Workout Wednesday Pure Barre Athens

This past weekend, I was given the opportunity to try a Pure Barre class at Pure Barre Athens for free. I am always open to new exercise and fitness programs so I was happy that the opportunity came my way. I'm going to be honest, I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. I mean I did run 10 miles last weekend and I am running a half marathon in a week. I also take Pilates regularly (and have for many years) and I grew up dancing and I'm still pretty flexible. I thought Pure Barre wouldn't kick my butt, but boy was I wrong!

It was HARD. And by hard, I mean HARD. It's not cardio, which my body is currently trained for and it's not stretching like Pilates. It's exhausting your muscles by doing very small movements. You lift, tone and burn in 55 minutes.

So what did I like best? I liked that there was upbeat music (sometimes that part of Pilates makes me want to go to sleep afterwards) and that everyone was really friendly. There was a certain comradery that came with the class...we weren't high-fiving each other, but you could feel support from the others in the class (and the teacher)...this reminded me of my dancing days. I also found it helpful that the teacher would come and position you properly (heck, I didn't know what I was doing half the time, so that was uber helpful). The teacher would even reposition students that had been there many times...make them tuck more, plie deeper, lift their heels higher, etc.

I also liked that I felt it...sometimes I feel like we do workouts and we don't necessarily feel them. I want to feel sore, I want my abs to hurt...I want to know that I did something! I definitely felt this (while I was doing it and afterwards). I also liked that you can't ever become an expert at every part of it...there's always something you're working towards (I'm very goal-oriented and I like this aspect).

Overall, it was a wonderful experience...something I definitely want to do again (perhaps after the half marathon).

So let me tell you about the Pure Barre Athens studio.

When you enter Pure Barre Athens, you are greeted by a friendly face...and the instructors do a great job of remembering the students names so that the atmosphere is one you feel comfortable in.

On the wall you can write your goals on a Pure Barre circle and "Set Your Barre" for what you want to accomplish. It's a great way to check on your goals and hold yourself accountable.

Pure Barre Athens is the only retailer of high-end workout apparel. They have beautiful, bright-colored clothes that are well-made and super flattering. Some people just come in to shop!

Connie Popwell is the owner of Pure Barre Athens. She's super sweet and enthusiastic about what she's doing. She really believes in Pure Barre!

These sweet girls from Dr. Kaye Sweeter's Public Relations Campaigns class greeted me and showed me around the facility.

Let's be honest...no one loves looking at pictures of her butt, but below are several of mine ;) This shows you what the barre work looks like (though mine ain't pretty).

According to the Pure Barre website, "In just 55 minutes, you will achieve a total body workout targeted at the areas of the body women struggle with most: seat, hips, thighs, abs, and arms. Each strength section of the workout is followed by a stretch section, which will help you achieve a long, lean, and strong physique. Pure Barre is truly the fastest, most effective way to change the shape of your body, producing results in as few as 10 classes! Check out our class schedule and find a time that works for you to come and lift, tone, burn with us. We look forward to seeing you at the barre!"

Pure Barre, "Offers a daily escape where you can recharge and allow everyday worries to fade away, allows you to invest back into yourself after working hard for others all day, inspires you to become your best self and gives you a feminine strength to show the world."

Pure Barre Athens was recently voted Flagpole Magazine's Reader Picks Favorite Place to Get Fit, Favorite Adult Classes: Movement and Favorite Fitness Instructor.

Below is a short YouTube clip by founder of Pure Barre, Carrie Dorr which I found really helpful in explaining Pure Barre.

If you're looking for a great workout, this is definitely it! You'll feel better about yourself even after just one class...after you're soreness has ceased! 

To learn more about Pure Barre Athens, visit their website, Facebook page or Instagram. You can also search for the closest Pure Barre studio to you in the upper right-hand corner!

Xo,