It’s going to be hard, rewarding, and fun.
Pure Barre, a ballet barre inspired workout franchise, opened its doors on 29th Street last January. This workout combines Pilates, yoga, ballet, and pumped-up music to give clients a full body workout.
(Courtesy of Pure Barre)
Pure Barre Boulder’s Co-Owner Mish Metz, describes Pure Barre’s classes as more than using weights, the barre, and stretching.
“Your biggest tool you use is your body,” Metz said. “You’re creating resistance to work muscles.”
The class starts off with simple, fast warm ups to heat up the body. Then, the instructor signals to pick up two-pound weights working the arms targeting the triceps and biceps, using movements designed to shrink and strengthen these areas.
The next part of the class focuses on toning the gluteal muscles. Utilizing the barre, clients perform small isometric movements immediately followed by stretching to gain the much coveted tight and firm tush.
Throughout the class, expect those muscles to shake, and enjoy it. Shaking is a sign that you are working the right muscles and getting stronger.
“It’s fun, when we are all shaking, we can’t help but laugh while we stretch it out,” Metz said.
After working at the barre, clients will do an abdominal sequence against the wall, which you will most certainly feel the next day.
At the end of the class is a sequence called “back dancing.” During this last sequence, the instructor slowly turns out the lights for a few last back- stretches in a peaceful environment.
Pure Barre is gaining popularity with over 70 franchises across the country and it’s growing here in Boulder as well.
“We’re climbing with students. We did sorority night with CU, and we’re working monthly with the CU dance team,” said Pure Barre Co-Owner, Shalisa Watters.
Pure Barre is fast. Each class is an hour long, and they are offered several times a day, making it simple to fit a workout in around class or work schedules.
Chynna Delgado, 20-year-old junior anthropology major likes the idea of working out in a fun class.
“I generally go towards workouts that trick me into them; they’re usually fun, and I like them,” Delgado said.
Student packages are available, with a student ID, for a flat fee of $200 for two months of unlimited classes. Also available are drop-in classes which are $23 a class or $18 for students. Pure Barre also offers specials for new clients, brides-to-be and new mothers.
“One of my favorite things is helping people meet their fitness goals and make the changes they want to make,” Metz said. “Whether its inches off their waist or seconds off their mile, its rewarding.”
The classes at Pure Barre offer a great way for anyone to workout. Geared primarily towards women, Pure Barre classes welcome all ages and abilities. The workout combines strength, agility, balance and resistance to help clients achieve whatever their fitness goal may be.
“We see all types of people, from people who workout every day, to those who haven’t worked out in twenty years,” Watters said. “ There’s always a way to push a little deeper, to work a little harder. The deep burn–I feel that’s what gets people addicted, I love that feeling.”
Pure Barre is one class worth checking out, at least once, then, like Kayla Soibelman, 23-year-old Pure Barre instructor, there’s a good chance you’ll be hooked.
“I started taking class when it opened in Boulder,” Soibelman said. “I felt an impact in my alignment immediately; I noticed myself getting stronger, and that’s what did it for me.”
Pure Barre isn’t just a workout class, it’s a place where women can escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
“Mentally it allows women an hour out of their busy day to focus on themselves, to zone out to the music, to not think about anything else, and feel great afterward,” Metz said.
“It really is addicting, even if you don’t feel it the first few times, but then you really love the way it makes you feel,” Soibelman said.
Who can come: Anyone can come. All ages are welcome. Classes are capped at 25.
What to wear: Yoga pants, a shirt to cover your midriff and socks.
What to bring: Water. All other equipment including weights, mats, resistance bands and a ball are provided.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Crystal Anderson at Crystal.anderson@colorado.edu.
