Challenge accepted: Complete 20 Pure Barre classes in 31 days.
Goal of first class: Make it through the entire session!
I saw Pure Barre post about the challenge on their Facebook page and I knew it would be difficult, but I’ve been dying to try a class and it seemed like just the kind of kick in the rear I needed.
Although I had heard about Pure Barre from my sister, I didn’t totally know what to expect. I literally have not been active since November, which is unlike me. I can make up a lot of excuses about being too busy, but it really comes down to the fact that I wasn’t taking sufficient time for myself by doing something important for my health and sanity as a wife and mom. So it was definitely time to get back on track!
When I arrived for my first class, I was greeted warmly by the instructor at the front desk, who directed me to fill out my new client paperwork. As I looked around, I saw a lot of super-fit women; that left me feeling a bit intimidated, mostly because I’m not the most coordinated person ever and usually don’t like fitness classes. I’m always a step behind, and by the time I get it, they’re on to the next move. When you’re surrounded by mirrors, it’s hard not to compare your movements to those of others. On my first day, there were only two other new people in the class, and of course they were svelte college students who looked like they worked out three hours a day and had 0% body fat. Great!
My instructor, Megan, was really helpful in letting me know what I needed and how the class would work. We started with arms, and if you had peered into the class at that moment, it would not have looked all that hard–but man, my triceps were burning! Pure Barre is all about small isometric movements, and I now know first hand the meaning of all the hashtags I see on their posts: #lift #tuck #tone #BURN. Glancing at the athletic college students, I was surprised to see them struggling. Then, looking over at some of the regulars, I could immediately tell that–although they knew what they were doing and their form was great–it was tough for them too. Pure Barre burns!
Megan did an excellent job with cues, considering that I wasn’t sure of all the Pure Barre terms and positions. I really liked how she had us do an exercise that concentrated on one small muscle group, but you still had to be very conscious of your core, tucking your pelvis, keeping a neutral spine. Just when my muscles were shaking and I thought I would crumble, we were stretching. Thank God! The recovery time between muscle groups was a welcome relief.
Having really enjoyed the small-group setting, I ultimately felt very comfortable in the class. It differs from other kinds of fitness classes because participants don’t do any complicated coordinated movements; instead the emphasis is on doing small, controlled movements, and the awesome Megan was right there to help if she noticed your form slipping.
So I made it through my first class, and although I’m already sore, I like knowing that I got a good workout, and I’m already looking forward to my next class. Twenty classes in 31 days is going to be tough, but I’m ready for the Pure Barre challenge!
Come join me and try a class! The owner of Pure Barre Jacksonville Beach, Lacey, is giving away five first time free class passes. You can see their full class schedule and pricing on their website. Enter to win below!
Are you still doing barre?