If you’re anything like me you think you need to leave a workout class drenched in sweat to know you ‘killed it’. I used to think Barre and Pilates classes were ‘easy’ and a ‘waste of time’. I needed to row 1000 meters, run uphill on an incline of 15, and slam a 25 lb slam ball to get a workout in that felt worth it.
Wellll, let me tell you, as of this past week I think I may just change my weekly workout schedule to mostly include Barre and Pilates classes.
Pure Barre
My friend from college, Lindsay Wolf, just opened a Pure Barre studio in the Loop about a month ago and I couldn’t wait to check it out. How cool, I have a friend that is a legit business owner at the age of 29. So so cool!
I was lucky enough to have Lindsay as my instructor for my first class, she was super peppy and kept the class going (no break for 55 minutes!). She also did a great job at correcting form, which I definitely needed (I’m new to the ‘tuck’).
The class is basically made up of low-impact, small, isometric movements that fatigue your muscles. The studio has all the equipment you will need, a ball, a band, weights, and a mat. I do suggest you wear leggings (not shorts) and purchase a pair of their ‘sticky’ socks (so you don’t slip!).
Each 55 minute class begins with a warm-up in the center of the room and then a toning section with weights. The weights are between 2-5lbs, but trust me that is all you need.
Next up is some barre work, here you will fatigue your thighs and your booty – this is also where you will utilize the ‘tuck’. For more deets on the tuck’ read this Blog on the Pure Barre website! I suggest you take the tuck workshop that is offered so you don’t go into the class totally lost on this one, I promise it will be worth it.
After the booty work, you’ll do a series of ab exercises on the floor (think planks, leg lifts, and sit-ups). Lastly, the class ends with a cool down and stretching.
I left shaking and craving more. There is no way you can’t go to this class everyday and not eventually have a 6 pack.
Checkout Pure Barre South Loop, first week is free!
Lagree
Lagree is a pilates class on a Reformer machine. The Reformer machine looks like a scary contraption that was used to punish people back in the 1800’s. Well, it is still punishing people, but in the best way.
I attended Katie Sido’s class during my lunch hour. I have so many awesome things to say about this class, so let me use bullet points:
- Face paced, I was never bored and class flew
- Awesome transitions, we always knew what was coming next so I didn’t miss a beat
- Low Impact, safe on your joints
- Challenging, some of the moves I had to give up on because I literally couldn’t hold pulse anymore
- After class burn, I have never felt so sore
It is said that this class meets all elements of physical Fitness, which is defined by the following five basic foundations:
- Cardiorespiratory Endurance
- Muscular Strength
- Muscular Endurance
- Body Composition
- Flexibility
This is the type of class that you just want to master, which will keep you coming back for more. It is a bit pricey at $35 dollars a class, so I would recommend buying a package! See rates below.
Group Classes
| Initial Class | $15 |
| New Client 10 Pack**(Expires 6 months from purchase date)
(Non-transferable or shareable) |
$180 ($18/class) |
| Single Class | $35 |
| 5 Classes | $160 ($32/class) |
| 10 Classes | $290 ($29/class) |
| 20 Classes | $480 ($24/class) |
Overall…
The best thing about both these workouts is that they are super challenging, but you can go during lunch and head back to work! No shower needed (encouraged, but not needed). Also, there are multiple locations, so no excuse to not attend!
Get after it,
Sweaty Reviews
Sweaty Reviews 