Ashley J Tyler Photography

If you know me at all over the last few years, the gym was like a second home – I went to Lifetime at least 5 days a week, determined to get that ‘beach body.” I would be on the treadmill, eliptical or the stair climber, doing my best to sweat it out! While helping out a family last Spring, the mom was telling me all about something called barre. I had absolutely no idea what it was all about, after doing a little research and I realized there was a studio opening in Saint Louis Park called Pure Barre. My timing was perfect, they were doing a soft opening which included a FREE class… um hello, FREE?? Done and done! I walked in, nervous and excited, the staff was terribly friendly and it made me really pumped to get things going. Oh my goodness, I had NO idea what to expect but 10 minutes into class and I was dripping with sweat. I’m telling you, I did not know doing such little movements could make you sweat like that! I looked around, thinking to myself “Why am I the only one shaking and dripping of sweat? Am I out of shape?” Nope, that is just a Pure Barre workout… it’s FANTASTIC.

You’re probably wondering what the heck is barre, well according to their website (they describe it the best), “Pure Barre is a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs and burns fat in record-breaking time. Utilizing the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to fantastic music, Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective, yet safest way to change your body.”

It’s now September, I’ve been taking classes for 2 months and I am positively addicted, some may even say obsessed. During these last few months I’ve never felt more toned, all those days in the gym lifting weights never made my arms and legs look as good as they do now. I can only imagine how I’ll feel after 6 months. I have recruited my mom and best friend Tina, guess what… they are hooked too! We just signed up for a PB Challenge: 20 classes in 30 days, we’ll see which one of us can accomplish it first, but I’m always up for a challenge. Bring it on Pure Bare Betties

I’m not one to talk about something unless I truly believe in it, and I do. Pure Barre works, the women who attend class are every age, size and shape!! The 55 minute classes FLY by, which is exactly what a great workout should be! Come take a class with me, see how you feel… if you don’t love it, lunch is on me but I can almost guarantee you’ll want to come back again! The teachers are so encouraging and friendly, the front desk staff makes you feel right at home and they are always willing to answer your questions about anything! I have to give a quick shout out: THANK YOU LINDSEY, for not only being one of my favorite teachers, but always helping to make sure we have great form, turning up the heat a bit to burn those extra calories and kicking out butts into shape… you’ve been a HUGE inspiration and a great push for all of us! Thanks ladies of Pure Barre for getting me into great shape, can’t wait to see what happens over the next few months!

*I have not been paid or endorsed by Pure Barre, these are my honest opinions about the classes and experiences I’ve had*