trying it out for a month soon! xoxo

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  7. I'm definitely a big fan of pure barre - I would do it all the time if it didn't cost so much! I wrote a guest post that may be helpful for someone considering trying a class: http://www.inthepinkblog.com/2013/08/guest-post-pure-barre-with-kathryn-from.html?m=1

    I agree with the lessons you've learned. Although it takes a few classes back before I can hold the plank for 90 seconds, it's still tough!

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  8. Good for you! I have been wanting to try it (I've been trying to save $$ so I've just been doing Jillian Michaels workouts on days I don't run), but I'm so glad that it's worth it! It sounds fantastic!

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  9. I signed up for my first pure barre class and am anxious to give it a shot. Love all these things you've shared- can't wait to see if its the same for me!

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  10. I am a pure barre devotee and I 100% agree with everything you said above. It never gets easier which I love. I do love seeing the changes in my body and stamina!

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  11. I ADORE Pure Barre. Adore it. I am a self-proclaimed exercise hater, but I actually enjoy going to my PB classes. I have been going since July, and I average about four classes a week [when I'm not traveling for work...which has been a lot lately], and have definitely seen changes. When I started in July it was just a two week unlimited deal from Living Social, but I saw results after three classes!! I was honestly able to fit into some skirts that used to be too tight, and was already seeing ab definition. You're right about arms- they are definitely one of the first things to change. Though I still have a poochy tummy, I definitely have more ab definition vertically...does that make sense? I'm still waiting on the thighs to get smaller, but I think that's the hardest part. I also think you're right about running. I am really not a fan of running or any other kind of cardio, but I've been able to run farther without stopping since I started PB. Basically I just want to sing its praises to everyone I meet!!!

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  12. I've been desperately meaning to try Pure Barre! This is definitely motivating me to get my butt into a class sooner! Also, I love your blog! My best friend from high school and I blog together in order to help keep in touch while we are attending separate colleges, so I definitely understand the importance of maintaining relationships despite significant distance :)

    xx
    MER

    www.friendswithdistance.com

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  13. I've been dying to try PB but the price tag is just a teensy bit too steep for me to justify right now...everyone I know just raves about it!!

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  14. I wish I had a Pure Barre near me. I've heard so many good things!!!

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  15. This post was definitely encouraging. As a new runner (did my first 5k on Saturday), I've ignored my Pure Barre DVDS I bought several years ago and never tried it. It's nice to hear how you're finding the balance in both.

    -Kelby
    http://peachypains.com

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  16. I just happened upon this and very much appreciate your post. I am a runner as well, but a nagging ankle injury has limited my running lately and I am looking for something that might work my upper body as well. This seems like a wonderful workout!

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  17. Hello,

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