Our Moms Run This Town group was offered the opportunity last week to check out the new Pure Barre Platform Class at our local Pure Barre studio. I have mentioned in the past that I really did not love the original Pure Barre format when I checked it out last year. The major reason was the original format did not have any cardio and I am a sweat junkie. I need to sweat or I don’t feel like I’ve had a good workout. I was excited to check out this new Pure Barre Platform class to see how it differed.
For the platform class, everyone has their own small platform (think old school step aerobics on a smaller scale) that is placed in front of the barre. During the class, you use the platform in conjunction with the barre to do both low impact cardio and more traditional barre moves.
Since our class was all newbies, none of us really knew what were doing and were grateful to receive lots of cues and encouragement from the studio manager. This youtube video demonstrates some of the moves you might find in a typical platform class. I did not look nearly as graceful while performing them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufUsG4p0g3I
As you can see, the Platform Pure Barre class differs quite a bit from the traditional barre class. Many of the platform moves reminded me of the step aerobics classes I used to take back in college. My heart rate did indeed go up and I was definitely sweating while trying to keep up.
Our 55 minute class combined high intensity cardio with low intensity sculpting moves using light weights. Towards the end of the class there was a challenging ab/core routine both with and without the platform. Classes are done without shoes and you are required to wear socks.
Pure Barre Platform could be a great cross training workout for runners and I can see why so many of my runner friends enjoy pairing the two together. Some of the ladies really swear by the toning benefits and credit the Pure Barre moves for getting them back into pre baby shape. Not to get too “fifty shades” but one of my friends is convinced Pure Barre moves helped her in the bedroom as well. Just saying 🙂
What I liked:
-Higher intensity cardio
-Variety of exercises targeting full body
-Strength training with weights
-Good complement to running
-Focus on smaller muscles not often targeted
-Great motivating music
What I did not like:
-Not wearing shoes. I personally feel more comfortable exercising with shoes which may not be an issue for others.
-I’d like to have more stretching during cool down.
As with any new class, there is a learning curve and I believe if I attended a few more classes I would be able to pick up the jargon and the moves a little easier.
Thanks again to Pure Barre Mclean for offering to host our MRTT group. We are looking forward to coming back.
Have you tried Pure Barre Platform Classes yet? What do you think?
Linking up with:
Wild Workout Wednesday: Nicole, AnnMarie, Michelle, Michelle
It’s been a long time since I went to a barre class. It was hard then…this might kill me, haha! 🙂
It is really different but I am pretty sure that you would be just fine
This looks fun but I could see myself falling off that platform! #klutz
LOL At least it’s not far to fall!
You know how I feel about PB – I love Platform as well but it definitely takes some getting used to. Glad you enjoyed the sweat!
Yes I know you love PB!! I really liked the platform class more than the original but yes takes some getting used to for sure
I still haven’t gotten to try out pure barre yet! The drop in classes just seem so expensive to me I can’t justify it! But this class sounds awesome!
The drop in prices are very $$ sometimes they have special events or trial classes.
I’ve been attending a lot of barre classes lately. This seems like an interesting twist on the classic.
I bet you would enjoy it!
I’ve never even been to a barre class yet, but this sounds interesting. Thanks for reviewing it! And how fun that they invited your whole group to attend.
It was so great that they did a private class for us-lots of laughs all around
I’ve only done one Pure Barre class. I think it was back in 2012. I liked it well enough, but not enough to make it my thing. I’d definitely go with a bunch of friends, though!
Way more fun with friends!
I’m like you…. if I don’t sweat, I feel like I still need to workout, which is why I have not liked most barre classes I’ve tried…. but will see if I can find this to give it a try… I’m making it a goal to try everything at least once.
I love to try out new classes as well just to see what they are all about but I need the sweat
Interesting! I didn’t know Pure Barre had added another type of class. I like that it incorporates a little cardio.
Yes so did I !
I like the regular PB classes more because I do need to take my time and focus on what I should be strength training. Speed makes my form drop, but going slower really helps me target those weak spots. I haven’t taken another platform class yet, but may during the winter.
We all like different types of classes so it’s great to see more variety in their schedule.
I have bot tried barre anything…but would love to give it a whirl (ha! no pun intended). I would be the awkward one, though, hoping everyone else was too focused on their own form that they wouldn’t see me basking in my klutziness
I have to say I am not very good at it. There is a definite learning curve
I adore barre- its my favoueite way to work out!! i need to try this type!
Oh I bet you would love it then!
Very interesting! Make me consider seeking one out!
It’s different than regular barre you might like it
This sounds really cool! I like that there is more variety and think that I’d really like this class! If only it weren’t so expensive, sigh…!
They are pricey but sometimes they have special or free classes check it out
How fun. I’ve always wanted to try a Pure Barre class.
It was fun to try something new
I’m the same way as you! I love and need my cardio. If I don’t sweat, I don’t feel like I had a good workout, so this barre class seems right up my alley!
Exactly!!
Looks like so much fun!
It is always fun to try something new with my crew
I want to try this!! I feel the exact same as you re: Pure Barre. I need the cardio or at least to sweat. I’ve heard good things about this one.
It was much faster paced and different from traditional PB
My BF Kitty got platform certified to teach the platform class but I have not been up to Atlanta yet to try it. I think I would like this style better than the original class- looking forward to it one day 🙂
Oh fun! You should go check it out with her.
I think I’d still enjoy step aerobics if it were still a thing. 🙂
Me too! Maybe we should bring it back again maybe without the thong leotards 🙂
LOVE! So barre is what I’m dying to try! I wanted to in Cali but the girls couldn’t go so I didn’t. I got back home and the closest place is about 30 mins away and then I got injured. So I’m thinking about doing a couple weeks of Piyo starting next week to see how my body does and order BarreAmped to do at home and then if I like it drive down and do a class a few times a week after dropping the girls off at school.
I would definitely wait until you are feeling better. There are some specific moves that you want to be able to do pain free
This sounds like such a fun class! I’m a bit like you with the shoe thing! I used to workout in bare feet but once I started wearing shoes I couldn’t go back, haha!
Ever since I had PF I need to wear shoes all the time.
Believe it or not, I still have yet to give barre a try. It just hasn’t fit nicely into my training schedules.
I did not really care for traditional barre classes but I enjoyed this higher intensity class more.
I haven’t tried this yet, but it really does look great! I love that they added a little aerobic activity– because I did feel like I missed this a little in the barre class.
I totally agree!
I have been wanting to try barre but just haven’t yet! I love the boutique fitness trend but price holds me back….boo!
Yes it is definitely $$$ it was nice they offered a free class for MRTT
I like that this is a more cardio intense version of barre.
Yes I did too! I need to sweat 🙂
I like Pure Barre Platform and I try to do exercise with the fitness to gain nice body .
You are a mom of two teenagers but you look still very young, I think I need to join your class
Seems so fun! I really love to join a barre class. But I have no time and I really scare to falling off. I did it once in my home and it was hurt like hell.
Well I think there is a learning curve for sure!! Try again