Pure Barre — Local services in Portage

Long story but it’s explains why I’m giving such a low rating.

I called multiple times to try and cancel my membership and finally received a call back just for the woman to be extremely rude. First of all, I’m in college and can’t really afford things like this but I loved it so much I thought I’d splurge. I was charged for the first month for $99 (the student discount) which was completely fine. I also bought a tshirt and socks because I am a firm believer in supporting small and local businesses. But it was something that actually was making me happy so I didn’t care if I had to be cautious with my spending until my next pay check. I was told when I signed up that it was okay for me to only pay for the one month and that I wouldn’t be charged again since I told them in person and that I’d just have to call for them to cancel it over the computer. Fast forward, I looked at my card since it suddenly said it only had $3 on it. Of course I was freaking out and went to see what was charged and saw the $149 charge. I’ve always had so much fun at these classes and loved the environment and people, so I thought this would be easily taken care of since everyone has always been so nice. The woman on the phone (I’m pretty sure the owner), told me she would not be fixing the mistake of over charging me and that she will make me pay for another month and the extra $50 will just go toward that. When I said I don’t have the money to pay for this month or the extra month, I was told that it’s my fault for not reading the email sent to me. Even though I paid for the membership in the studio and was told differently, and that there was no possible way that I would be told that since it’s “policy”. I also said since I’d been trying to cancel it and no one ever answered my calls if there would be any lenience, especially since I hadn’t been to any of the classes this month either. I was told it wasn’t her fault and it’s not her job to babysit me since she had so many members. Which seems like that’s not the case since she can’t refund me at least the $50 that I would’ve had if she hadn’t made the mistake of overcharging me. Also said that it’s not her fault that my calls hadn’t been returned because her usual person answering phone calls had been sick the entire week and still hadn’t come back to work yet. She also made sure I knew she was running a small business and can’t just give handouts and refunds to anyone who asks.Which I understand, but it’s just the fact she couldn't even be kind on the phone and chose to be greedy. I also went on my app to see if it still said I was a student and sure enough it did, so basically charged me the extra money and is now making me pay for another month since I didn’t send an email instead of calling 30 days in advance...

I haven't been to a Pure Barre before this one opened up and I've had such an amazing experience. Everyone is kind and personable. All of them intentionally remember names and they always strive to perform their best. There's nothing but positivity from the instructors. I don't ever feel pressured into anything and I've only ever felt comfortable. If I have any issues going on, they are so quick to help in any way possible. The classes themselves are challenging but satisfying and I'm happy they are offering more levels. This high intensity but low impact workout is just what I need. These workouts aren't something I would do on my own and coming into the studio gives me the motivation to do so.

They have a few different packages to purchase or you can purchase one class at a time. They also run promotions often, if you're looking for an opportunity to get in for a good price. Your first class with them is free and is a good introduction on the movements and dialogue they use during class. They have an app you can easily download to sign up for classes and create your profile, which is convenient.

The mixture of an outstanding staff, an amazing workout, and an easy sign up, is all the more reason to checkout...

Not sure I can say the behavior of these negative reviewers, many of them members of WMU's Delta Zeta chapter, align with their sorority's six core values: friendship, curiosity, generosity, empowerment, community, and belonging. What I CAN say is that Pure Barre Kalamazoo is EXACTLY all of those things. It's a life changing experience filled with wonderful people - not just a workout. I simply cannot fathom the selfishness, lack of humanity, grace, and class one must have in order to intentionally organize an attack aimed to maliciously hurt a small, locally owned business. Pure Barre Kalamazoo is a home to SO MANY and was just rebuilt and reopened 2 months ago after a tornado completely wiped them out in May. All of this over a couple hundred bucks. You signed a legally binding agreement. Black and white. Take this as a key learning moment, delete your reviews, and spend your Thanksgiving break doing some...