MY FIRST PURE BARRE CLASS EXPERIENCE

I had been wanting to try a Pure Barre class for quite some time because I had heard great things about the workout and the results people were getting. I finally signed up for my first Pure Barre class at my local studio in Homewood about two months ago. After my first class I finally understood the Pure Barre obsession, and before I knew it, I officially became addicted. Pure Barre is by far one of the most unique workouts I have ever done and is definitely the most effective. Pure Barre is a full body low impact workout targeting trouble areas such as stomach, thighs, seat, arms, and hips. The workout uses small isometric movements to target and isolate muscles to build long, lean muscles. A lot of people think it’s a ballet class or that you need a dance background, but that’s not true at all. All you need is a good attitude and determination to push yourself!

SHOP THE PURE BARRE CLASS OUTFITS:

Zip-up // Leggings  // Sports Bra // Sticky socks

One of my biggest insecurities is my short legs. Everyone dreams of having those long, lean legs that you see on dancers and super models, and knowing I won’t ever be able to change the length of my legs has weighed on me. Like I said before, I have tried multiple different workouts, and almost all of them made me feel as if it made my legs bigger. Yes, they were more muscular, but I wasn’t going for the bulky muscle look, especially not on my legs. One of my favorite things about Pure Barre, it’s the ONLY workout that has toned my legs without making them bulky. When I look in the mirror, I feel more confident because I feel like my legs got longer and leaner. Now I know that my legs didn’t actually get longer, but Pure Barre has shaped my leg muscles in a way that makes them appear longer. The best part about it all, I began seeing results within the first five classes, yet another reason why I keep going back. The Pure Barre workout actually works! Want to try pure barre for free? Keep reading to find out how!

SMALL MOVEMENTS. BIG CHANGE.

My first class was a little overwhelming, to be quite honest. I arrived right as the class was starting (I have a real problem with running late…) therefore I didn’t have time for the instructor to help me grab the equipment needed and explain a few key tips. Everything felt so unfamiliar and challenging. I started feeling discoursed and mad at myself for not getting there early for my first Pure Barre class. Thankfully the instructor came up to me after class and was able to talk through a few things and answer my questions. I left very encouraged and could not wait until the next class!

I am not a Pure Barre expert by any means, but I wanted to share my experience as well as some key tips for those of you who are thinking about signing up for a class and joining the LTBer (Lift. Tone. Burn) club!

What do I need to do on my first Pure Barre class?

I recommend getting there at least 15 min early to sign the waiver form, get a good spot in the studio, talk to the instructor, grab your equipment, and purchase the sticky socks. (you need these, they help you stay balanced and keep you from sliding all over the place during class.)

Zip-up // Leggings  // Sports Bra // Sticky socks

What do I wear for my Pure Barre Class?

You will want to wear long leggings or capris that cover your legs (NO shorts), a workout tank, and sticky socks. You can buy the sticky socks at the pure barre studio or online here. I usually wear Birkenstocks to the studio and put my socks on once I’m inside the studio.

What do I need to grab for my Pure Barre Class?

Once you walk into the studio, there are lockers/cubbies for you to put all your stuff in. Grab a pair of weights, a tube, and a ball. Make sure that you also bring a water bottle with you to drink during class.

SHOP THE PURE BARRE CLASS OUTFITS:

Pure Barre Class Modifications:

If you are pregnant or have any injuries, make sure you talk to the instructor before class. My friend Heather wrote a great blog post talking all about her pure barre experience while she was pregnant and shares great tips here. There are lots of Pure Barre modifications that the instructor will go through with you as well as check on you during class.

Valley Tank // Leggings  // Sports Bra // Sticky socks

Community:

The community at Pure Barre is HUGE. Being the new girl can sometimes be awkward, but you won’t have to worry about that here because everyone is super friendly and accepting. Make sure to introduce yourself to some of the girls when you first get there and let them know it’s your first Pure Barre class. They would love to sit next to you, get to know you and help you with any questions you may have. Before you know it, you’ll be making tons of new friends and start attending the same classes together!

Listen carefully:

The instructor doesn’t do the workout with you. She will set up each move and show you what to do but then will walk around the room to give hands-on corrections. Listening is key to understanding what you are doing, what muscles you should be feeling it in, what’s coming up next. Also, a lot of the movements are so small to see that it’s hard to watch the person next to you and know what to do, you have to listen to understand what you should be doing. If you happen to miss something or don’t know what the instructor said, don’t freak out, she will make sure to help you!

The Instructors are there to help:

This is one of my favorite parts about Pure Barre class. You don’t have to always worry if you’re doing it right or if your form is correct. During the classes, the instructor walks around the room checking everyone’s form and explaining it to you so that you know where you should feel the results. I appreciate this because I can get frustrated when I feel like I’m not doing it the right way. They also are very encouraging! Throughout the class, they will say things like “Great job Ashley!”, “Great focus!”, “Push yourself. Your body is stronger than you think!”, or “So proud of you guys.” It gives a positive vibe and makes you want to work that much harder.

SHOP THE PURE BARRE CLASS OUTFITS:

Embrace the Shake:

I remember being embarrassed my first time shaking during one of the exercises because I thought it meant I was really out of shape, weak or doing the exercise wrong. I later found out that the shake is actually a good thing! It means your muscle is reaching the point of fatigue, working your muscle to their fullest potential and in return gives you the long, lean muscle results!

SHOP THE PURE BARRE CLASS OUTFITS:

Tuck:

You will hear the instructor say this word throughout the whole class. A tuck is pulling in of your abs toward your spine while simultaneously dropping and rolling forward your tailbone. I try and act like I’m pulling my hipbones up to my ribcage and flexing my abs.

Valley Tank // Leggings  // Sports Bra // Sticky socks

Focus on yourself & Don’t give up:

It is very easy to let your eyes wonder towards looking at the other girls and comparing yourself to them. Pure Barre is not about being perfect or competition, it’s about constantly improving and challenging yourself! I always remind myself to focus on my movements and my progress. I love closing my eyes during an exercise because it helps me to relax, listen to my body, and completely concentrate on the muscle I am working. Don’t give up! You’re not going to be a pro after the first class. The more you go, the better and more confident you’ll become, and the results will be so worth it, I PROMISE!

If you’re still not convinced to attend your first pure barre class, I have one more thing for you. I am so excited to tell you that my Pure Barre studio, in Homewood Alabama,  agreed to partner with me to give you a chance to try pure barre out for FREE!

Here’s how:

1. Go to: http://purebarre.com/AL-birmingham-homewood/

2. Select: Pure Barre single class

3. Enter the promotion code: pbbhamashley at checkout (applies only at Homewood studio in Birmingham AL)

Your friends can also do the same, and you all can go try it out together. Horray!

I hope you have a great week and Happy Tucking!  🙂

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