Pure Barre

I literally never write reviews but I feel like I’d be doing a disservice to other people considering spending money here. I just joined class pass and this was my first time going to Pure Barre. After transferring three trains just to get here from work, and arriving at the desk at EXACTLY 7:05 the girl at the front desk told me that they have a policy to not let anyone in after 5 minutes. Despite the fact that this was my FIRST time ever stepping foot in their studio. I’m typically a really punctual person, but I imagine I’m occasionally going to be 5 min late for gym classes on days after work – if you’re like me and expect some understanding especially from the establishments that you spend your money at (and in the case of a membership to Pure Barre, a lot of money), then this is not the place for you.
I joined class pass to try and figure out which boutique studio I wanted to get a full time membership with. Needless to say I won’t be back.

Just attended my first week of classes at this location and loved it! At first it was definitely very intimidating. However the instructor was very helpful and kept coming up to me and helping me with my form. The workout itself is intense but a lot of fun. The work out includes a lot of maintenance of certain poses and small muscle movements. The studio is very clean, new and comfortable. I can’t wait to return again during my next break!

Spacious, very well organized and pretty hard-​core. The instructors are all serious, attentive and teach a very similar set of movements. The good is that the daytime classes are sparsely attended and I enjoyed them way more than the packed to the gills evening classes. Also the energy is better during off-​peak times, as the most popular slots attract a very uptight and competitive crowd. If that’s you, you will love the added incentive, if you are a newbie, the first couple of classes might feel a tad surreal: think Stepford Wives and you’ll get the picture:)
The classes are focused on gluts, abs and leg work. If you have the budget or just trying out the method during a promotional run, you will definitely feel results fast!

I love this studio. The classes are tough but that’s what I’m looking for out of a workout. The facilities are super clean and everyone is very friendly. When I was new to Barre, the instructors were really helpful at teaching me the basics and paying special attention to my form. I feel like my form has improved overall because of their attention to detail.

As a former professional ballet dancer, I was looking for something new. I’m not the kind of person who wants to feel like they are going to puke mid-​class. (Kudos if you are.) I found Pure Barre to be a great workout for me. Yes, it is repetitive but much like dance, performing the same movements over and over gives you a chance to find and work those smaller muscle groups; you really get a good workout if you stick with it. I gained my strength, tone and flexibility back, not to mention the confidence to strut around in shorter shorts. :) Can’t wait to start back up in January. PS Morning classes are my favorite.

Ok, as some of the other reviews have called out, the classes are a little repetitive (there is definitely a «routine» and less up to instructor discretion than at Exhale or Physique 57). However I appreciate how much Pure Barre focuses on abs — a significant portion of the warm up is like super-​charged pilates, and then there are three longer ab sections toward the end of the workout as well. Instructors are universally good at time management so you’re never short changed a part of the workout. They are also good at corrections (particularly Kristen and Sarah) so you’re always challenged to work at your edge.
I also appreciate the professionalism here — the class management is excellent so there is no time wasted in grabbing mats or putting away weights, and the instructors are very thorough in explaining what to expect and checking for injuries and modifications before class. The facilities are clean and meticulously well-​maintained, and the class sizes are limited so even full classes are not unnecessarily chaotic like at some studios. Also, and I think this matters a lot — everyone here is extremely nice/​easy to work with, from the instructors to the front desk staff. It’s a well oiled machine for sure and allows you to focus on your workout and not on logistics.

I’ve been going to Pure Barre for about a year and I absolutely love it. Surprisingly, the workout has gotten more challenging for me over time — my first few months I didn’t sweat that much but now I sweat profusely during class. They change the warm-​up every few months and recently added in double bands, so there is plenty of challenge and variety. Still, I’ve found 2x a week to be the sweet spot for me, even though they recommend going 3−4x a week. I tried going more often (when they were running a special) and found I didn’t try as hard and also missed doing cardio. So 2x a week it is for me (which is much better on my wallet).
I’ve still seen results at that rate. I’ve built a good deal of strength by going to Pure Barre — I can now do real push-​ups and hold a plank much longer than I used to. I dropped a dress and pant size, and overall I am looking a lot more toned and perky than I did this time last year.
Teachers are consistently great. My favorites are Sarah, Kate and Kristen. If you’re new, I recommend going to the free workshop — I got a lot more out of the workout after doing that, even though I’d already been going a while. I also think it helps to go to classes at less popular times, because the teacher is able to give more adjustments when there are fewer people in the room. The owner of the studio, Tiffany, is really responsive on email if you have an issue, which I also appreciate.
I love that they offer so many classes, even as late as 8:30 on a weeknight, which is great for someone with a busy work schedule. And the vibe is really great. Before I started I was worried it would be all former dancers with visible thigh gaps, and me sticking out like a sore thumb. But there is a lot of body diversity and no one really pays attention to anyone but the teacher — I like that I can just do my own thing and get in my own zone.
It does get price-​y, but I appreciate that they have run some sales recently, which it makes the cost easier to bear. They are also on classpass, but the most popular times go quickly.
Some minor quibbles: I wish there was a shower (so that I could go before work) and I wish there was more of a cardio element (the name, alas, is «pure barre») but these are minor things. I’ve tried the other barre classes in the neighborhood, and Pure Barre remains my fave.

These classes are the best. I feel so great after I go and start getting addicted to how great you feel afterwards. I wish they weren’t so expensive so I could go more often though

Enjoyed the facilities here much more than Williamsburg. For one thing, they’re much bigger and spread out. The class was probably just as crowded but it didn’t feel that way. Lindsey was a great instructor and kept us pumped and moving. I do wish she had the bandwidth to spend a bit more time which each student (I honestly had no clue of I was tuck-​ing correctly) especially given the price of this class.
I love this location so am impartial to visiting this studio again. Also, given the classes are consistent it certainly helps to know what you are getting yourself into. I already feel much stronger definition in my legs and abs as a result of just a few Barre experiences. Will definitely be visiting again!
PS– be sure to wear your prettiest Lululemon or Pure Barre apparel.

So I started going to Pure Barre while I was visiting home over the holidays in Alabama. My mother gifted me a 2 week unlimited pass. It took a solid 3 – 4 classes for me to not to feel like I was going off to war but after that I really grew to enjoy it. The classes were always a challenge and always a bit different from the one I attended before.
When I came back to Brooklyn I signed up for the 6 week unlimited package. So far I’ve been managing 3 times a week. It’s been great. I’m seeing changes in my body improvements in my ability.
However, I have one really big complaint. The classes at this particular studio are all EXTREMELY SIMILAR. Instructors, I like you all so much, but I’m starting to get bored. I know for a fact there are many ways to utilize the ball and tube that we have not been doing in the classes. I know this because we did them a lot at the studio in Alabama. Speaking of the tube… for some reason the Cobble Hill location on uses one kind of resistance tube and only stretching at the beginning and end of class. At the other studio there were 3 different kinds of tubes. We would use them wrapped around the bar for creative resisting and stabilizing. We would also use them on the floor to help strengthen our hips.
So yeah… lack of variety is why I am rating this with only 3 stars… over all the workouts have been greatly effective but I KNOW that there are many other variations on the exercises that we are not getting at this location.
Also the music… it’s the same music at every location and while it’s not my favorite it will do. But is it possible to preplan so we are not repeating a song 3 times? I swear that happened tonight. I’m ok with hearing two different songs while I work on my seat.
Hopefully someone in charge will see this and perhaps make the needed changes.

This is a really nice, new, clean studio in Cobble Hill. There is one bathroom and a row of benches and lockers. The studio itself is big and stocked with brand new equipment. The only negative is that there was a TON of hair on the floor, and it got stuck to me during the workout. I get it– girls shed a lot, but I think they could probably vacuum a bit more often.
The workout was awesome! The instructor was very clear, and she paid special attention to me because she knew it was my first class. The class went by really quickly and was challenging and full of variety. I didn’t love the playlist – it was a little too poppy for my taste, but it wasn’t terrible.
–1 star because they don’t have a shower, and therefore I can’t go in the morning before work. But overall, a really great studio and class. I’ll definitely return.

I wanted to love Pure Barre so badly. A devout Physique 57-​er, the distance from my home in Brooklyn was making working out tough, so I was excited to find a barre studio in Brooklyn. I purchased the new student special ($ 150/​unlimited month) and here’s the low down:
PROS:
— clean studio and equipment
— friendly staff
— good workout (arms + core specifically)
CONS:
— every. single. class. is. exactly. the. same. I’m shocked no one else has called this out… I took 7 classes with 4 different instructors over the course of 2.5 weeks and I kid you not, word for word, tuck for tuck, every class was the same. There was zero variety both in the position descriptions and the exercises themselves. In fact, I have the 55 minute script so engrained in my brain that I no longer need to take class! I can just «up an in inch and down an inch» by myself in the comfort of my own living room. All are welcome.
— the music is… not good. aside from the fact that songs were repeated class after class (see point above) the music itself was just mind-​numbing.
— there’s only one level of class, and when each class is the same (see points above, again), and you’re going 3 times a week it gets boring.
— there are hardly any explanations to the movements — am I doing this right? No clue, because no one is adjusting me or giving any indication as to what we should be feeling or doing. Something other than counting down from multiples of 10 would be great.
I realize I might be slightly biased as I’m comparing PB to P57, but I gatta be honest, these were not as hard, or as nearly fun. Back to the city I go!

I love Pure Barre. It’s one of the only workouts that I’ve stuck with and really enjoyed along the way. The studio is approachable, welcoming, tidy, and spacious. The staff are open to all questions and concerns. If you come regularly, the staff even pick up your name!
That said, keeping up PB on a regular basis is unrealistic to all but the wealthiest of the neighborhood; at 35 bucks a class, this is a «treat yourself» workout rather than a daily practice. They do offer the occasional Gilt deal, and their new client special is pretty awesome.

I first started going to Pure Barre when I purchased a gilt deal. I was intimidated at first since I sweat a lot and lack coordination but even in the sea of Lululemon I felt I was able to keep up. I then purchased the new client special and loved the deal — I went 6 times each week and felt great. Now I’m at the end of the month and sad because it’s just so expensive. I was teasing my boyfriend about his $ 70 ymca membership but I guess that’s a bargain!
The staff are all nice and the instructors are great. Hopefully they run a special when the park slope location opens !

Pure Barre is an amazing workout regimen that gets you results in as little as 6 weeks (if you go regularly). Here are the pros: this studio is clean, nice, teachers are very friendly and welcoming (Kristen is my favorite). The work out itself is THE MOST EFFICIENT exercise routine I’ve every used. From start to finish, every minute is planned out in Pure Barre. You will never get bored, becaase every 20 seconds they will mix up the exercise, even if its just a tiny change. It forces you to stay focused and keep moving. The emphasis on micro movements really allows you to tighten and tone hard to reach areas. You work 4 major muscle groups (arms, legs, abs, butt) and in between you take small stretch breaks. The time really FLIES in this class because it is jam packed. This is an ideal work out for a neurotic NY’er who gets bored in spin or impatient in yoga.
Even beyond that, I have to say I was surprised at how welcoming the studio was. It’s not a boot-​camp style work out – the women in attendance all had different body types (tones of pregnant ladies) and I never felt the teachers were pushing. When you get tired or can’t do it, you slow down and nobody looks at you funny. The work out is REALLY challenging and everybody cheats at some point so don’t be intimidated.
The cons: I don’t know why not 1 of these lovely teachers can play good music. Seriously the music sucks. They play the worst techno remixes of crappy pop songs like an electronic version of something by taylor swift. they also repeat songs so in the same class you might hear the same said taylor swift song twice. What’s up with that guys? Music is KEY in an exercise class. I’m sure you can do better.
Ok, the biggest con of all is price. I have NO idea where the folks at pure barre get off charging 35 bucks per class and 250 bucks for a monthly membership. It is insane and absolutely untenable for me to stick with this routine. I received a deal about bought 10 classes for 100 bucks. Then they let me join as a new student monthly unlimited for 150, which was great. I went as often as I could. Now that my new student rate is done, I haven’t gone back and I doubt I will unless they offer another deal.
I recognize that they charge what the market will bear so obviously people are willing to pay this much, but its pretty ridiculous. No exercise class should cost 35 bucks and hour. My medical co pays to see doctors are less than that.
If you can afford it, its totally awesome and I feel like I tightened and toned so much in a short period of time (and got many compliments from my husband, might I add!).

I HATE EXERCISE. I love pure barre! Sounds weird but it’s true. I have never stuck to a routine in my life, and just completed my 100^th class at pure barre this weekend. This work out is very motivating, and changes your body gradually. And you feel stronger. The instructors are very good — and do a good job of both challenging and cheering you on.
It’s a work out that the more you push yourself — the more benefits you reap. It’s worth trying!

I got a deal to workout here ($ 150 unlimited for 1 month), and even with the discount I thought the classes were extravagantly priced for what was offered.
Each class is almost identical. The instructors recite a script. Yes, the same feel-​good, pep-​you-​up catch phrases are repeated every single class, at the same point of the class, regardless of who is teaching the class. The exercises themselves have some minor variations from class-​to-​class, but overall, I felt like I was paying for what amounted to a very expensive workout video.
Also, compared to other barre classes I’ve taken, the classes here were much easier and had almost no emphasis on cardio. The classes were also quite large, so there’s not much individualized attention or help with corrections. That being said, the teachers are open to answering questions after class, and I saw them happily interacting with students who requested assistance.
I did feel good at the end of the classes, and I noticed an appreciable improvement in my run times after a couple of weeks of classes, which I attribute to the class strengthening my leg and core muscles.

Very new and clean studio. Great exercise that works out many muscles of your body– pretty challenging at times. Front desk people are always helpful and instructors are nice, but like some people said, can be better at explaining. At times during the exercises, I am wondering if I am doing the right movements or not. Ive taken this class like ten times and I’m not even a hundred percent sure on some of the moves we do. The instructors do not explain anything.
Got the Gilt deal of 10 classes for $ 130. They have a special going on now for $ 150 unlimited classes a month. I like their online signing up system for classes also. Dont buy their $ 15 socks because they kept falling off my feet during class.

I waited to get 2 classes in before reviewing this studio. I must say it is very nice, well equipped, and quite clean which I definitely appreciate. The classes themselves are a major challenge which is great and leave me feeling it the next day for sure! However, at least today I know the teacher did not ask about any students with prior injuries which seems irresponsible. Throughout class I’d also just benefit from some more explanation and information on what muscle groups I am working. Besides that I just find the teachers to seem kind of downtrodden and lacking in enthusiasm. When doing such hard exercises I find that a little positivity really does help make it an easier and more fun experience. I did get a Gilt deal so classes are currently reasonably priced for me, but I doubt I will return following the end of my series.

I recently bought a 10-​class voucher for the Brooklyn — Cobble Hill location of Pure Barre and attended my first class last night — what an awesome workout! My legs are still trembling today…
The space itself is really nice — I was given a brief tour by the instructor before the class, and guided on what equipment I’d need to bring to my chosen spot in the studio. The studio is quite large and the floors are carpeted — no shoes allowed! I brought sticky socks with me, which are also available for purchase at the front desk.
The class itself was incredibly challenging, in the best possible way! The instructor went at a quick pace but was never difficult to follow. I’m one of those people who gets anxious in classes, especially when I don’t know what I’m doing, but this was a class where you could sort of blend into the background and do your best without being called out!
I’m quite sore this morning, so I know it was a great workout.
Minus one star for the price — this place is NOT cheap, but I suppose on par with those who splurge for Soul Cycle and the like. I was able to get a Gilt City deal that comes out to about $ 13.50 per class, which is more than half off the regular price — ouch! I’ll see if it’s worth the splurge after I complete my ten classes!