Pure Barre

While I agree with Tiffany that it can be a bit difficult for beginners to follow the changes, once you go a few times you start to pick it up. I’ve only gone when Janet was teaching the class (not intentionally but just a time that works for me) and she is really good at correcting and making sure people are making the right adjustments. They do offer a barre breakdown class the should help get you familiar with the tucks.

I really do like Pure Barre. It’s fun and challenging and you get to work on most of your problem areas. After frequenting the classes I definitely became more aware of my posture in everyday life. This is the only studio I’ve been to and I think the downsides include the dearth of changing rooms (expect to change in the hallway when it’s busy), sometimes crowded classes so you don’t receive the instructor’s attention enough, and definitely insufficient explanation/​demonstration of some of the moves so newcomers may find the instructions confusing or hard to follow. However, my biggest pet peeve is that they don’t roll out the mats until towards the end of the class, and that means you’re expected to do forearm planks (and hold it for 90 seconds) and sometimes poses that aren’t good for sensitive knees on the hard carpet. After going to class every day for about two weeks the skin on my elbows started to peel off.
Most of the instructors are helpful and try to remember the students’ names and will give personal shoutouts during class. There is a set sequence for the classes that are for the most part uniform, though some instructors do switch it up occasionally. Classes are offered from 6am through 8pm on weekdays and there are quite a few to choose from on weekends too (which can’t be said of some of the gyms in the area that have practically no classes on weekends). I gave Pure Barre a try using the new client special, but I don’t think I’ll sign up for membership since it’s quite pricey considering the only workout you get is barre, when I can pay less money at a gym or studio that offers all sorts of classes.

I went once. I thought I really liked this place. But then I went to Physique 57 and realized that in comparison, this place is just OK.
There’s only one bathroom and there isn’t really a private locker room where you can change (unless I missed it?). I had told Janet that it was my first time and while she did provide corrections, there were also many times where she demonstrated poses in a place where many of us couldn’t see her.
I really want to like Pure Barre since it’s in my neighborhood where I live and work (and I know that I’m less likely to want to travel out of the neighborhood in the winter), so I’ll try it out again.

I was super excited when I saw Pure Barre was coming to my nabe. I’m obsessed with SoulCycle but wanted to add something to my routine. I’ve taken barre classes before so I knew what to expect but I’m definitely no expert. I purchased the grand opening unlimited package and started about three weeks ago. I love the studio, the workout and the instructors. Everything is extremely clean (bathroom, locker area and studio). I love the staff– they are very friendly and helpful in and out of class. I’ve taken almost all the instructors and think they are very knowledgable and helpful during class. I also like that when I take the same instructor 3 days in a row, they change some of the moves so it’s not repetitive. The only reason I gave Pure Barre FiDi 4 stars instead of five is because I know its going to be expensive after my package ends (but then again, their pricing is comparable to similar workouts). Can’t wait to tuck and squeeze again!

I’ve been coming here three times a week since it opened. I’m not a barre newbie — I’ve taken classes for a while at other studios. Pros: they always find out who’s new to Pure Barre and explain the basic moves to them; they are all super friendly and the instructors seem to remember everyone’s name; the studios is clean and very convenient if you work near Wall Street. It’s not all slim toned model types here — there’s a wide range of body types and fitness levels. I do recommend calling them to find out when their intro «break down the barre» class is being held, if you’ve never done barre or maybe pilates before. The movements are small and precise — the position of a hip an inch or two wrong can screw you up. They do go around and do corrections, but in larger classes, they may not get to you. The only real reason I didn’t give this location is that it can be VERY crowded — I think they could cap the classes maybe 5 people less. But I think that I also go to peak time classes, and it is NYC, so I should expect the crowds. And I wish they had an 8am class instead of an 8:20 class, because I need to be at work at 9.

This is the first pure barre studio I have gone to. I’ve been going to Physique57 for years, but there was a deal on gilt city for this studio and it’s in my neighborhood so it’s convenient. I think pure barre leaves much to be desired, especially compared to physique57. First of all, the instructors are not nearly as skilled, qualified, attentive, and active throughout the class. They rarely demonstrate the poses, and almost never provide corrections. The classes are large, and they should be providing more guidance– especially for folks new to barre classes. The carpet is also extremely hard; it hurts to do push-​ups, planks, and to get on your knees. The workout is good; your abs will be extremely sore after the class. They could just do a better job with client service, and with comfort level of floors. Would recommend physique57 in a heartbeat over pure barre.

I’m actually shocked that this place has such good reviews.
Short Version: If you’re a beginner, please learn appropriate form somewhere else. You need to learn correct form and should do so at a studio that will take the time to teach it.
Long Version: I’ve taken barre at pretty much every major studio in NYC and definitely have my favorites (if you’re interested in this information, feel free to message me). This studio leaves much to be desired re equipment, instructors, and overall experience. The only reason I continue to go is because I bought a ten pack on Gilt City and this studio is in my neighborhood (so when I’m too lazy to travel to a preferred studio, I take class here).
Instructors: I’ve taken several classes with a variety of instructors at this studio. They do not offer many corrections and also move through commands rather quickly, so if you’re a beginner who isn’t familiar with barre, this would prove difficult. There were many times during class when I saw other students looking around confused, and many had to take cues from those around them when the instructor wasn’t demonstrating the position. Basic reminders are also not enforced, which could lead to potential injury (ie when you’re in plank, keep you abs tight to protect your lower back).
Studio: The studio itself is beautiful — lots of light! However the floors are extremely hard, so when you’re in push up or plank position, it’s a bit uncomfortable. It’s also tough on the knees, so if you have sensitive knees, be careful! They do have mats, however they don’t pull them out until the end of class when you do ab work (while other studios typically provide these at the beginning). The last thing is really a preference of mine, but I like studios that provide a stall bar, so you can hang from it before or after class. This lengthens the spin and provides an amazing stretch.
Regardless of all this, you will get an OK workout because this is a barre class. Your thighs and glutes will WORK. But learning proper form beforehand can make a world of difference — keep that in mind!

The studio at this location is absolutely beautiful, and the instructors and manager are so friendly and accommodating. I went for my first ever barre class, and the instructor made sure I was comfortable, and continued to encourage me throughout class. It was an awesome work out, and well worth the trek to FiDi. I will definitely be going back!!!

New Pure Barre studio in FiDi! I love barre, especially Pure Barre, and you don’t know how happy I was to see this studio open. Great studio, awesome instructors, new equipment. Totally «together» even this soon after opening (today was their first day of classes). Way more convenient than the Union Square and UWS locations for people in downtown too. Score!