I did it. I survived my first Pure Barre class. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I’m sore today (mostly my butt and abs) but I guess it could have been worse.
I think I may have stumbled upon the best marathon-friendly strength training class. No jumping, no drills, no lunges, no squats…bouncing is not allowed. Instead, movement is confined to mere inches. So how can Pure Barre be so effective?
It’s fast moving. Aside from little breaks to stretch out the muscle group that you just worked on, you are constantly moving. Or I should say, squeezing, pulsing, and tucking (hence the reason why my butt hurts so much). And you work muscle groups for minutes at a time. We worked on abs for a few minutes (no breaks – I was dying), and then got into a plank and held it for 90 seconds!
We worked abs, glutes, quads, and arms. The whole shebang. My arms and quads feel fine (next time I’ll increase my weights for arm work) but my abs and glutes…not so much. What a wake-up call. As a runner, your core and butt should be strong to support your hips. I’m clearly lacking strength in those areas. I’ll never forget my RRCA instructor’s words of wisdom during my coaching certification: the knees are innocent victims to a weak ass and unsupported foot. So true. Everything works in a domino effect from the foot up or the hip down. Take care of the foot and hip and you take care of the knee.
I will definitely be going back to Pure Barre. It definitely takes a few classes to get the lay of the land. The only downside? Cost. It’s very expensive – $23 per class!
Up next…a power yoga class! Maybe I’ll be ripped by the time Boston comes around? Ripped or not, I will definitely be stronger!
Whoah, $23 per class is pricey! But it sounds like a great workout and I’ve always thought that sometimes the best thing isn’t one specific method/class/approach or whatever, but it’s just changing your routine up and doing something different and this is definitely different! I like your point about taking care of the feet and hips to helps the knees…I get knee problems and that’s a good reminder 🙂
I have to love a class that bans bouncing. 🙂
You are motivating me to google similar classes in my area. Although so hard for me to find time for cross training classes with higher mileage. Or maybe I am just lazy…
I agree. Once I get into the 40s and 50s, it’s really tough. But I’m going to try hard this training cycle.
Yikes! $23?! Maybe in LA or NYC but not out here. Dang.
See and I love yoga too but I usually try to find the best deals I can in order to keep my practice up, because yoga too is expensive!
I can’t wait to hear how power yoga is, I’ve always wanted to try it. That’s more expensive than Bikram – can you find a groupon?
ooh, I’ve been wanting to try a barre class! But the cost is what really deters me. Why are they all so $$?? You will definitely be strong and ready for Boston if you keep them up! Interested to see how you like the yoga!
Thanks for this review. Pure Barre is FOR SURE one of the things I will be doing post-baby to help get my body back and I’ve already found a studio near me that offers a ‘new mommy’ pass for 3 months of unlimited classes. I figure, after 9 months of easy exercising, I’ll need some butt-kicking (other than running) to tone everything up! Whatever the cost, it’ll be worth it!
I said it was good for marathon training but honestly I think it’s even better for new moms! You will love it. No impact…you don’t have to worry about getting injured.
i’ve never even heard of pure barre! is that an east coast thing? or maybe i’m just totally out of the loop 🙂 either way glad you enjoyed it!
I definitely don’t think it’s an east coast thing. I could see it being very popular out west!
will have to check it out! i’m sure they’ll have it in nyc somewhere. thanks!
I have a gift card to my local Pure Barre. I’m glad to hear about it from a runners perspective. I have a friend who swears by it but I was weary. Now to give it a shot next week perhaps
I’ve heard a lot of good things about these classes. Glad you had a great time!
Nice – thanks for the review. I always like to get class reviews from runners, because I often feel like no workout can beat a hard run. (For some reason, I didn’t really love spinning, despite all the hype). But I have heard great things about pure barre. Have you heard of the Lithe Method, offered at a few locations in Philly? I’ve been meaning to try that, too.
Anyways – happy holidays 🙂
I completely agree — a hard run is the best workout! I actually was talking to someone yesterday about the Lithe Method and I think I will try that as well.
Thanks for the review! I’m 27 weeks pregnant and have been considering using Pure Barre’s New Mom program before easing slowly back into tris. I’m excited to try it and scared at the same time. 🙂