Pure Barre

I had taken Core Barre Fusion at Exhale before and loved it. So when I found out there was a barre class in Asheville, I immediately bought a month intro at $ 100. I had been in a year long workout slump and thought this would be the perfect way to motivate me to get in shape! I love working out with the bar! My review starts off at the beginning of my month long experience & ends on a positive note!
There can be serious traffic on Hendersonville Rd, so leave extra ahead of time as they lock the door at the beginning of class. My first class was with Katie. When I arrived, I immediately felt like I had to explain why I was there, and that I was new. and I couldn’t help but notice that I seemed like a bother to her, and that everyone else in the studio behind her was watching & staring at her asking me questions. Once I filled out a form, I made what seemed like a walk of shame to the back where you leave your things, and then out to the studio where everyone seemed to be only friendly with each other, and covered in Pure Barre merchandise. I totally get that gripped socks are great for the bar but quickly understood why the previous reviewer mentioned it as ‘cult’ like. It has a way of leaving newbies to feel realllllly out of place.
I’d never heard of the «tuck.» I’m athletic and moderately muscular and I tried my hardest but knew it’d be a few classes before I got the hang of it. Nothing against Katie personally but she is one of those instructors who you should never tell that you’ve never done Pure Barre to. She came to correct me almost every exercise and it got to a point where I felt so stupid & incapable that I almost stopped trying. I kept looking at others to see if they were «keeping their back perfectly straight» and their «hips only tucked a half inch» like she was telling me but it just seemed like she was either annoyed by me or this was her way of helping. Unfortunately I just felt like everyone was staring at my off brand socks, Tshirt and imperfect posture. LOL I immediately went home and pulled up YouTube and the pure barre website to figure out what the heck I needed to do. All of a sudden I was regretting buying a month and wondering how ridiculous it would be to just give up but paying $ 100 for just 1 class would be silly.
The next class I went to was essentially the same thing. Except for this time when I arrived, 15 minutes early like instructed on the website, the instructor (Marissa) is at the computer & says «Oh, I was about to cancel you because I don’t know you and we’re full today!» I was confused because isn’t that the point of signing up ahead of time online?
The next thing I know her & another girl are looking me up and down asking me if I had pants with me (I was wearing Lululemon shorts that I had worn to try and fit in with this 90 210 vibe they got goin’ on.) Marissa then tells me that shorts are not allowed, something about the balls they use in class, I guess sweat would get on them? It all just blows my mind really because the place has carpeting… and people sweat through their pants and then on the «equipment.» I couldn’t believe she didn’t offer to let it slide just once. They both kept looking at each other & then me… like they were disappointed they weren’t rid of me yet. Again, I’m not completely certain that these women are aware of the vibe they are giving to new clients… I find it difficult to believe they would intentionally try and turn away new business. Anyway, $ 80 later in their store sale bin and I’m allowed inside. Class has already started and as I go in the other employee (didn’t catch her name) asked me in front of the front of the class if I wanted to keep my credit card on file. Again, it just seemed strange and like this girl was going to keep me from entering the studio for as long as possible. After I walked through the class to get to the locker area I begin changing into my new pants, then finally to work out, just to realize there’s no space whatsoever. I try and sit by the front glass door in front of the trash can which would prevent me from doing anything full length the whole class or see anything Marissa was doing, although most of the time she’s walking around talking into her mic.
Then I found Alyson. Wow, what a difference she made! She was an amazing instructor. Very helpful, cheerful & happy to pose as an example. She makes sure to kick your butt, yet doesn’t take it too seriously! Once I took her class, I was completely addicted & started going almost every single day. Within a week I started to feel like I fit in & was leaving feeling amazing & so positive about the day! By far the hardest I’ve worked out & sweated in 55 minutes! The month flew by after that, and although I decided to join a different gym, I still miss Pure Barre and her class! I was totally hooked, and would recommend trying this location to a friend! What a 180!

I tried Pure Barre out for a month, they have a new client special for $ 99. I really liked the classes, they were tough but being with a group was motivating. I have a taken a few barre classes in other places before and I always liked them. Pure Barre is very similar in terms of exercises, they do have a little bit of a franchise cult thing going on — everyone wears special pure barre socks that cost $ 12 and have a general obsession with the method.
Some teachers are better than others; I absolutely loved Alyson, she was so supportive without being at all snobby despite my being completely in the dark my first few classes. Ginger is great too. I never got a chance to take a class with Flavia, the owner, but I have heard she is great too. I very much disliked the few classes I took with Katie Perry, she was rude and very uptight and I did not feel very welcome in her class as a new student.
The only big drawbacks are the location — it is pretty far out in South Asheville, and the price. Unless you get a membership, it is ridiculously expensive. They have a ton of classes though and it is definitely a great workout. I think if it didn’t take me 20 mins to get there and cost an arm and a leg, I would join.