Pure Barre Leads Ballet-Inspired Fitness

“Lift. Tone. Burn.” This is motto of one of the latest fitness trends: Pure Barre. It’s a ballet-inspired fitness regimen mostly centered on the handrail used in ballet training — the barre — with Pilates influences in the mix.

Pure Barre not only burns fat and tones muscles, but helps stabilize your balance and better your posture. Carrie Rezabek Dorr, a dancer and choreographer, designed the technique and opened the first studio in Birmingham, Mich., in 2001. It is now the most successful barre studio established in the United States.

This 55-minute, full-body workout produces incredible results fast. It focuses on isometric movements, working into the small muscles, producing a slender rather than bulky look with weights, an exercise ball and resistance bands. You begin with a warm-up and move into ab toning and upper body strengthening, where light 2–5-pound weights are used. The barre is used to target hips, thighs and seat — butt — followed by abdominal work. Class ends with a cool-down/stretch session to increase flexibility.

Focus on the contraction of the muscles and try to make movements sharp. The sharper the movement, the longer you will have to hold a contraction, which will cause your muscles to shake and ultimately change your body more quickly.

Many love Pure Barre for the low-impact workouts that put zero pressure on the joints. The movements are natural, so if you have back or knee issues, this is a great option. It’s even completely safe for pregnant women.

Due to the small class size caps, instructors are attentive and will correct you if you’re doing something harmful to your body. The classes rev up your metabolism; despite it not looking like a tough workout, you will increase your heart rate. The classes also help burn fat and build lean muscle.

Individual classes are priced around $25, and vary depending on the specific studio. Monthly, yearly, class packs and specials are also available.

In Pure Barre, bigger is not better.