When I learned there would be a Pure Barre studio opening a short ride away, I knew it was finally time to give in to the craze. After consulting a few of you on Twitter, I took the plunge and purchased their opening special for a month of unlimited sessions. I am only a few days into my package, but I am happy to report that I am still in one {sore} piece. As a newbie, I wanted to share a few of my takeaways for surviving your first few barre classes.
1) Don't come without socks. If you're willing, ante up a few dollars to buy their "sticky" socks. As a less than graceful person, the grips made me feel sure-footed and a bit more confident walking into my first class.
2) Everyone is going to SHAKE during a few of the exercises. No one is immune. It is proof the exercises are working. Even though I have strong{er} legs as a runner, I still shake a lot.
3) Don't be intimidated. There will be seasoned veterans in your class, but there are sure to be new students as well. I struggle a lot with my upper body strength and my flexibility. I'm hoping barre classes will help with both of those things. I learned very quickly that there are others more skilled at this than me--and I'm okay with it. I will get there eventually.
4) If you can't make it through an exercise, don't be afraid to readjust. You can catch back up. It takes time to get the hang of the movements! The instructors may say differently, but I'm of the opinion that you can't build Rome in a day--or master barre in your first try.
For barre veterans, what other advice would you give to newbies like me?
I'll be sure to give an update at the end of my unlimited month. I doubt I can continue at the unlimited rate when next month rolls around, but I can certainly see the value in barre--even after only a few classes! Many thanks to those of you who convinced me to try it! xoxo {av}
I exercise several times a week (both cardio and strength with a trainer) and I thought barre was really hard! I only tried it once but I was sore for days!
ReplyDeleteim going to a barre class tonight!! i havent been in a few weeks so i know its going to kick my butt and make me shake :) xo
ReplyDeleteI tried a barre class a few weeks ago and LOVED it! Sadly it was 35 minutes away from my house and after work I just can't get over to the Hilton Head/Bluffton area but when I'm in the area I'll go again! I went with a friend who had been a lot so she could give me some tips, but I looked up some tips online beofre I went. I didn't want to be "that" newbie! Great workout, though! The new PB headquarters are in Spartanburg, SC where I went to college! Hoping we'll get PB in Beaufort soon! xo
ReplyDeleteI am sitting here sore from pure barre last night. I forgot how good of a workout for toning it is. It's the only workout I've done where I don't swear but an so sore the next day. It's a reminder to me all day how much I need to be doing this stuff. And it was also a reminder that I needed to run before, not after. My 5 miles with 12 x 1 minute intervals turned into 5 miles with 7 x 1 minute intervals and just praying through the rest. I'd love to hear more about how your running is going too! Any fall races for you?
ReplyDeletePure Barre is awesome. I did it religiously in Philly for a few years and then in Cleveland. Great advice. Their socks give the best grip and are worth the price. My advice-->Take it at your own pace- takes time to be able to do all the moves without compromising form. Have fun and keep us updated!
ReplyDelete-Becky
The Pumpkin Spot
As a somewhat Barre veteran, I know that the more "seasoned" you get, the more you shake. I start shaking sooner in positions now that I've been doing it for a few years! But that's just your muscles moving and adjusting and becoming stronger. That's the crazy thing about PB, the more you do it, the harder it gets! You just need to keep pushing yourself!
ReplyDeleteI did it once , I'll eventually try it again, maybe with the sticky socks.
ReplyDeleteI think the absolute most important thing to focus on with barre classes is form. If you have to, go slightly slower than the group to hold your form. Ballet is all about how you hold your body to target the right muscles. Even those little pulses will help you tone!
ReplyDeleteI also suggest more fitted workout gear. It helps you see the lines of your body to create that perfect form :)
Evann
EvannClingan.com
Welcome to the lift.tone.burn club! I've been going 4-5 times per week since November, and I'm addicted. I LOVE IT! And it works :)
ReplyDeleteMy advice is keep going -- even when you're sore, busy, and don't want to. I can literally feel (and see) myself getting stronger with each class I take, and it's an amazing feeling! I see results in how my clothes fit, and it's the best prep I could imagine for my upcoming wedding (just a little over two months to go!). Even after about 10 months of doing Pure Barre, I'm still challenged each and every time I take a class. Plus, I love the community feel. And even the hefty price tag is worth it to me; it holds me accountable for attending every class I sign up for.
So excited to follow along with your PB journey :)
And Alex (above) is SO RIGHT. Ditto to everything she said. For real!
Also, this: http://www.runstylish.com/barre-runner/
ReplyDeleteI LOVE barre! I haven't been to Pure Barre, but I've been to a few other types of barre classes. I'm with Evann on this one-- form trumps everything else. Even if your leg is low and you're moving more slowly than other people, it's important the you maintain the proper form, which the instructor should help you with.
ReplyDeleteI love it! Agree with your tips, absolutely. :) After ten classes, you'll start to see (and feel!) a noticeable difference!
Ok I just finished my first month as well and am obsessed! It is so crazy how freakin sore your entire body gets.
ReplyDeleteloveeeeeee bare!!!
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to sign up for a class. Need to get it done as it sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE barre classes! I used to go all the time and then realized how much money I was spending to work out. I am a huge fan of specials those places routinely send out though. One thing to keep in mind is everyone was a beginner at one time... so even though you may be self-conscious in the beginning, you are not alone. Everyone has been there and in time you will be as confident as everyone else in the class. Stick with it, its so fun and a great workout!
ReplyDeleteIf you stick with it, go for the barre SHOES and not the barre socks. My "sticky" socks gave out on me after a few times and I was still sliding. I use the little grippy slipper shoes and they're perfect - plus I leave them in my car so I always have them around! I also like the Lucy grippy socks that are more open on the top. Enjoy! I've been with it for over a year now and still love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I love barre! I didn't at first... but stuck with it for a few weeks and now it's part of my routine. If you aren't immediately hooked, I recommend trying out different instructors if possible.
ReplyDeleteMy studio (exhale) has different heights for the barre on each wall... I wish I realized this my first class. Being short I would have chosen a different side of the room... I was struggling.