Pure Barre, a dance-inspired workout studio that is often referred to as “the workout that is sweeping the nation,” is set to open its Tuscaloosa location on Aug.1 next to Bow Regards on McFarland Boulevard.
Owner Jodi Bearman said Pure Barre fitness combines the benefits of many other trendy workouts, such as yoga and Zumba, so the customer gets more out of the workout. She said Pure Barre customers will see guaranteed changes if they go to 10 classes in three weeks.
Pure Barre’s was founded in 2001 by Carrie Rezabek Dorr, a dancer and choreographer, and has grown to be nationwide after franchising in 2009. The fitness phenomenon has been featured on “The Today Show” and in magazines such as Health, Cosmopolitan and Allure.
“It is literally the fastest, most effective way to change your body — by utilizing a ballet bar to perform small isometric movements — and it’s all set to music,” Bearman said. “It’s always challenging, but depending on the level you are at, you can change the resistance.”
The long, lean muscles of a dancer are guaranteed to women who regularly participate in Pure Barre classes by lifting the butt and toning the thighs and upper body.
The prices for Tuscaloosa’s Pure Barre have not been set, but studios in Birmingham and other locations typically cost around $20 per class and have a number of monthly payment options. Like many other fitness fads, the classes are aimed at women seeking fitter figures.
Emily Rogers, a junior majoring in management and marketing, said she would much rather go to a group workout class than sit on a machine by herself. She said she enjoys taking Zumba, spinning and Hips, Butts and Guts at the University Recreation Center.
“I have heard that Pure Barre is fantastic,” Rogers said. “It’s a total body workout using a ballet bar to perform workout movements, which to me sounds like so much fun.”
However, some students may stray away from the higher-priced classes. Sarah Thigpen, a junior majoring in interdisciplinary studies, said she has tried a few fitness fads and is willing to try a Pure Barre class.
“Pure Barre sounds like something that I’ll try, but I think that the price of the class will stop me from going more than once,” Thigpen said.
Caroline Meyers, a junior majoring in communication studies, has participated in multiple group workouts such as Crossfit, yoga and spinning.
“I’m a runner, but I have heard of Pure Barre,” Meyers said. “I would definitely be willing to try it, but I think it’s too expensive for college kids.”
To keep students from being deterred by the cost, Bearman plans on offering the first class for free, as well as student discount rates. For more information regarding discounts and opening specials closer to August, Bearman encourages students to check Pure Barre Tuscaloosa’s Facebook page, facebook.com/purebarretuscaloosa.
