This article contains detailed information on Pure Barre classes.
Barre workouts comprise low-impact, high-intensity movements. Done regularly, they will tone and strengthen your entire body and improve your balance, flexibility, and mobility.
Barre classes continue to grow in popularity, and perhaps the most well-known studio franchise is Pure Barre.
Opened in 2001, they are now in over 500 locations in cities and towns across the US and Canada. On-demand home workouts are also available.
If you’d rather exercise at home, buying your own equipment or some Barre DVDs will enable you to do so.
Below, you will find a thorough breakdown of what to expect at Pure Barre.
Included are specifics about the classes and the experience as a whole.
We will also touch on the cost of Pure Barre classes, the dress code, vibe, and more.
Please keep in mind that some of the information may differ depending on your studio of choice.
Table of Contents
The 4 Pure Barre Classes
Results come quickly with Pure Barre. You can expect to feel and see changes in your strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, and muscle tone after 8 to 10 sessions.
Pure Barre offers a Classic class, a more cardio-focused class called Empower, and a class called Reform, focusing on resistance training.
There’s also the option to take a free introductory class called Pure Barre Foundations. After reading this article, I highly recommend taking the free class if you are still unsure if Barre workouts are for you.
Following is a brief overview of each of the Pure Barre Classes.
Foundations –
Foundations is a free introductory class that takes you through the basic Pure Barre moves, enabling you to get a feel for the workouts.
The movements are high in intensity and low in impact to tone and strengthen your entire body.
Pure Classic –
Classic is the original Pure Barre class.
Of 50 minutes duration, Classic centers around low-impact, high-intensity isometric moves that will improve your flexibility and tone and strengthen your entire body.
Pure Reform –
Pure Reform is a 50-minute total body workout incorporating a barre, resistance bands, and sliders.
Its primary goal is to improve muscle tone, strength, and coordination.
Pure Empower –
Pure Empower is a brisk-paced 45-minute class that incorporates the barre, cardio interval training, ankle weights, and a Plyometric platform.
Targeting different muscle groups simultaneously, it aims to boost the metabolism and build strength.
The Cost
The cost of Pure Barre classes varies depending on the type you choose to take and the frequency you wish to attend.
An unlimited monthly pass currently costs $195 for new members.
A year of unlimited classes costs $1,500. This is the best value if you want to go several times a week or daily, but probably not something you will want to commit to immediately.
There are also packages for people who only want to take one or two classes a week and those who want to get into shape fast for an upcoming event.
Other options include classes for pregnant women and classes for those who want to shape up after giving birth, amongst others.
Pure Barre Class Infomercial
Classic Pure Barre Class Workout Overview
This article focuses specifically on the Classic class as, other than Foundations, it is the most basic. I recommend starting with Classic Pure Barre before doing Reform or Empower.
It’s best to arrive 10 or 15 minutes before your first class. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the studio, fill out a short waiver, and meet your instructor.
Your trainer will show you where to leave your belongings and point out the equipment you will need for the workout. They will also give you a brief overview of what to expect and show you where to sit as you wait for the class to begin.
Equipment used during the Classic class are a mini exercise ball, a resistance tube, and a pair of light hand weights.
After collecting everything you will need, find a spot in the studio where you feel comfortable, keeping in mind you’ll need to face the mirror.
You will need a mat for the floor work done in the second half of the workout. Your instructor will hand you one at the appropriate time, so there is no need to bring your own.
Some women chat while waiting. Others stretch. Newbies often sit quietly or pick imaginary lint off their clothing. Do whichever makes you comfortable.
Perhaps the most important thing to be aware of is that Pure Barre will challenge you.
Not in an “I can’t catch my breath” or “This weight is impossibly heavy to lift” kind of way.” But definitely in an “I didn’t know this muscle existed, and now it’s on fire” way.
The Class
Pure Barre classes start and finish on time, with the day’s sessions pre-planned, including which exercises and how many repetitions you will do.
The exercises vary with each class, keeping it from being repetitive, but you always work the same body areas in the same order for the same duration.
After your first time, it’s unnecessary to get to class any earlier than a few minutes before it starts.
However, if you’d like to snag a particular spot in the room, it’s best to arrive earlier.
The areas directly in front of the mirrors are the most popular, so they fill up fast.
A typical class starts with a Warm-Up consisting of one minute of marching in place.
This is usually followed by some ab work, a 90-second Plank, and Push-Ups.
Next, the focus shifts to the arms, with light weights used.
The weights are only 2 or 3 lbs (your choice). This sounds light, but they quickly feel very heavy when doing multiple reps of numerous exercises without a break.
For this reason, I recommend starting with two-pound weights, even if you are pretty confident about your arm strength.
If two-pound weights don’t challenge you enough, opt for three pounds if you decide to take another class.
Next, the focus shifts to the thighs. This segment often involves working at the barre, but not always.
After three thigh exercises, you will do two buttocks exercises, then work your core, followed by your abs.
The core and abs workouts are similar.
Next, you will likely do Supermans, Bridges, then some stretching moves.
You will also so some quick stretches between each set. These breaks are not leisurely, with each exercise following in quick succession.
The quick transitions mean no time is wasted.
While it’s great that every second of the class is used to effect change, this may not seem so positive when you are in the middle of a Plank and would like a sip of water before doing Push-Ups.
Classic’s primary focus is not calorie burn. You may not even break a sweat; however, you will feel your muscles burn.
Regular sessions will quickly change your body shape and improve your muscle tone.
Pure Empower will be your best option if weight loss is your aim.
The Vibe
The energy level in the room largely depends on the instructor. All are well-trained, professional, and encouraging.
You will always be greeted by name and with a smile.
The music played during Pure Barre classes is high in volume with a catchy beat, helping you feel motivated and energized.
Throughout the class, the trainer will yell out Pure Barre catchphrases such as “yes you can,” “set your intentions for class,” and “it’s little because it has to be.”
How cheesy this sounds depends on the instructor. Some make it sound inspiring even after saying it repeatedly.
Others may sound less convincing, but all do their best to motivate.
Your instructor will also likely call you by name, verbally guide you, or tell you you are doing a good job.
The Community
Pure Barre is not just another impersonal exercise class.
In general, the instructors and other clients are pretty welcoming, and there is a warm, 
communal atmosphere.
Women of various backgrounds, shapes, ethnicities, and ages attend.
As with many communities, there is a “Pure Barre language.”
You will probably find yourself Googling some of the terms used in class, starting with the word tuck. This instruction is frequently given and can be mystifying if you haven’t heard it before.
In a nutshell, tucking involves tilting your pelvis forward, then rocking it back and forth.
Some women take Pure Barre classes almost daily, creating strong friendships with the other group members and the instructors.
This may make you feel a little awkward at first, especially while waiting for your first class to start.
Remember, they were new at some point too. After a few classes, you should feel more comfortable and relaxed in your surroundings.
The Studio
Pure Barre Class studios are light, spacious, clean, and inviting. Most have a small retail area selling workout gear.
Some of the brands offered include Alo, Beyond Yoga, DYI, and Spiritual Gangster. Pure Barre members receive a 15% discount on their purchases.
The bathrooms are stocked with hair ties, lotion, tampons, and other handy items.
Dress Code
When attending a Pure Barre class, grippy socks are required.
Yoga pants, leggings, or capris are essential, as wearing shorts is not allowed.
Singlets and T-shirts are commonly worn.
Initially, crop tops were banned, but many studios now allow them.
The reason for the clothing ban is that with a light layer of clothing, your muscles will be more pliant.
If you want to wear a crop top, check with your studio first or ask when you get there and take one to change into.
Final Thoughts on Pure Barre Classes
If you’re still unsure if Pure Barre classes are for you, take a Foundations class. Doing so won’t cost you a penny, and there’s no obligation to take things further.
If you don’t like it, pat yourself on the back for having stepped outside your comfort zone and tried something new.
However, if you’re like many people, you will want to make barre a regular part of your fitness routine. This being the case, if you enjoy the workouts, you should soon feel at home and come to appreciate the setting as a haven from the stresses of everyday life.
It is worth looking into other studios if you like the barre concept but not Pure Barre.
Alternatively, buy a Barre home workout DVD and a barre if desired, and practice at home.
You may also like to read Pilates V. Yoga, the Similarities, Differences, and Benefits.
