Pure Barre — Local services in Washington

Very good start to gentle weight lifting. The downside is that you can't take more than 1 class per day.

1. They don't spend enough time stretching, so yes, you are absolutely more prone to injury if you take more than 1 class per day-- your muscles will tighten up (like mine did, and I stretch & roll & massage every day).
2. The teachers do not explain the technique to most excercises, like sit ups, so if you don't already know how work out properly, I'm not sure if they will teach you. It was also clear they didn't really know technique when I spoke with them, just enough to skim the surface and get by.
3. The music is terrible !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have remix of popular songs which ruins most of the good music out there.
4. They optimize the little space, but with no dressing rooms, no lockers, I really didn't like putting my belongings inside the studio cubbies.
5. After 3-4 lessons, my elbows were starting to suffer from rug burn. I honestly don't understand the socks & carpet thing.
6. There are literally no guys- neither on staff nor in the classes.
7. I hate the cover your middrift and legs dresscode. I love my shorts and sports bras. Seeing my abs in the mirror is also a huge motivation on those hard days, so that was a minus.
8. No classes on saturday evenings, which means I had to miss every Saturday.
9. They do let you try all their specials- like the 1 month intro + the 2 week intro. And a good bridal special as well.

Overall, a...

I got a 20-pack Groupon to go to PureBarre in Capitol Hill and just finished using it. I loved it! The studio is very well-located right in Eastern Market. The class (any type: classic, empower, or reform) is really hard at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets as you build up your strength. I was scared after my first class when my abdominal muscles were in so much pain and my feet slid around everywhere. It did get better! Very important to have grippy socks because PureBarre has a rug in its studio, not a hardwood floor, and you are required to wear socks. You can buy these socks at the studio if you’re in a pinch or on Amazon (for a lot cheaper). All of the instructors are very knowledgeable and help and encourage you throughout class. I have to say that out of all of the instructors, Elyssa and Amanda are probably my favorites—there is zero slacking off in those classes (this is a good thing)! The atmosphere is non-judgmental with everyone working on themselves, so you have no need to feel self-conscious here! That said, I definitely stayed toward the back and away from the front mirrors for my first 15 classes… I...

I am a huge fan of Pure Barre and have been for over four years. It is such an effective workout, the instructors are relentless (and so good!), and the classes are so empowering. If I can get through a Pure Barre class, I feel like I can do anything. The first few classes are rough and I remember dragging myself there to get a good workout, but once I got the hang of the pacing and sequencing, PBDC became a place I really enjoy and look forward to going. Give it at least a week - you'll be sore in all the right places and soon you'll be hooked. :) I cannot recommend Pure Barre enough.

COVID Update The PBDC instructors are still killing it every day - teaching through Facebook Live and Zoom every day, offering a variety of classes and still finding ways to safely instruct and provide effective workouts. I'm amazed every day by them and am so happy to continue my membership and take classes with the best PB team...