Pure Barre - is it enough?

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caitlynah12
caitlynah12 Posts: 34
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all, i just started Pure Barre and I LOVE it. I'm so happy to find a workout that I actually look forward to doing (its a miracle) and aren't counting down until it's over. I've heard its the best workout to transform your body, but isn't good for weight loss. I can't understand how that works, and no one can really explain it, lol.

I want to buy the unlimited monthly special so i can go 4-5 times a week but it's WAY beyond my budget at 225/month. I am willing (yet reluctant) to do it if I know it, alongside healthy eating, will be enough to help me lose 20-30 pounds.

So for Pure Barre peeps, is this the only workout you do? Have you seen results?


Replies

  • isthisolivia
    isthisolivia Posts: 37 Member
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    So I haven't done Pure Barre per se, but I have done Bar Method and landed on Dailey Method -- which I love. I balance it out with running to get some cardio in, as well as the some weight training to round it all out. Barre was what got me back on my feet, exercise wise. It gave me some pretty great results very quickly, less then a month, especially posture.

    Cost-wise, its a burden at that much. You can find something like Classpass or Fitmob. I thought Classpass had Pure Barre in the mix? It was 99 bucks a month for a wide variety of gyms etc (I am in SF).
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,179 Member
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    You are going to lose weight, by eating less calories than you burn. Exercise will help you get in shape and improve your health. So if you have found somethign you love and works for you, go for it.
  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
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    If you have physique goals, then it is important to keep your training economy in mind. You can only do so much training do to time and recovery restraints so it makes sense to only do the things that will give you the most progress toward your goal during that limited amount of time you have available. Barre classes are very difficult but they aren't very economical unless your goal is to be good at doing barre classes (which, if it is, I am sure they are very effective). I understand that you enjoy them a lot which is important because it keeps you going to the gym and it will help you burn some extra calories and possibly build a small amount of muscle; however, it won't do so as efficiently as other training methods.
  • Kymmu
    Kymmu Posts: 1,650 Member
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    I do a barre class 3 x a week and a pilates class 5 x a week. I pay $125/month for an unlimited pass. I have also purchased both in DVD form for when I can't get to the studio. I can feel I'm getting stronger and was considering adding a 45 min walk in a few times a week to speed up weight loss so I can see the muscles better! I really love going to class.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,179 Member
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    Lofteren wrote: »
    If you have physique goals, then it is important to keep your training economy in mind. You can only do so much training do to time and recovery restraints so it makes sense to only do the things that will give you the most progress toward your goal during that limited amount of time you have available. Barre classes are very difficult but they aren't very economical unless your goal is to be good at doing barre classes (which, if it is, I am sure they are very effective). I understand that you enjoy them a lot which is important because it keeps you going to the gym and it will help you burn some extra calories and possibly build a small amount of muscle; however, it won't do so as efficiently as other training methods.

    Have you ever done a pure barre class???
  • caitlynah12
    caitlynah12 Posts: 34
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    isthisolivia wrote: »

    Cost-wise, its a burden at that much. You can find something like Classpass or Fitmob. I thought Classpass had Pure Barre in the mix? It was 99 bucks a month for a wide variety of gyms etc (I am in SF).

    We do have Classpass, but only one Pure Barre location near me is on there. And Classpass has a rule you can only do 3 classes per month, and plus my understanding is Classpass members get the open spots, and my Pure Barre studio always has waitlists. So I'm not sure that'll work!

  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
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    aggelikik wrote: »
    Lofteren wrote: »
    If you have physique goals, then it is important to keep your training economy in mind. You can only do so much training do to time and recovery restraints so it makes sense to only do the things that will give you the most progress toward your goal during that limited amount of time you have available. Barre classes are very difficult but they aren't very economical unless your goal is to be good at doing barre classes (which, if it is, I am sure they are very effective). I understand that you enjoy them a lot which is important because it keeps you going to the gym and it will help you burn some extra calories and possibly build a small amount of muscle; however, it won't do so as efficiently as other training methods.

    Have you ever done a pure barre class???

    I have watched one. Keep in mind that what I am saying could be applied to any system of training that has a high level of specificity; these concepts are not exclusive to barre but are true for all sporting and recompositioning activities.

    Take for example muay thai training. It is brutally difficult and will absolutely test your mental and physical strength and endurance; however, it is not an optimum training method for someone who has aesthetic goals like fat loss. It will work for that to a certain extent, it is just not optimal since it does not impose exactly the metabolic demands that cause beta oxidation and mobilization of fat. This is the same with barre classes. I am sure they are really tough but they aren't going to help you lose fat as quickly as a training program that was designed specifically to do so.
  • jrolls79
    jrolls79 Posts: 12 Member
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    PB builds lean muscle mass which in turns burns fat especially with a healthy diet. Also, your posture will improve and you will get stronger all over. I can now do push ups on my toes thanks to Pure Barre. If you are consistent, I think you will be very happy with your results. But you have to eat right to lose weight also. Maybe walk or jog 1 or 2 a week also. PB changed my body more than Crossfit. And I hated Crossfit. I look forward to going to a 6 am PB class.
  • jrolls79
    jrolls79 Posts: 12 Member
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    Now, can somebody tell me how to add a PB class in the exercise?
  • QueenofGuac
    QueenofGuac Posts: 47 Member
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    jrolls79 wrote: »
    Now, can somebody tell me how to add a PB class in the exercise?

    I always put it in as pilates on "easy" in my jawbone. Unless its a double tube class >.<
  • QueenofGuac
    QueenofGuac Posts: 47 Member
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    Hmmm. I've been going since October and I took the month of January off. I completed a studio challenge so I'm on auto pay for $100 a month.

    I think it has really helped me become stronger. I've become a MUCH better runner (even though I still hate it). I feel like my waist line is slimming down, however the results aren't super fast. Even when I was going everyday or every other day, I had to watch calories and add in extra walks. This frustrated me a ton. I felt like I was really working hard in class, but the scale was not showing a lot of difference. Pure barre is not a huge calorie burner like a spin class would be. Honestly, I've talked to people who wear a heart monitor and even on KILLER days, its only a 400 calorie burn. An hour of zumba on the other hand is about a 800-900 calorie burn. This is because PB uses tiny movements to be easy on joints and tone muscles. Muscles will start to tone up and get stronger, but the fat on top of the muscles isn't going to melt away.

    However, I'm really happy I have my pass. I enjoy watching my body get stronger and I LOVE being apart of the community. We had mimosas after class last saturday! Because I pay for it, I feel a sense of pressure to go at least 10 times a month (so its only $10 a class). If I was paying full price for Pure Barre, I would stop. I'm a teacher in Alabama after all.

    Its really up to you. I would ask the manager how often they run specials. My studio always has challenges where you can earn a month at $100 or whatever. Also look into other studios. If you live in a city, I bet you can find something very much like pure barre that fits your budget better.

    Let me know if you have any questions and add me! I love pure barre buddies!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,714 Member
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    jrolls79 wrote: »
    PB builds lean muscle mass which in turns burns fat especially with a healthy diet.
    PB doesn't "build" lean muscle. Lean muscle is acquired by progressive overload (which isn't PB). Any building of muscle will be lean muscle as there is no "fat" muscle, "lumpy" muscle, etc.
    What is REALLY going on is that body weight usage ISN'T going to increase lean muscle tissue and along with a good calorie deficit, muscle definition (albeit slight) will be more noticeable.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png


  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
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    I've done barre classes at several studios, at least 5, including Daily Method. I use groupons or livingsocial deals around my neighborhood. Have not done pure barre (but I have a groupon for one I'll use soon).

    What I can say is that no barre class is equal. Some WORK you. You go in there and it's all calisthenics, push-ups, sits ups and modifications of pilates exercises and the instructors have you working hard enough to have your muscles shaking and you have DOMS for 2 days afterward.

    Other classes? You get a workout, but it's gentle. Your muscles are worked, but it's not the same. Dailey Method was about low - middle of the road in what I've experienced and I don't know where pure barre is the intensity scale.

    That being said, I had a 20 class pass to a studio where it was a vigorous workout. I went 2-3x a week, stopped eating 2500+ calorie days and began eating about 100 calories below maintenance...and lost close to 20 lbs in about 4 months. So, it can be done.

    I'm a pear shape and went from a size 10 (below the waist) to a size 4. (Although I can't figure out how my *kitten* has only gone down 2 inches in measurement and I can fit in size 2 dresses, but whatever).
  • k8yallen
    k8yallen Posts: 5 Member
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    caitlynah12 wrote: »
    Hi all, i just started Pure Barre and I LOVE it. I'm so happy to find a workout that I actually look forward to doing (its a miracle) and aren't counting down until it's over. I've heard its the best workout to transform your body, but isn't good for weight loss. I can't understand how that works, and no one can really explain it, lol.

    I want to buy the unlimited monthly special so i can go 4-5 times a week but it's WAY beyond my budget at 225/month. I am willing (yet reluctant) to do it if I know it, alongside healthy eating, will be enough to help me lose 20-30 pounds.

    So for Pure Barre peeps, is this the only workout you do? Have you seen results?


  • k8yallen
    k8yallen Posts: 5 Member
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    I do pure Barre about 4 times a week. But 225 a month!? That's crazy, what city are you in? I've lost about 30 from pure barre but remember when you're working your muscles like that they hold onto water. I weigh in everyday, and I didn't go to class for about a week. During that week the scales kept dropping. Muscle weighs more than fat, judge by your cloths and not the scale. Ltb! You're so much stronger than you think you are!
  • pomegranatecloud
    pomegranatecloud Posts: 812 Member
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    k8yallen wrote: »
    I do pure Barre about 4 times a week. But 225 a month!? That's crazy, what city are you in? I've lost about 30 from pure barre but remember when you're working your muscles like that they hold onto water. I weigh in everyday, and I didn't go to class for about a week. During that week the scales kept dropping. Muscle weighs more than fat, judge by your cloths and not the scale. Ltb! You're so much stronger than you think you are!

    $225 per month is a normal price in my area. Most barre studios by me, including Pure Barre, are $200-250+ for monthly memberships.
  • Sixtine79
    Sixtine79 Posts: 62 Member
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    I really like Pure Barre and I think now a great complement is their Platform classes. They're much more cardio and intense and it's a nice addition. The movements are different too so you do get to mix it up a bit.
  • rhonda_casino
    rhonda_casino Posts: 1 Member
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    I've been doing barre classes (not PB - but 2 different studios) since end of January 16' with 1 month off in May for a very stressful move. I'm 49 with extra weight challenges due to peri-menopause/hormonal fluctuations - I have concluded, for myself, to only use barre class once a week for stretching/elongating muscles/flexibility, perfecting balance (so important as we age - in fact, the other day I almost took a dive coming down our wet outside stairs, I slipped on the step with a water bottle in one hand, and a cell phone in the other, and MANAGED to keep myself up from falling! True story!! I couldn't believe the strength in my core to hold myself up from taking that dive and falling on concrete hitting my face!! And I credit it all to barre class twice a week), and strengthening intricate muscles that we would otherwise not be able to do with other fitness routines like hand weights/weights. I have NOT lost weight - my clothes feel the same. Very disappointing. I, myself, absolutely have to add in other forms of exercise, mainly cardio - I also do kettlebell workouts at home with videos, I joined a kickboxing class, like a boxing class, with gloves and that REALLY shreds the weight off!! Diet is also the main player. I too love barre class, I love it for the mental good feeling, the "barre family" vibe, and they also have really cool get togethers. Just last week they had a flash dance on the grassy grounds of a nearby super-mall in our area with about 100 participants. So, I will keep going, drop down to once a week (I find barre to be useful when I am super sore from a kickboxing or kettlebell workout - did I already say those classes will be the classes to shred the weight?? So, to answer the original question, no, for me barre classes aren't going to be the miracle body transforming fitness routine it is often touted as. I must add in cardio and heavier weights (I'm currently using 10-15lb kettlebells, sometimes 5-10lbs handweights for other fitness videos) a few times a week in addition to a 1 or 2 a week barre class. Now, if I were 20 ... I probably wouldn't have to. So, everyone of us is different.

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