Pure Barre

I love coming to this Pure Barre studio to lift, tone and burn! Like every Seattle area PB studio, the staff is always super friendly, the facilities, lockers and equipment are pristine and the workouts are challenging and effective. I’m sad my ClassPass membership only lets me take three PB classes a month!
The workout space is pretty large and can accommodate about 15 – 20 people. Spots fill up here during peak hours, namely around 4:15 p.m. or later, but I’ve never seen anyone get turned away. There’s plenty of «mirror» space for those who like to watch their form while doing barre work. Plus, they also now offer platform classes that I can’t wait to try.
I especially like this studio because it’s close to where I live plus there’s free two-​hour parking in the immediate area — which is pretty rare in Capitol Hill. PB is always a fun time!

I found this place pretty underwhelming. The instructor didn’t take much time to explain things, and the energy in the room was pretty weak. I would expect more for the $$$.

This place intimidates me. I don’t know if I can go back until I have decent workout clothes. I felt the burn though!!!

On vacation I needed to to find a barre studio for while my bf was at a conference. So happy I found pure barre! They had a deal– 3 classes and a pair of barre socks, perfect for my stay! The workout is really hard. My legs were shaking the entire time. Def going to lift, tone, and burn in Boston too!

Amy was an amazing instructor! She was extremely helpful and pleasant. She continuously walked around the room correcting your form to insure you were doing the moves correctly and not possibly hurting yourself. She was very patient and the class was very challenging but extremely tolerable. I will most definitely be returning!
Also the studio itself was very clean and nice.

Purre Barre is a clean studio, in a super convenient location. Their instructors and front desk staff are genuinely interested in helping you succeed. Needless to say, I was very excited to try my first barre class.
If you are someone who enjoys barre workouts, I can’t imagine finding a better spot to do those tiny movements that break open your core. Its challenging, gentle, and effective. With the above being said, some things are not meant for everyone and I want to say that this work out can feel a little silly. The movements are small and most of the time you are on the ground. Sometimes with a big rubber band around your ankles. The music is misleading considering this, as its high energy and loud! I can see why people become addicted, but its not for all.

I have tons of friends that rave about Pure Barre, and I love it too! I had my first package that I bought and definitely can feel and see a difference from doing barre. Most of the teachers have been great. You really have to like to be corrected in your positions (which I DO! Tell me if I’m doing it wrong!) I also like that they make you wear socks in the class because otherwise that might get gross with everyone’s bare feet. I also like that the warm up and beginning and end of the class is pretty standard. I hate when they explain too much and it’s taking too much time away from the work out. Tuck and shake!
My only negatives are that it’s fairly small there and there’s only 1 studio and 1 bathroom. Also I find the variety of times around my work schedule pretty limiting. I wish there were more classes. And it’s quite expensive!

I used to be intimidated by trying barre. Everytime I walked past a barre studio, I felt like all I could see were sexy women effortlessly flowing in their stylish lululemon clothes that accentuated their toned arms and long legs, while a wind machine blew their lucious locks out of their perfectly contoured faces. After all, my friend once described PB as the «sorority-​esque» barre studio. Myself? I’m a bare faced sweat monster with bed head. But whatever, I wanted to challenge myself and I quickly realized that everyone is more like me than I thought. :)
Seriously though, barre is such an amazing workout. It is a challenging, fast-​paced, low impact group exercise. It incorporates the ballet barre of course, as well as mat work, light weights, and resistance bands to stengthen the arms, legs, and core. The instructors switch up the exercises enough that I don’t get bored. Most of the instructors are hands on, helpful, and friendly.
It also feels so empowering to be in a room full of women who are working hard physically and mentally! I look to many of them as inspiration due to their endurance, fitness, and strong bods.
By the way, I have no ballet, pilates, or yoga experience beyond watching (key word is WATCHING) a few low budget DVDs from 2005. I am someone who went from zero exercise one year ago to exercising 3−5x/week. So if I can do this, I am confident that anyone can… and I have seen women of different ages and sizes WERK at barre!
My one complaint is how small the lobby and locker area is. I do wish for a locker room with showers – hopefully one day they can expand the space or move to a bigger space…
A few tips: socks are required, your first class is free, and just believe you can do it!

Juliana is amazing. The workout is hard and fast paced but the high energy music and instructors keep you pushing.
You must try it!

This review is for Chelsea, Frances and Amy B.
I took my first Pure Barre class about 3 months ago. I didn’t enjoy it all that much. I still don’t enjoy it that much. So why do it? I find it to be the fastest way to work on two of my biggest weaknesses: my core and my discipline. And yes, okay, maybe I’m a bit addicted to the «shake.»
My sister and I have made it a weekly ritual to take Chelsea’s class. I know that any PB session will be torturous and I want to emerge from the class feeling victorious, not defeated, so it’s important to me that the class feels doable and productive. For this reason, I’m a bit picky about my PB instructors. As a newbie, I scale down most of the exercises that we do in class, but some exercises are technically difficult and not easily scaled down. I avoid instructors who tend to incorporate more of these complicated moves in their classes.
I’ve tried a few different instructors at PB Capitol Hill, University Village, and Green Lake, and Chelsea, Frances, Amy B and Carly Clawson are my favorites (although Carly now teaches classes that don’t fit my schedule, so she’s dead to me… just kidding Carly!). Frances teaches the (FREE) «Breaking Down the Barre» workshop that gives you Pure Barre fundamentals. She’s extremely patient, friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend the workshop. Chelsea is attentive, encouraging without being overly pushy, and she always gives us a productive workout, so I’m a fan. Amy B made the «Bring on the Men» session on Valentine’s Day this past weekend tough but fun, and she somehow gracefully managed to make sure everyone’s postures were top-​notch despite there being more people than I’ve ever seen in any single Pure Barre class.
I recommend trying out PB if you’re looking to strengthen your core. Give it at least 5 classes because I felt really lost until about the 5^th class. The free monthly workshop is a great way to try it out.
P. S. They are on fitmob.
P. P. S. If you can, try to get into one of Sami S’s super popular classes.

First time at a barre class and I was very impressed! Nice and clean facility and equipment (you clean your mats together at the end of class). Vivian the instructor took time to meet with me at the start and gave a quick overview of the class and what to expect, as well as new vocabulary. She was very encouraging throughout the class and used my name a few times despite my newbie status and a full class.
Don’t underestimate those small 1″ isometric movements! High intensity class and easy to adjust to your level and tons of room for improvement! My only tips are to bring socks and a positive attitude.

As a Pure Barre addict in my home city of Chicago, I was psyched to find a studio right down the street from me on my recent visit to Seattle. The front desk and instructors were so friendly and welcoming! The instructor, Nance, even changed the workout last minute to incorporate a special prop that we don’t have in Chicago so I could experience the burn. The workout kicked my butt as always, and I felt right at home.
The facility is spacious, clean and inviting. I did have to pay $ 6 for 2 hours of parking but I didn’t have time to spend too much time looking for a spot on the street. I will definitely be back next time I’m in Seattle!

First off, I seriously thought I was going to die. BUT — Brittany did a great job at keeping the class motivated and letting us stay at our own pace if we needed to. Today was my first day of Barre, ever… and I have to say, for how hard it was I had so much fun. I feel stronger already. maybe that’s just the sore muscles talking, but I love how I feel even after one day of barre.
I like that Brittany helped correct my posture and walked around the class to make sure we were being beneficial to our bodies and making the most of the workout. So awesome and I can’t wait to go back!

Pure Barre is a phenomenal way to transform your body and this studio does a great job executing on those ideas.
This review isn’t about the space, merchandise, or prices at this studio. It’s about the instructors and the instruction they provide. Five stars, no doubt. Why?
— extremely motivating instructors
— challenging and varied workouts
— short but effective classes. music helps keep the pace
Overall, every class so far has left me feeling like I’ve made a great investment in my time and health.

I really wanted to get in shape, but I’ve always been intimidated by these more ’boutique’ gyms. My friends at work were doing barre here and convinced me to give it a try. I’m honestly surprised I did because, while they raved about it, they also kept saying, «It’s SO hard!». I went anyway, and I’m so glad I did!
I feel really comfortable at Pure Barre. People attending the classes are at all different levels of fitness and the instructors are great at giving modifications if you’re just starting out.
My only «complaint» is that sometimes it can be hard to hear the instructor over the music, but a quick look over to my neighbor to see what they’re doing will usually solve this problem.
All in all, a really great place to get an awesome workout!

Awesome people… the instructors are very motivating. Taking the time before each persons name in class and of you have any specific problems. During class they do remind you to «throw your ego out the door» especially important for former athletics who push themselves to the edge. LOVE THEM, the workouts and the concept.
Also something they do that’s especially important they remind you the specific and important techniques to keep your back and knees safe.

I love the workouts! They work your entire body and with the tiniest movement you’re entire body is trembling and it feels so good!
The first person I thought of bringing with me was my mom. She accepted my invite and I’m glad she did! We attended a workshop before taking our first class. During the workshop Katie was very helpful in teaching us the techniques and showed us the correct way to «tuck.» My mom liked it so much that I bought her a month membership for Mother’s Day. This place is really for anyone young or old and everyone body type.
The staff are really nice and helpful. I’m glad I found this place!

I love Pure Barre! I discovered it back in 2011 and this is the 4^th location in the area! I attended a demo class with other Unilocal Elites to promote their brand spanking new studio. Of course I jumped on the opportunity. Gentlemen, this is not just for women!
What is Pure Barre? It’s a fusion of pilates, yoga and ballet. It’s a full body work out that helps strengthen your legs, arms and core. Light weights (lots of reps) are used in class. You use your own body weight and focus on creating small isometric movements. The best part about this workout is that there is no impact. You’re not bouncing and jumping around the place. If you are, you’re doing it incorrectly.
If it’s your first time taking class, call the studio and reserve a spot instead of dropping in because spaces fill up quickly. Especially those peak times and weekends. Also, I believe your first class is complimentary.
All of the studios are generally set up the same in terms of changing room, equipment and locker or cubby for your belongings. The difference is this location has lockers so you can add your own lock, though the barre-​tenders always lock the door when class is in session. I love that there’s a restroom onsite vs having to walk to another building or down a hall.
The only downside of this location is simply the lack of parking. I’m going to take a guess that this studio is meant for those who live in the area and could easily walk to class. There is NOT free parking in the building. It’s a paid Diamond lot with limited parking stalls. There is street parking if you can find it and nearby paid lots.
What to wear to class? Yoga attire that covers your midsection & non-​skid socks. Socks are a must (not an option). Also make sure to leave your phone in the cubby. Water & towel is OK in the studio. If you forget your water, they also sell bottled water for only $ 1.
All of the instructors are well-​trained before they can teach a class. The instructors play motivational music. They will typically walk around the room and gently adjust your form if it’s not correct… Form is important to prevent injury. The instructors are very encouraging and always provide positive feedback. You won’t encounter any bootcamp-​ish style or a mean girl mentality here.
Once you check in, grab a spot in the studio, pick up a couple sets of weights, one of each band (there are two) and a ball. Don’t worry about getting a mat because the instructor will bring you one later on half way through class.
I still love it even after all these years. I’ve introduced several friends to PB and they do it regularly now. It’s going to take more than one class to acclimate yourself to the moves. PB totally works if you stick with it! I’ve seen a lot of clients that have transformed over the years. You can definitely see results if you go regularly and work hard. I haven’t been going as often as I used to and just hitting my local gym because of time and distance. I was seriously sweating bullets in class yesterday. Nobody is there to criticize what you’re doing in class. Everyone is focused on themselves so there is no need to fear being judged.
Make sure you’re fueled before class. Bananas provide potassium to help with the shaking in your legs because you will feel shaking. Eat something light to help keep you going.
I admit I think it’s a tad on the expensive side, but I’ve spent more paying for a personal trainer for the same results. I’ve met some positive and inspiring women at PB and the class is simply fun. I’d rather spend a little more $ on a quality workout because my time is valuable to me. I’ve never left class feeling like it was a wasted workout.
If you’re still reluctant after reading my review, follow them on Facebook and you’ll see a lot of the instructors & their bios, inspiring stories of clients and just fun events/​promos that happen throughout the year.
Lift tone burn!

Enjoyed my free trial class!
I wanted to see how Pure Barre was compared to the other similar classes. The instructor was energetic and because there were so many of us they had another instructor to correct our form. Everything was fresh and new since they are just opening. They told me that their class in comparison to Barre3 had less of a yoga focus and was a faster pace. They were right about that. It was a great workout and I’m glad they’ve come to the neighborhood.

This location is brand new — opened yesterday — and is super clean. Not only shiny new clean, but the architecture and feng shui are set up to make the place feel clean, too. The front area has a check-​in desk, a wall of merchandise (exercise clothes, bands, weights, water bottles, etc) for sale, a changing room, and lockers that you can add your own lock to. There’s a bathroom tucked away in one corner, but in the front and center are doors to the large barre workout area.
Once you enter the barre area, you see a room with mirrors on a couple walls, a wall with workout gear and the stereo, and barres on the walls with mirrors. The area is carpeted, and the ceilings are very high. There are a couple of posts that break the room up a little — while those are invasive, they’re not super terrible if you position yourself at least a couple feet away from them.
The instructors are perky, fit, and the primary teacher wears a headset that amplifies her voice over the thumping electronic music that they play during class. Class itself is short — about 55 minutes — intense, and has a format of focusing on one muscle group to its exhaustion (trembling and shaking are actually encouraged here) then very fast rotation through 10 to 30 second stretches that also focus on that same muscle group. There are some yoga-​like poses, and some pilates-​like instruction (including flattening your lower back), but the barre is pretty unique in that they also include a lot of ballet style foot positions and bends.
Overall, I think that this style of workout is very appealing, due to the emphasis on protecting your lower back, building core strength, and short, fast exercises that easily fit into daily life (say, if you wanted to do this at home sometimes, too.) However, I only gave this a 3 star because the prices are just phenomenally over what feels reasonable to me. For example, a 55 minute drop in class here is over $ 20, and if you buy a big multi-​pack, classes then drop to $ 20. At my favorite yoga studio, a two hour class is $ 20, and you get the same full body workout, with a focus on strength, sure, but ALSO on flexibility that goes way beyond what brief stretches you can cram into these short, intense workouts at Pure Barre.
It’s too bad, because this is a great location (right near the liquor store on 12^th, lol) and the bright, new décor seems like it’d be a comfy place to work out.