At Pure Barre exercise studios, small movements add up to big changes—an ideal choice for those seeking physical fitness in the context of a supportive community. Pure Barre utilizes the ballet barre to perform small, isometric movements for a total-body workout, burning fat, sculpting muscles and creating lean physiques without any bodybuilder bulking.
Founded in 2001 in Michigan by Carrie Rezabek Dorr, a renowned dancer and choreographer, Pure Barre now numbers more than 500 studios in North America, a testament to the technique’s effectiveness.
In Brentwood, Pure Barre is operated by Susan Strauss, who has taken barre for over seven years. Pure Barre Brentwood has over 10 expert instructors who lead clients in 45- to 50-minute routines such as Pure Barre Classic and Pure Reform, the former utilizing gear such as tubes and balls and the latter blending strength sculpting with balance training and resistance bands. Regardless of the type of course, however, expect an extremely effective workout in a high-intensity atmosphere set to motivating music with average class sizes of around 14 participants.
“It’s like a family,” says long-time member April. “It’s empowering and rewarding. I just reached my 1,000th class a month ago.”
“It’s not yoga or Pilates,” Susan says. “This workout is for everyone. We have people from 16 to 75, and you don't have to have a dancer's background! We pride ourselves on making personal connections — getting to know each and every client. We challenge and motivate each other as well as hold each other accountable for classes. It is an incredible workout for toning and strengthening your core.”