This past weekend, I took my 100th Pure Barre class. As I’ve shared before, I absolutely love Pure Barre and was so excited to hit this milestone at my home away from home (the Cap Hill Pure Barre studio). I thought to celebrate, I’d share ten things learned over 100 Pure Barre classes. Wondering what the heck Pure Barre is about? Read this post first.
- Just accept that Pure Barre is hard. Pure Barre is a challenging, full body workout. The quicker you accept that it is a tough workout, the quicker you can learn the proper form and improve. I spent a few classes convincing myself that it wasn’t as hard as I was making it out to be. I was wrong. It is hard – and that’s a good thing.
- It never gets easier. You just get stronger. The workout is constantly changing and you just simply won’t get bored in a Pure Barre class. While it doesn’t get easier, you will get more comfortable with the moves, the quick pace of class and the concept of “tucking your seat.”
- Focus on the muscle you are actually supposed to be working. It took me a few months of classes (I know, slow learner) to really truly understand that if we are supposed to be working our inner thighs and my glutes are the only thing burning, I’m doing something wrong. Really dialing in and making sure you are working the muscle you are supposed to be working makes all the difference. If you can’t figure it out on your own, that leads me to number four…
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask questions. If you don’t feel something, raise your hand and your teacher will come help you. If you have a ton of questions, stay after class for a minute and get a demo on how to do the moves correctly. And don’t worry about feeling silly. I ask a lot of questions and find that getting that individual help really makes a difference.
- Try to be a little bit better each class. If you’ve never tried to do the splits in class, commit to giving it a try every other class. If you’ve only ever used the two pound weights, commit to trying the three pound weights one class. Raise your heels just a little higher than you did last class. Pick one thing and commit to getting stronger in that one area each class.
- Go to a breaking down the barre workshop after you have a few classes under your belt. The free breaking down the barre workshops are excellent – even if you’ve taken 100 classes. They are free and a great chance to get all your questions answered. When I went, I was able to get some help on positions that always give me trouble and I got some great tips on how to really make sure I was working hard during the abs section of class. I highly recommend you take advantage of this!
- Embrace the challenges and the community. You might remember that in the month of March, I participated in the Pure Barre 20 in 31 challenge. I attended 20 classes in 31 days and it was amazing. I met new people at the studio, got to take classes with some teachers I don’t normally take classes with and found out just how strong I am. Embracing the Pure Barre community makes classes a heck of a lot more fun!
- Learn to listen carefully. You’ll notice that your teacher will only demo the move for a minute or so before moving around to help folks in class. You really have to pay attention to what they say and focus in – if you allow yourself to lose focus you may end up having no idea what you are supposed to be doing! (*not that I’ve ever done that before :)).
- You can actually do anything for ten more seconds. It often doesn’t feel like it, but you really can. I now take “best and final ten” as a challenge and make sure that those final ten seconds of any exercise are my best. It forces me to dig deep and I love that feeling.
- “Walk all the way into the barre until something is touching” is NOT the phrase you want to hear during class. If you’re a Pure Barre loyalist like me, this phrase needs no explanation. Holy heck! If you are newer to Pure Barre, I’ll let you figure out the meaning of this one for yourself. 🙂
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Have I convinced you to try Pure Barre yet? What’s your favorite method of cross training?
I really enjoyed the classes I took. I wish I could afford to make it a regular part of my routine.
WTG on hitting 100 classes! You rock!
MCM MaMA Runs recently posted…Being Fearless
Yeah, I hear you. It is not cheap but I love it so!
Congrats on 100 classes. I’m amazed that you know that! I’m sure you feel so much stronger because of your dedication to Barre.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Spontaneity
Well the studio keeps track 🙂
I LOVE Pure Barre!! Congrats on getting to 100 classes 🙂 This is one of the hardest workouts I’ve tried to date, and if I had the ability I’d go all.the.time. Love your tips!
Tori recently posted…More Meal Ideas + Pilates Workout
Yay – another Pure Barre enthusiast! 🙂
I tried a few classes and I must have missed something. Just couldn’t get into it. I need to sweat more on my cross training days. I know lots of people love it maybe I should give it another try. Congrats on 100 classes -that is a lot!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Women’s Health Action Hero 2015
everything isn’t for everyone. but i love PB and know that it helped me race a PR last weekend with no speedwork!! 🙂
YAY! Congratulations, Courtney! This is a wonderful accomplishment; I’m so glad that you have found something (other than running – duh!) that you love.
thanks tara – i was super happy to reach 100 classes 🙂
Congrats on hitting your 100 class milestone! I still have yet to give barre a try, but I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to over the summer once my schedule slows down a bit. Its just too hectic right now, especially with all of the end of the school year activities.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2015 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Recap
thanks! i hope you are able to try it out soon!
Wow, that is fantastic you have taken 100 classes. I know there is a Pure Barre studio near me, I just need to have the courage to attend a class!
Pam and Christine recently posted…The Bride and her ‘zilla alter ego
Go! You will love it. Or come visit DC and I’ll go with you 🙂
WOW! You are amazing – 100 classes?! What an accomplishment. I have a lot of respect for barre enthusiasts. That being said, it’s not really my cup of tea but I do try to do a barre class every now and then in order to challenge myself. Portland has two Pure Barre locations now and I love those gals.
Coach Henness recently posted…Will Sweat For High Fives
thanks so much 🙂 it’s not for everyone but i do love it!
Awesome tips! I noticed a lot of these are applicable to other exercise classes too, like I take a barbell strength class and I’m not sure this class will ever be easy – but like you said, that’s a good thing. I’ve just got to focus on getting stronger with each class. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Nora @ 2 Generations Running recently posted…Run For the Troops 5k
oh yes, these tips and lessons are applicable to a lot of different workouts!
I keep hearing about how great Barre is as cross training for running (hello – weak hips and glutes here) I really should just suck up the cost and aim to go to one class a week. Everyone I know who goes loves it.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…MEC Race 2 Recap & What I Eat on Race Day
yes – it has really helped my running a TON! weak hips and weak glutes over here too, lady!
you are a beast at Barre girl that’s amazing! Congrats on you 100 milestone
Ivanna recently posted…Starting A Fitness Routine When You Have No Idea How To (Using the Internet)
thank you!
I have not tried barre yet, but I want to so bad!!! Oh I need to find a class around me that fits my schedule!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
yes, you should give it a try!!
What a huge milestone! Congrats! So awesome you found something that really works for you and is paying dividends in your fitness all around!
Colleen LG recently posted…Honeymoon Recap: Palma de Mallorca
thanks! i really do love it and it’s definitely helping me to be stronger!
Way to go! I can only imagine how STRONG you have become over hte last 100 classes! Kudos!
rachel recently posted…Importance of Protein Intake Post Workout
thanks rachel! i’m definitely much stronger than i was!!
I totally get the “work the body part you’re supposed to be working” thing. I’m struggling so much with that right now. Everything says my glutes should be firing and sore and yet they never are lol! Stupid butt!
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…Firmoo-ing my way to better vision
I was so excited that my butt hurt after cherry blossom. Yay glutes!
I soooo wish we had a class in my area? #smalltownproblems it sounds amazingly hard but so worth it!
Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin recently posted…Running Favorites – Questions Answered
I would LOVE to have Pure Barre in France. I am sure I would love it.
karen – Fit in France recently posted…Paris Marathon Weekend
i think you’d love it as well!
Way to go girl! This is awesome! I have really enjoyed reading about your barre experience and have been doing more barre3 DVDs as a result. I think my running has improved greatly and I can’t wait to see the long term effects. Keep up the great work!
YES! it definitely has helped my running as well!! way to go, yourself!!
I still haven’t tried Pure Barre, but I did find a DVD. It’s hard for me to take the classes since I ALWAYS have kids with me. I LOVE taking classes though!
AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Travel Spotlight: Stone Mountain Park, GA {Active Family Fun outside Atlanta}
i love classes. perhaps pb needs childcare???
I’ve never tried a Barre class but these tips were still useful for my training. You’ve inspired me to push myself more and focus on working the particular muscle involved. Thank you =)
aw, thanks for stopping by! you’re right -these tips are easily transferable 🙂
#1 should have read: “That I am tough as nails and really, really strong.” Your dedication to fitness is an inspiration, Courtney! Congrats on reaching 100.
Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…2015 Back on My Feet 5-Miler Race Recap
aw – that means a lot coming from you, friend! thanks 🙂
100 classes, wow. That rocks!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Random Thoughts on Weight Loss
thanks, lady!
I also have come to love pure barre! It was so much fun to have all the DC Birds try it out! I love it too & I’m almost on my way to 100 classes too!
Woot woot! That’s awesome Emily!!
omg, woo hoo!!! good work my friend! 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Cherry Blossom 5K Race Recap
thanks!!
100 classes! Wow! I did one back in February and it was fun, but there’s no studio near my apartment so I haven’t been back since. Saving this as a reminder for when I do start back though.
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…24 Creative Bread Recipes to Spice up your Sandwiches
it is so crazy when you track your classes and realize how many you’ve taken!
WOW! Congrats on 100 classes! I agree about the 10 more seconds thing and often think of that in my own barre classes when she’s counting those last 10 down and I’m feeling like I’m going to die.
oh yes, me too!
You’ve gotten me interested in Pure Barre, but a lot of classes is not in my budget. I did see the PB team has created DVDs so that is a definite on my wish list.
Woohoo 100 classes! I just took advantage of their tax day special! Can’t wait to go back!
lindsey recently posted…5 Trips for the Beer Lover
Oh fantastic!!!
Congrats on 100+ friend (clearly I am catching up on my blog reading in reverse). So glad to have gone to number “100” with you – it was hard! I really liked the instructor that day – barre exercises I’ve never done at the Dupont location.