I’m the Try-Athlete, I try the latest fitness and
diet trends so you don’t have to. These past two weeks have been all about
trying the newest fitness craze the Barre (pronounced bar) method. The Barre
method creates a sculpted body through isometrics, dance, physical therapy and
interval training. So I googled Barre method in Los Angeles, CA and found Pure
Barre on Wilshire Blvd, Pure Barre is a
cardio version of the Barre method and its pretty intense. I had no idea what I
was in for my first class, the class was 100% female and everyone had cute
little ballerina buns and Lululemon outfits on. I had my own ballerina bun and
was ready to kick ass in my first Barre class. I run and do Insanity which I consider
to be a very tough workout so I thought this would be a piece of cake and let
me tell you fitness junkies this Barre class kick my behind. I was sweating
within the first 5 minutes of class. I had asked before I signed up for class
if it was a beginner’s class and the lady told me that it was fine for a
beginner.
The Barre method is all about making little moves
over and over again for a few minutes. The Barre method works everything but it
really focuses on women's problem areas arms, abs, butt and thighs. We started
off with arms 2lbs weights in each hand, it sounds easy but then we had to make
little moves over and over with the weights and let me tell you those weights
start to get heavy and your muscles start to get really tired and hurt. Next we
stretched the muscles we had just been working on. I was glad to stretch
because it gave me a chance to catch my breath. We moved on the ballet bar and
focused on thighs, back against the bar come into a sitting position and put a
medium size ball between our legs and squeeze your legs together. My legs were
burning at the end of each set and it just kept going and going. Each set of
exercises made my muscles more tired and near the end of the workout my legs
were trembling. Finally class ended and I couldn’t believe how sore I was
already. My legs were like jelly and I wasn’t looking forward to my two hour
drive back home to Palm Springs, CA with my 5 speed, I think I’m the only
person left still driving a stick shift.
I knew I was going to be extremely sore the next day even though I was
relieved I had finished the class, it was a challenge and I was already
thinking about going back to try it again.
A few days later after I fully recovered I went back for my second class. I thought the second class would be easier than the first because I had already done it once and learned the basic moves. I was wrong, the class had a different instructor and she was tough. It was like I had the nice teacher my first class and a military drill sergeant my second. I was corrected numerous times on form and started to feel self-conscious I couldn’t wait for class to end.
Overall I would say Pure Barre is very challenging,
if you are looking for a workout that works your problem areas then its right
for you. This workout is tough and you need to concentrate on correct form and
movement, but I believe the results are worth the pain. Believe or not I would
go to another Pure Barre class because I like being challenged and overcoming
that challenge. Untill next week stay fit!
