barre3 Druid Hills

This place is AMAMZING! Let me first start with Lisa. This is not just a business owner but a woman who is passionate about what she does, stands behind her workout (she took a class i was in the first week and teaches as well) and cares for her clients. From the first conversation she was extremely helpful and understanding of my singlemother childcare situation. I have yet to walk into Barre3 without her greeting me with a huge smile and letting me know how glad she is to see me. SHE is awesome.
The staff is amazing!!! Each instructor makes it a point to say hi, ask if you have any health issues and ensures you are comfortable in the class. The best part… they are doing the class side by side with you! No standing around directing, they are showing you every movement, setting the pace and shaky legged right along side you. I lift **heavy** weights and thought i would breeze through this class… NOPE! These workouts reach parts of your body you didnt know you could workout and have even the most experienced body builders shaking by the end of class. Its a low impact 60 minute muscle burn! and with my heart rate monitor reading between 570 and 600 calories burned a session with 40 minuted of pure fat burn, im adddicted! I cant say enough good things about this place!!!

I tried out some of their classes this week. Wow!!! Where did those muscles come from?!? My ass and legs are a little sore, but not in a bad way.
The classes are intense, but you do them at your own level. You will see guys and girls (yes, I said guys) of all ages, shapes, and sizes. That don’t shame you here which is great! If something is too difficult, the instructor always provides alternative stretches. The instructor in both classes checked in with each person during the class which was great. I have limited mobility (call me robocop) and I was given an alternative stretch to do. What to bring: water, an open mind. The fast music and instructor will bring on the motivation.
The studio has lots of parking. They even have daycare for all you moms and dads who want to lose those extra lbs and become stronger. They have lockers and a water fountain that can fill water bottles. They offer classes throughout the day as early as 6am on some days. Classes are held 7 days a week too which is nice.
I highly recommend trying it out. It’s a mix of yoga, Pilates, and bar. I feel better after 2 classes than I have in a while.

STUDIO SPACE & AMENITIES:
Barre3 Druid Hills is located in the recently remodeled Brighten Park shopping center at the intersection of N. Druid and Briarcliff next to Fresh Market. While on the intimate side, the studio space is well appointed and each square inch is utilized effectively. A reception desk and market area, with barre3 branded exercise clothing and accessories, greets you on your right as you enter the studio. Walk a few steps further, and you will find the children’s play area, ample cubby space, coat hangers, and lockers for clients who want to secure their personal items. Across from the lockers and cubbies are the well-​stocked showers and restrooms. Anything you could ever need post-​workout is in there: hair ties, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, Cetaphil. There is even a blow dryer so you do not have to return to work with wet hair.
The studio itself is large, about half the size of the rest of the space. It has a very open, airy and industrial yet bright feel, due in part to the ceiling which sports track lighting, circular hanging lamps, and the sleekest (and most powerful) fans I’ve ever seen. JBL speakers flank the space and fill the studio with upbeat music. Only one wall in the studio is mirrored, making the room seem larger than it is while allowing clients to analyze and correct their form. The other two walls are a white/​cream color, one sports the barre3 «B.» A sturdy wooden barre wraps around the perimeter of the room with bright orange core balls perched on top. The floor is made of hard but beautiful cork. Toward the front of the room is a wall with shelves for weights, ranging from 1−5lbs, rubber resistance bands, cloth resistance bands, extra core balls, a few foam rollers, and towels.
WORKOUT DIFFICULTY:
Barre3 is not an easy workout. At all. I have been doing it for six months, 2 – 3 times a week, am in the best shape of my life and I have yet to plateau, though I am using heavier weights now. If you are looking for a dynamic and challenging workout to add to your regimen – look no further. Barre3 combines pilates, yoga, and dash of ballet for a surprisingly cardio intensive workout. Unlike most classes I have taken with other barre competitors, in addition to being sore, I am drenched in sweat after barre3 and am in search for the nearest shower. While some argue that barre isn’t cardio, barre3 has just enough aerobic intensity to satisfy my needs and get my heart rate up, as evidenced by my heart rate monitor that I sometimes wear to class. Every person is different but I typically burn around 400 calories per workout.
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
The in-​studio customer service is phenomenal. Lisa is one of the nicest people I have ever met and her trainers are just as friendly. They are very attentive to both new and old clients and check in on everyone throughout the workouts and before and after class. They willingly offer modifications to those who need it and are happy to answer any questions you have.
COST:
The cost is the only thing I do not like about barre3. Classes are on the expensive side and will run you more than a monthly gym membership. However, within the barre market, barre3’s cost is in line with that of its competitors like Pure Barre and Pink Barre. I would advise anyone who is on a budget to look for specials and utilize the multi/​unlimited class discounts.
BONUS TIPS:
Bring a water bottle. Class will be harder than you think it is but keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to stand in the front row at the mirror– it’s the best way to improve your form. Start with the lighter weights as you’ll be shocked by how heavy they get after a zillion reps. Arrive early so that you can get a good spot!
While barre is the «now» or «it» workout of the moment, I do not see myself straying from barre3 any time soon. I’m challenged, I’m happy, and I’m much healthier than I was before I started.