Pure Barre — Local services in New York

I attended my first barre class yesterday, and unfortunately, it was one of the most unwelcoming experiences I've had at any fitness studio in the city. I've been to many classes—SoulCycle, Solidcore, Pilates, yoga—and regardless of the pace or popularity of the studio, I’ve always been greeted with warmth and given clear, friendly guidance as a first-time visitor. That was not the case here.

When I arrived (a few minutes early), the front desk staff didn’t smile, barely acknowledged me, and when I mentioned it was my first time, she sighed audibly and rolled her eyes. I understand busy moments happen—but a simple, kind explanation or a little patience would have gone a long way. Instead, I felt like my presence was an inconvenience.

There were no instructions on what to do, where to go, or what to expect. Her speaking pace was so fast it felt deliberately dismissive, and after a rushed sentence pointing vaguely to “the room on the right,” she turned away and didn’t make eye contact again. I genuinely felt like I was being hurried off without a second thought.

It’s disappointing, especially because the studio itself is beautiful—clean, modern, and in a prime location. From the atmosphere, you’d expect a level of service that matches the aesthetic. But the front desk interaction left such a sour impression that it overshadowed everything else. A business in a space like this should aim to reflect not just style, but hospitality. Sadly, that was completely...

I have to admit, I didn’t know exactly what I was in for or how challenging the workout was going to be when I signed up for my first trial class having never ever done barre or regular workout classes before. I’ve also never really enjoyed any exercise with a high-intensity nature due to my scoliosis so I wanted to try something low-impact. The PB team at Flatiron has made every experience since the first such a positive one. Everyone is genuinely welcoming and approachable. I was shocked that Emily the manager was able to recognize me by name just a few classes in. The instructors are so kind, supportive, and really take the time to engage with everyone in the room from start to finish. The space is also impeccable and the locker/shower rooms are stocked with necessities you might need after a workout! I get my butt kicked every time I come in but this is the only kind of exercise that I can’t wait to come back to as soon as it’s done. I wish I had the schedule to be able to come in more often....

I had made a mistake with my booking and selected am instead of pm. The woman refused to help me with the situation. I made the booking through classpass and already used the credit and it wouldn’t let me rebook the time I needed as it was only 10 minutes before the class. I asked if I could book a class for tomorrow and use it today as it couldn’t be done through the website anymore which she didn’t accept. That would have been 2 classes paid for but she didn’t allow it. She only wanted me to pay $38 (for 2 classes)for the class but i had credit in classpass so it wouldn’t make sense to spend more money and also I don’t know if I would like the class. Missed the class I had booked with my friends and had to go home. Super disappointed, there was still space...