Pure Barre Austin – Arboretum

Been doing Pure Barre off and on for 6 years now and I always seem to come back. It’s the fastest results I can get from any workout and I love all the instructors at arboretum. They are great at helping me find perfect form. I take a lot of different group fitness classes and this is definitely the one I look forward to most. Check out a class with Adrienne or Kari if you can but I’ve never had a bad instructor!

Great workout! The small movements really burn! I’ve been to other bare classes in Austin and I would say pure barre is by far the toughest!
The format of the class is always the same but of course the moves can vary which will always keep your body surprised & challenged. Be sure to wear grippy socks because it helps a lot when doing some of the moves!

I’ve taken barre classes before and do regular Pilates but Keri’s class here kicked my bu**.
I walked in feeling pretty breezy and confident about it, was warmly greeted and shown the equipment (they suggested arriving 5 – 10 mins early your first time to fill out the paperwork and get in the zone), I found a spot near the back and prepared for a fun class. But about 5 minutes in it became very apparent that this was not going to be an easy ride!
Lots of super tiny muscle flexes, a mix of fast paced repetitions and long isostatic holds made for a super tough 55 minutes. And a distinctly painful morning after.
Well explained and demonstrated — as well as the instructor moving round the class correcting individually.
A super clean and comfortable little studio (once you get past the rather dreary strip mall exterior). Full of intimidatingly lovely looking, lulu clad ladies — but hot regulars are definitely the best indication that a work out works!

I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it many times, I love Pure Barre! The arboretum studio and the westlake studio are the same, so when you have a package, you can use it at both locations, which rocks!
I love coming to the arboretum location on weekends, and it’s always PACKED so book early. This studio is larger and brighter than the other one but still the same workout. Parking is plentiful because it is in a larger shopping center with HEB (also convenient for running errands after class).

This is my second time here and I am very disappointed in the class. First off, they started a couple of minutes early which really threw my whole workout off as I wasn’t able to warm up. I walked in the door at 9:43 the class was supposed to start at 9:45. They were already starting when I walked through the door. On top of that the studio was packed to the brim with people. I couldn’t enjoy my workout because the girl next to me kept kicking me and I kept kicking her. And to top it the music was way too loud. I couldn’t understand what the instructor was saying. She didn’t demonstrate a single thing. I’m glad I’ve taken barre before because I would have been lost. I will probably not come back.

This is my favorite Barre studio in Austin. The instructors are all friendly and willing to assist you in achieving the «Shake». After I completed my first class two years ago I could not wait to take my next class. The staff and owner help you feel very welcome. Pure Barre

Every teacher and experience I’ve had here has been amazing! I love the classes, they become so addicting! Wish it was a bit cheaper, but definitely worth it when you’re staying with it!

When I was considering going to a barre class, my friend told me I would have sore muscles that I didn’t even know existed. I work out pretty regularly and didn’t think it could be that difficult, Uh, false. Pure Barre is ridiculously hard, even for those who workout all the time.
I’ve been going here for about 5 months now and have always have a very positive experience. The location is great and in a popular area of North Austin. Parking is also easy and if it can’t be found in front of the studio, it’s also available in the HEB lot next door. The staff explained the equipment to me my first time and the different is between pulse, tuck, lift, etc.
If you watch videos online, it’ll give you a good idea of what to expect but it definitely doesn’t look very hard. IT IS! Don’t be fooled. Even though barre is focused on small movements, they’re very difficult and truly do work muscles you never know existed. In barre, you use 2 sets of weights, 2 tubes, a ball and the barre. It focuses on every part of your body, but my least favorite and the most intense is the ab work out. I’ve never felt my abs literally shake before and they shook the ENTIRE TIME.
Every instructor I’ve had is great. All of the classes I’ve been to are usually at capacity, but I’ve always been able to get assistance from the instructor if I have the wrong form. That’s really hard to do in any class, but especially difficult when it’s full. They have a great energy level and get the class motivated.
I’ve gotten better at barre after going so many times, but it has never gotten any easier. It’s a great workout to strengthen your muscles and I’ve seen a big difference in my arms. I’ve tried other barre studios in Austin and none compare to the intensity level of Pure Barre. Definitely worth the $ 20 per class!

I’ve attended four Pure Barre classes so far. The instructors give detailed instructions; However, they don’t do the workout with you. It’s better to listen to the verbal instructions rather than try to watch others. (The movements are small, so you may not be able to see others moving anyway.) I recommend Pure Barre because the exercises are good, the instructors are hands-​on, and the studio is clean.
What to expect
Watch the Intro to Pure Barre video on
.
Signup for class online at least 12 hours before class.
Arrive 15 minutes before your first class. There is paperwork to complete. The instructor will give you a tour and set up your equipment. Nice.
Wear capris or leggings. Don’t wear shorts.
Bring grippy socks, or plan to buy grippy sicks for $ 12 at Pure Barre. No shoes or bare feet are allowed in the studio. Everyone switches from shoes to grippy socks in the lobby.
The «uniform» for class is a racerback tank top, black leggings, and Pure Barre socks. Bonus points if the clothes are from
Lululemon.
The lobby and studio were clean. I liked that everyone wiped down her equipment after class.
The instructor will commend you by name during class. If you need guidance to do an exercise properly, the instructor will come to you and reposition your body.
The music is typical workout music: pop, EDM, hip hop.
The studio is warm-​to-​hot.
The only disadvantage of Pure Barre is that IT’S EXPENSIVE!!!
Update six weeks later:
I’m 20 classes in now. The classes remain challenging. I’ve tried multiple instructors at different times of day. If you are new, try different instructors. Each brings a distinct advantage.

Took my first class at Pure Barre yesterday. I was completely blown away by the experience! The women couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. Jackie, the instructor, took me on a tour when I finished my paperwork, got all the equipment I needed for me and set me up up front. Throughout the 55-​minute workout (which kicked my butt), she was so encouraging and so helpful. She took time to help me with my technique and made a point of it to say good job to each student as the class went on. I thought it was especially nice that Jackie checked in with me after the class so see how I was doing and what I thought.
I chatted with a few girls after class and already have plans to join them again.
Hands down, my favorite workout in Austin!

Loved my instructor, love the 7pm classes, it goes by so fast, no one’s judging you, no pressure, no ‘skill’ level, no competition – just go to work off your stress and you can book online!

Was my first time there and I was shown to equipment where the instructor grabbed it then dropped it in middle of the room without any explanation. I filled out medical release form and I have major injuries which they must have never even looked at because no one came over to talk to me about how I might need to modify. Routine starts and it was too confusing. I wasn’t given any help. We didn’t go to barre at all to flush out what we had done. So I knew it’s not for me then proceeded to leave. instructor stopped me and when I told her my issues she got a little attitude with me. No one came out to front desk so I started writing a letter. Finally someone came to front and I got a refund. Not only was my experience horrible but the facilities are so dark and cavelike. Highly disappointed

What can I say — I fell in love… with PB!!! I can’t say enough good things about PB Austin. Just an FYI to all prospective PB’ers… The owner Rashanna is fantastic! Full of energy and passion to get her clients the best workout possible! This workout targets every muscle in the body and you are likely going to be sore EVERYWHERE for the first couple of weeks. After that, the toning and the calorie burn will pull you in. The music pumping throughout the workout keeps me motivated to tuck and burn until my legs/​arms/​back/​stomach are shaking (when the real work is done!). I frequenlty ask the teachers what songs they played during the workout because they are so catchy and fun that I DL them later. My favorite instructors are: Rita, Rashanna, Kathryn, Anika etc etc… well — they are all fantastic and passionate about what they do! Not to mention just their bodies should be an indication of the wonders PB can do! I have been a client for just over 6 months now and am not sure if I will ever leave! I really appreciate how the instructors are always in a cheery mood and start the classes ON TIME always ON TIME. Plus a major bonus is that the owner owns both the North Austin and Westlake location, so clients can go to either! They have great specials to try it out ($ 100 unlimited for a month) and regularly email specials or fun events going on. One thing I cannot wait for is the Valentines day classes… basically it’s a day where you can bring your BF/​fiancé/​husband to a class and they can «enjoy» the burn. I doubt our men really understand how difficult and challenging the workout is… I just cannot wait to bring my fiancé to the class that day. They offer beers and other manly things that day to make them feel a little more, how do you say? manly? They definitely will give you respect for the workout after that one class! Why wait? Join PB and get in the best shape — the most fun way possible! Thanks PB!

I liked their approach… great workout, good (current) songs, and friendly instructors. The owner is also great. If you have any questions or concerns, she’ll get in touch with you. She really wants you to be satisfied with your experience.

It was the most intense workout I’ve ever experienced, hands down. My friend and I did 10 classes together. Pure Barre proved to be pure torture. Large muscle groups in my body shook uncontrollably in response to the outright exhaustion. With no history of dance, I struggled with the formal yet basic heels together, toes apart, bend my knees, tuck my pelvis, all with a ball between my inner thighs. Then I learned that finding the right position was just the first step. I quickly learned that if I wasn’t feeling the burn, I was doing something wrong. I know I stood out as a newbie since I was one of two women without the exclusive black Pure Barre footie socks with the non-​skid soles. I immediately bought a pair right after my first class since I had 9 more classes to go. By the end of my 10^th class trial period I realized that Pure Barre is not for me. For an endorphin junkie, it’s too deficient of aerobic activity! If your goals are purely aesthetic, Pure Barre will deliver quickly. But, don’t expect to go in and look like a dancer in 10 classes. If you’re not built like a dancer, you’re never going to look like one, but Pure Barre is an effective workout that can help you become the best you possible, for as much as you’re willing to put into it (as is with any workout.)

ASS SPASM.
Go to Pure Barre and you’ll get an ASS SPASM.
This has to be the best workout I’ve ever done. I started going with a couple of my law school friends after I had the pleasure of doing a class in Atlanta with a friend from undergrad. The class on the surface seems easy; I mean who can’t lift 2lbs. weights and do squats and lifts with your own body weight on a bar?
Oh, how deceiving. This workout could never be described as «easy.» It is an incredibly focused set of exercises that target your quads, butt, arms, abs, and back and sends those muscles into failure. Causing you to have THIGH SPASMS. AB SPASMS. ARM SPASMS.
And my personal favorite… ASS SPASMS.
I mean I have never seen my legs and my butt shake like that ever in my life. I’m already down two inches in my waist and my entire body is leaner, more ripped, and more toned.
Moreover, this workout is definitely not only for women. I don’t mind being the only guy that hits up the class, but men who think this workout is too girly or w/​e are sorely mistaken.
Plus the instructors are absolutely amazing (shout outs go to Melinda, Kari, and Rita!)
It is a little pricey; but it produces results. I’m going to be sad when my $ 100/​month new client special expires, but I know I’ll be taking advantage of the student discount for another month at the barre.
Tuck and burn, baby.
ASS SPASM.

It should probably be renamed from Pure Barre to Pure Torture because that’s how your thighs will feel after a workout here. The teachers are super friendly, knowledgeable, and push you to work hard. It’s not a cardio class like a ballet fit type exercise I was expecting but more into strength training. If you stick with it, it does work. They target all of the typical problem areas to help you tighten up. My only complaint is that it’s a bit expensive.

I started taking Pure Barre classes in Dallas in 2010 and so when I moved to Austin back in April of this year, I was happy to find that they had a location relatively close to where I live. (Arboretum) I live in Anderson Mill West. Each and every time that I go to a class, (which is not often enough) I am feeling the burn almost immediately. It is an AMAZING & intense workout and I love the instructors at the Arboretum location – especially Rita. Anyone looking for a challenge and slimmer thighs should try it!

Yesterday I took my first Pure Barre class courtesy of a BuyWithMe voucher I’d purchased a couple of months ago. I’d thought it would be a nice addition to my normal workout routine and that I might earn a little more flexibility, maybe a little more definition in the booty. Really, I didn’t expect much — stretching, some plies some tendues you know, your usual ballet warm-​up probably with some Pilates thrown in. Yeah — NO. This is an intense workout using small muscles which scream at you the next day.
Lemme back up: I registered for class, showed up, talked with the owner and the instructor, had a tour and was instructed to grab a band, some 2 pound weights and a rubber ball and wait just a couple of minutes for class. They were really nice people, the studio is well equipped, clean and decorated nicely, it’s in a nice location — all systems go. Looking at the equipment I’d gathered, I thought — great, no worries, this should be easy: only 2 pound weights and a tiny ball… Then, two more women joined me in the room and Amber, our instructor came in to say that we’d start warming up. Yeah about 15 seconds into the warm-​up I realized a few things: 1. OMG I wanted Amber’s physique, 2. OMG this warm-​up already kind of hurts in unusual places 3. OMG I am in deep sh*t hopefully I can make it through this class how embarrassing what was I thinking???
I’m no stranger to working out — I box, lift weights, practice yoga, take zumba classes, swim, and I recently started Pilates, etc. so I figured this would be on par with everything else. WOW was this a humbling experience. …a FUN, humbling and strangely empowering experience, actually.
The movements in class are small and controlled. Because they are small, controlled and repetitive, you tone and shape quickly. At first I was confused about this but Amber was patient and watchful and corrected me as needed. It’s kind of like yoga in a way — you might need a couple of classes to truly grasp what muscle to use when and how. I know I need a redux for a few of the sets — a redux that will hopefully come this weekend. I can already feel the difference and I can tell you I was very energized last night after class. It felt like an accomplishment!
Like the other reviews indicated, the pricing is pretty steep. I’m not sure with everything else that i’m doing that I will be able to attack Pure Barre regularly but I do expect to keep going. Can’t wait to see my new Barre Bum!
Thank you Pure Barre Ladies, you rock!

About a month ago I noticed a sign announcing «Pure Barre opening soon!» a couple doors down from a yoga studio I frequent. I tend to get bored with my workout routines and welcome change, I decided to give Pure Barre a try.
I signed up for their intro special (discount for the first 30 days) and today I just finished my 10^th class. Let me tell you the 10^th class was much different than my 1^st. The first few classes I wasn’t buying it. How can you get a good work out with a tiny playground ball, 2 pound weights, a bar and some funny socks (they wear socks with grips)? After a few classes in I found I hadn’t been doing it right, and since then have felt the BURN.
«Tuck», «lift», «flex and hold», «circle», «now higher» are among the words and/​or phrases you will hear repeated umpteen million times in a Pure Barre class. The movements are small and isolated, focusing on those small muscle groups, some I am not sure I knew about until taking this class (they scream at me a for a good 24 hrs later).
All the instructors are great but Rita really stands out as she is very motivating and I definitely work harder in her class. I don’t think I will achieve the goals I want to obtain on barre alone but I think it is complimentary and a break to my regular work out.
The one thing I am not a fan of is the cost. The prices are pretty steep, however, they do offer 2 different introductory offers and often run discounts through group buying sites.