Tick tock-tick tock. Ask any woman, and if she is in her mid 30’s she might tell you that is the sound of her biological clock ticking away, but for the rest of us, that is the sound of the count down to summer, and bikini season is almost upon us!
Well, don’t stress because Pure Barre of Huntington Beach will help anyone achieve a lithe dancer’s body, six pack abs, and arms like Madge’s. And according to owner, Chelsea Gregory, results can be seen in as few as 10 classes. Gregory also owns the Pure Barre studio Irvine.
Pure Barre is the brain child of fitness/dance guru Carrie Rezabek who created a series of ballet-inspired fitness classes, where a little goes a long way, with small movements that reap big results.
The most recent studio to hit Orange County, Pure Barre Huntington Beach, offers intense strength and conditioning workouts rooted in ballet and physical therapy. The exercises utilize the ballet barre to repeat small isometric movements giving a total body workout that creates flat abs, thin thighs, lifted seats, and toned arms while burning fat. Each strength segment of the workout is then followed by stretching to build lean muscle without bulk. And the workout is set to some pumpin’ dance music to boot. It is no wonder A list celebs such as Natalie Portman, Kelly Rippa, and Kelly Osbourne are Pure Barre devotees!
Although the location resembles a typical ballet studio, with mirrored walls and the requisite barres, dance is not part of this picture. Instead of jetes, think turbo- charged demi-plies, with a whole lot of shakin' going on.
"It's a combination of dance conditioning, isometric exercise and toning — and the principles of stretch — based in the science of physical therapy," said Gregory.
The physical-therapy component is a big draw for those who are suffering injuries but who still want a great workout, as well as those looking to stay injury-free.
Take Brooke Kenworthy of Huntington Beach, attending a Friday afternoon class.
"I’m a runner and I currently have a pulled muscle in my right leg…and this class helps. I’ve definitely noticed an increase in flexibility.” Pure Barre founder Carrie Rezabek calls it "smart exercise" — small movements that create no pressure on the joints. "It's not cardio, but your heart rate will definitely go up," stated Gregory.
In one exercise for example, students standing along the barre placed their heels together, then slowly squatted an inch and rose back up repeatedly — all while standing on the balls of their feet. The exercise was done multiple times while squatting a bit further in each round. It seemed simple enough, but by minute five, legs were quivering all over the studio.
Muscle fatigue
The goal is to want students to work so hard that their muscles start to shake. That quaking indicates a muscle has gone to fatigue and is beginning to stress, which means it will have to repair and build new muscle. The method is extremely efficient and that suits student and Huntington Beach local, Phyllis Kenworthy. “It’s the hardest workout I’ve ever had. Compared to the gym, pilates, and yoga, it is so much harder.” Phyllis attends classes with her 15 year old daughter, Brooke, 3-4 times a week.
More than Pilates?
Some of the barre fitness movements and core-strengthening principles also are key in Pilates. So what sets this method apart?
"Pilates is great, but it misses a huge area for women — the hips and thighs," saysRezabek. Being a new mother and speaking from personal experience, I wanted a different fitness experience from my years of pilates. I enrolled in the Baby Bounce Back Package and I soon realized Pure Barre is a different workout all together. I felt like I was tightening my frame. Pilates definitely got me trim, but I felt like I needed to do something more athletic because I didn’t break a sweat. Not so at taking one of Gregory’s classes at Pure Barre. At one point, I looked around the room, and every woman was dripping with sweat.
The pace at Gregory’s Huntington Beach studio is measured but still intense. "It's always challenging," said student, Melissa Gonzalo. "If you do come consistently, there are always really small tweaks you can do." The studios offer varied difficulty options at every session as well as modifications for injuries or other conditions — even pregnancy — provided an instructor is notified before class.
A side benefit of barre fitness is flexibility. “I have never gotten my nose to my knee before taking Pure Barre,” said fellow new mom, Tracy Finch. And in athletic minded Huntington Beach, some students use the classes to complement other routines.
Triathletes, wather polo, and surfer girls use it to keep limber and injury free. For others, such as the trail-runner who attended a recent afternoon class after pounding the dirt, use it so "their legs don't feel like lead."
Bulking up, however, is not a concern here. "Body builders get big muscles because they don't stretch afterward. We immediately stretch after we stress a muscle to create lean muscles," said Gregory. Rezabek finds most people come to Pure Barre to change the shape of their body, not necessarily to lose 10 pounds. "We've had people come in, and after 4 weeks, they've lost 11 inches."
Therefore, if you can walk, you can take a Pure Barre class. A ballet background isn’t necessary either. Many of the instructors are or were dancers, but some are not dancers at all, just into fitness, running, or the outdoors. The cost is comparable to yoga classes, although Pure Barre has the added strengthening that yoga lacks.
Students find it addictive, and say, “I can't re-create that shaking.” So leave the tutu at home. This workout is real- barre none!
Pure Barre Huntington Beach and Irvine is now offering a New Client Special – 1 month unlimited for $100. Other packages offered are as followed:
1 class - $25
5 classes $110
10 classes $210
1 month unlimited $225
Baby Bounce Back – 3 months unlimited $375
Bridal Package – 3 months unlimited $375
Bridesmaid Package – 3 months unlimited $465
Teacher Special – 1 month unlimited $175
Student Special – 10 classes $150
More special seasonal packages are being offered now. Please refer to Pure Barre Huntington Beach's Facebook page.
