Pure Barre just opened in Toronto - the first international location of this popular US chain barre studio. I took a free class during their opening weekend. I have a dance background and love the idea of barre fitness. I've taken classes at barre3, barreworks, extension room, and yogathletix for comparison.
Pure Barre is a huge brand in the US and I'd heard a lot about it, so I was definitely intrigued. The workout is low impact but challenging. They use weights, resistance bands, and a small ball. The floor is carpeted which I found a bit weird, but the owner (Paige) explained that it helps cushion the foot from doing so many moves on one foot. The pace is fast than most barre workouts, especially the first part of class. I got a good workout, however I felt that I could've gotten a better workout if the moves were demonstrated or cued more. The instructor demos the move and then walks around the room to correct form. I really appreciated the individual attention, but sometimes she would call out a change to the move and I didn't know what she meant. I would look around and everyone else was lost too. So I spent some parts making up my own moves or trying to figure out what was going on.
I also found that we could have used the resistance band more (we only did a few stretches with it). I am not sure how the ball was that effective. I prefer classes with a small weighted ball for added resistance, or a bigger pilates squish-y ball which helps support the low back or can be used for hamstring curls or to hold between the legs to ensure inner thighs are engaged. But this ball was so small and light, I didn't find it added much to the moves. All this being said, it was cool to see the barre used in different ways (e.g. moves sitting on the floor with arms handing on the barre overhead) and I liked the emphasis on "LTB" - lift, tone, burn! Lots of small isometric movements. I still prefer a slower pace with more reps, but this type of barre class would likely to appeal to those with a more "hardcore" or athletic workshop approach. It's great for legs and glutes, especially.
My BB (barre buddy!) and I spoke with Paige after class and she explained that instructors don't offer modifications to the whole class (just individuals) because they don't want people to take the "easier" option when they can push themselves more. So, it's a different philosophy compared to some other barre places or yoga/pilates studios.
As for the studio -- great location, beautiful decor, nice attention to details. Nice retail selection at the front, with hard to find Alo apparel.
I'm not sure I'd rush to go back, though I'm sure the workout improves as you get more familiar with it. If they join classpass or have any specials, I might try to go back. But for now I think I will stick with barre3 which seems to be a better fit for me.
Need to mention:
- Socks that cover toes are mandatory
- No shorts and tops must cover midrif
- No changeroom, just 2 very large washroom stalls.
- No showers, but it's not a super-sweaty workout.
- Small lockers provided (no locks)
- Very friendly and approachable staff that are clearly passionate about pure barre the brand and the technique
- Good music, and headset makes it easy to hear the instructor
- Very active on social media -- they have some kind of challenge coming up if you are into those!