Pure Barre - Ballet is not for sissies.

This is pretty much what I looked like last night...HA! Not even close...I was the girl with noodle-like legs gripping the ballet bar for dear life.

I am a newbie to this whole pure barre/barre scuplt/(ballet,pilates,yoga) fusion thing, so here is a brief description of what it's all about. The Pure Barre Technique is a total body workout that burns fat and produces lifted seats, toned arms, thin thighs, and flat abs by fusing elements of ballet, pilates and weights in a 55 minute intense session. It is the most effective, fastest, yet safest way to change your body. Pure Barre is an intelligent exercise technique- each strengthening section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create strong, long, lean muscle without the bulk, while increasing range of motion. Pure Barre will not only quickly transform your body, it will clear your mind, help you focus and contribute to a happy and healthy life.

I must admit I was quite intimidated walking into the studio for the first time, but the instructors were super nice and welcoming at put me at ease immediately. (I went to Seren Motus in Cool Springs for those that may be interested - http://www.serenmotus.com/). We gathered all the equipment we would need for the class which was just a mat, a hand strap, and some hand weights. I scoffed when I was advised to just grab the 1 pound weights...um, excuse me but have you seen these guns?! But about 5 minutes into the upper body portion of the workout I was practically begging for a spotter. After arms we moved over to the ballet bar where the real fun began: thigh work. The idea is to work your muscles to fatigue, at which point my body started shaking. I think she even referred to one of the moves as the 'Ring of Fire' or something...literally muscles.on.fire.

Imagine sitting in a chair position (already tortured) and doing sets of exercises in this position while holding onto a barre. Imagine standing on your tiptoe, gripping the barre, as you sink your knees into a squat and then slowly (but repeatedly) tucking your butt in just for a extra shot of pain in your lower thighs and your gluteus maximus. Imagine sitting beneath the barre, pushing up with your hands while lifting your heavy legs up using your abs. This was what we did for 55 minutes...

I survived the Pure Barre Class and all I have is the pain in my gluteus maximus to show for it. In addition, it is my prediction that I will be bootylicious in no time. For anyone who is seeking for a different fitness experience, try Pure Barre. Your bathing suit will thank you.

Here is a video that shows what it's all about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NNwnFp7RxU