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Pure Barre is a workout class that relies on controlled, precise movements to target and tone your core, shoulders, thighs, butt muscles, and perhaps you were not aware.
Are you curious about low-impact workouts that are loved nationwide? To know how and what kind of fitness studio near you, here you need to know about Pure Barre before leaving your shoes at the door and trying it for yourself.
What Is Pure Barre?
Pure Barre was founded in 2001 in Birmingham, Michigan by dancer and choreographer Carrie Rezabek Dorr, but did not gain popularity until it became a franchise in 2009. Now, with more than 500 studios in the US and Canada (Also plans to grow and add locations worldwide), Pure Barre is the largest chain of Barre studios.
Reason Behind Pure Barre’s Popularity
There’s not just one thing, says Katelyn DiGiorgio, vice president of training and technique. “It makes people of all fitness levels feel capable and stronger mentally and physically. It’s effective and low-impact. And the environment is high-energy, fun and motivating.”
What to Expect From Your First Pure Barre Class
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Is Pure Barre an Effective Workout?
Pure barre is a series of workouts involving low impact, isometric, or small-range-of-motion movements using light weights to strengthen and tone your body. According to physical therapist Grayson Wickham, founder of Movement Vault, a mobility and movement company, these types of movements have value, but it’s important to understand what Barre can and cannot offer athletes.
“When you literally just squeeze or flex a muscle, isometric contractions occur,” says Wickham. He says that the ability to activate certain muscles after an injury can help to re-establish and strengthen muscles at the exact angle, but isometrics alone capable of increasing muscle or advancing real-life activities Are not, they say. Slow and controlled eccentric and concentric movements (“Small Up, Small Down”), on the other hand, are more functional.
Overall, though, Wickham states that it is a good workout that can result in gaining some strength, but it does not burn tons of calories nor greatly improve your cardiovascular capacity and health. If badass cardio is your goal, then you can try Pure Empower, a high-intensity class of Pure Barre. But if building strength is your main goal, then stick to classes like Organanthory, CrossFit, or Barry’s Bootcamp.
Pure Barre is best for whom?
Due to its low intensity and low impact, Pure Barre is used as a supplement to high-intensity fitness training classes such as CrossFit, Boxing, and HIIT. “It can help athletes improve their mobility, actually activate their muscles and it enhances the mind-body connection,” says Wickham. All these elements are important for injury prevention.
But if you take a class and never want to leave, no problem! “It just comes down to his fitness goals,” he says.
If Pure Barre is a workout that you really consider an important factor. If you decide to do only pure barrels, the brand recommends visiting at least three classes a week to see satisfactory results.
Pure Barre is also a good option for those who are suffering from any injury or who have joint issues. You can do a great workout without putting too much stress on your joints. During the workout, instructors are proactive in suggesting modifications for wrist, knee, and shoulder pain. It also helps to show 10 to 15 minutes in advance to talk to your instructor about any pre-existing injuries.
Depending on your fitness level, pure barre can be a safe exercise option for women during and after pregnancy. Of course, every woman (and every pregnancy) is different, so it is a good idea to consult your doctor first. Once you are all clear, Pure Barre asks that you tell your instructor if you are pregnant. That way they can walk you through any modifications depending on how far they are with you.
Men can also take classes, although most of the participants are women, the Pure Barre is for everyone. Some studios occasionally offer classes called “Bring on the Men”, which are specifically geared towards Guys.
Who is it not for?
If you love high-intensity interval training workouts where you shed gallons of sweat (just kidding), then this is not for you. Experts say that while people have used classes in their weight loss journey, pure barre is not the best option for those who want to lose weight alone.
7 Benefits of Barre Workout
It’s the Best Core Workout
Yes, you are reading right! Barre is one of the best workouts for your core muscles. With each isometric movement, you target small muscles that you can ignore if you are clinging to the crunches. Also, you build endurance by repeating these small antics repeatedly. This means that the more you go to class, the better you are and you can see difficult positions for a long time (looking at you, shingles)
It Improves Your Posture
This improves your posture as it is important to have a straight spine for multiple movements in the class. According to experts, “It is more important to achieve proper alignment of your hips, spine, shoulders, and head than lifting your leg an inch high.”
It Helps Your Muscles Work Correctly
Stretching prevents the muscles from remaining tight, causing other muscle groups to not function properly. So, not only does stretching in the barre increase your flexibility, but it also helps your muscles work properly.
It Increases Your Flexibility
You don’t need the same flexibility as dancers to join barre classes, but the stretching between strengthening exercises will definitely help increase your flexibility. Classes focus on being both flexible and strong instead of pumping irons.
It Targets Every Muscle Group
Because barre classes use your own body to deal with multiple muscle groups, you work for multiple muscles at the same time. In addition, those isometric movements help you deal with small muscles that often get overlooked. The result is a full-body workout that gives you the sore in the best way.
It’s Low-Impact
A good barre class will leave you in sweat, but you won’t struggle to catch your breath. Because barre is low-impact, meaning it is good for your joints. Compared to high-impact workouts, such as running, boxing, HIIT. Barre is easy to stick on, without the need for a break for muscle and joint rehabilitation.
It Has Low Injury Risk
Because the barre is low-impact, it means it has fewer chances of injury. Less pressure on your joints means a slight chance of hurting yourself. In addition, you can also barre during your pregnancy, as long as you listen to your body and inform your instructor so that it can provide you with a move adjustment based on how far along you are.
