Eat Pray Run DC

Running hard, eating well and living a grace-filled life in Washington D.C.

Searching for something?

  • Start Here!
    • Featured In…
    • 30 before 30 List!
    • My Favorite Things
    • Wedding
  • Eat!
  • Run
  • Blogging 101
    • How to Start a Blog
  • Contact Me!
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy

What I Learned in 100 Pure Barre Classes

April 15, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC55 Comments

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. 

Ten Things I Learned in 100+ Pure Barre Classes

 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.” 
  3. 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…
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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!
  7. 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! 
  8. 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 :)). 
  9. 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. 
  10. “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. πŸ™‚ 

2015-04-12 19.42.38

  

[Tweet “10 things I learned in 100 Pure Barre Classes!”]

Have I convinced you to try Pure Barre yet? What’s your favorite method of cross training?


Comments

  1. MCM MaMA Runs says

    April 15, 2015 at 7:33 am

    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 FearlessMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:27 am

      Yeah, I hear you. It is not cheap but I love it so!

      Reply
  2. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    April 15, 2015 at 8:10 am

    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…SpontaneityMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:28 am

      Well the studio keeps track πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Tori says

    April 15, 2015 at 8:27 am

    I LOVE Pure Barre!! Congrats on getting to 100 classes πŸ™‚ 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 WorkoutMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:28 am

      Yay – another Pure Barre enthusiast! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    April 15, 2015 at 8:33 am

    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 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 9:15 am

      everything isn’t for everyone. but i love PB and know that it helped me race a PR last weekend with no speedwork!! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    April 15, 2015 at 9:06 am

    YAY! Congratulations, Courtney! This is a wonderful accomplishment; I’m so glad that you have found something (other than running – duh!) that you love.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 9:15 am

      thanks tara – i was super happy to reach 100 classes πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    April 15, 2015 at 9:21 am

    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 RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 10:29 am

      thanks! i hope you are able to try it out soon!

      Reply
  7. Pam and Christine says

    April 15, 2015 at 10:55 am

    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 egoMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 11:16 am

      Go! You will love it. Or come visit DC and I’ll go with you πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Coach Henness says

    April 15, 2015 at 11:24 am

    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 FivesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      thanks so much πŸ™‚ it’s not for everyone but i do love it!

      Reply
  9. Nora @ 2 Generations Running says

    April 15, 2015 at 11:43 am

    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. πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing!
    Nora @ 2 Generations Running recently posted…Run For the Troops 5kMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      oh yes, these tips and lessons are applicable to a lot of different workouts!

      Reply
  10. Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says

    April 15, 2015 at 11:53 am

    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 DayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      yes – it has really helped my running a TON! weak hips and weak glutes over here too, lady!

      Reply
  11. Ivanna says

    April 15, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    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)My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 2:52 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  12. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    April 15, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    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 CookiesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      yes, you should give it a try!!

      Reply
  13. Colleen LG says

    April 15, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    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 MallorcaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      thanks! i really do love it and it’s definitely helping me to be stronger!

      Reply
  14. rachel says

    April 15, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    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 WorkoutMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      thanks rachel! i’m definitely much stronger than i was!!

      Reply
  15. Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) says

    April 15, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    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 visionMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      I was so excited that my butt hurt after cherry blossom. Yay glutes!

      Reply
  16. Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin says

    April 15, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    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 AnsweredMy Profile

    Reply
  17. karen - Fit in France says

    April 15, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    I would LOVE to have Pure Barre in France. I am sure I would love it.
    karen – Fit in France recently posted…Paris Marathon WeekendMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:50 pm

      i think you’d love it as well!

      Reply
  18. thesimplepeach says

    April 15, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:51 pm

      YES! it definitely has helped my running as well!! way to go, yourself!!

      Reply
  19. AJ @ NutriFitMama says

    April 15, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    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}My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:51 pm

      i love classes. perhaps pb needs childcare???

      Reply
  20. Hayley says

    April 15, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    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 =)

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:51 pm

      aw, thanks for stopping by! you’re right -these tips are easily transferable πŸ™‚

      Reply
  21. Molly @alsoranagain says

    April 15, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    #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 RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:53 pm

      aw – that means a lot coming from you, friend! thanks πŸ™‚

      Reply
  22. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    April 15, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    100 classes, wow. That rocks!
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Random Thoughts on Weight LossMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      thanks, lady!

      Reply
  23. Emily says

    April 15, 2015 at 9:33 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 15, 2015 at 9:48 pm

      Woot woot! That’s awesome Emily!!

      Reply
  24. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    April 15, 2015 at 10:27 pm

    omg, woo hoo!!! good work my friend! πŸ™‚
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Cherry Blossom 5K Race RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 16, 2015 at 2:07 pm

      thanks!!

      Reply
  25. GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says

    April 16, 2015 at 12:56 am

    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 SandwichesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 16, 2015 at 2:09 pm

      it is so crazy when you track your classes and realize how many you’ve taken!

      Reply
  26. Salt says

    April 16, 2015 at 9:35 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 16, 2015 at 2:07 pm

      oh yes, me too!

      Reply
  27. Lesley says

    April 16, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    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.

    Reply
  28. lindsey says

    April 16, 2015 at 11:52 pm

    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 LoverMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 17, 2015 at 8:45 am

      Oh fantastic!!!

      Reply
  29. Jennifer says

    April 19, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    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.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, there! I’m Courtney

Welcome to Eat Pray Run DC - I'm passionate about food, running, Jesus, my dog and bacon. Not necessarily in that order. Read More…

Join the Eat Pray Run DC Community & Get Your FREE Copy of Blogging 101!

Follow

Tags

berlin marathon blogger tips blogger tip tuesday blogging blog stats chicago marathon christmas Church cooking dc dinner eat exercise faith fitness food friday five friends gift guide giveaway goals half marathon healthy healthy-living holiday holidays marathon marathon training oiselle pure barre race races recipe recipes relationships richmond marathon run running sweat pink training travel wedding wedding planning wedding wednesday workouts

Categories

Copyright © 2022 · Modern Blogger Pro Theme By, Pretty Darn Cute Design