Pure Barre: 10 Tips for Beginners & 5 Immediate Results

Okay. So as you might remember I attended my first Pure Barre class a few weeks ago. I instantly fell in love. Now that I've attended a good bit of classes I thought I'd share some tips for beginners and what results you can expect right away. (of course results will vary)

10 Pure Barre Tips for Beginners

1- Before attending your first class watch this video. I didn't find this gem until after my first class. My second class went so much better. When class is over ask questions about any movements you were unsure of. This will help you get the most out of your time in class.

2- Wear socks with sticky bottoms. Think of the socks they give out at the hospital. You want those. They'll have some available for purchase at the studio if you can't find them. Yoga pants/capris and tank tops seem to be the go-to look for class. Save your shorts for running.

3- Drink plenty of water before class. Being well hydrated will help with possible cramping in your arms, legs and core.

4- Remember that the smaller the movement the bigger the result. An inch is really an inch.

5- Embrace the shake (of your body) at the Barre.

6- Listen to your body. The instructor will give out modifications; use them if you need to.

7- Don't give up. Push yourself to stay with the workout.

8- Don't be late. Class starts on time and you don't want to miss the warm-up.

9- Bring a friend. Trying something new is always easier when you have familiar face with you.

10- Focus on yourself, your body and your fitness goals for 55 minutes. You'll be glad you did.

5 Immediate Results of Pure Barre (that I experienced)

1- After my first class I had an amazing mental shift. If you like the feeling of being challenged and pushed then you'll love Pure Barre. Like me, you will probably be addicted after your first class. Before Pure Barre I liked working out but now I must workout. I'm on a different level mentally than I was before with my fitness goals and workout regimen. 

2- It only took about three classes for me to start noticing that I was becoming more tone. My abs and "seat" are already feeling and looking so much better. My husband even mentioned that he could tell Pure Barre was agreeing with my body.

3- Becoming more flexible is another fitness goal of mine. During class you'll stretch yourself out a lot. My flexibility has improved since my first class. My nose is getting closer and closer to my knee.

4- I like to think that being apart of a class like this is a twofer. Not only do I get an amazing workout but I also get to have a sense of community that I can't say I had before. My schedule doesn't allow me to take the same class time every week but I do notice that many of the ladies know each other. I consider making new friends a huge benefit to taking this class or starting any new hobby.

5- My fit-esteem (a word I'm pretty that I just made up. so here's a definition. {fit * eh-steem} - the way one feels about his/her fitness goals. Ex. "My fit-esteem is so much better since starting my classes at Pure Barre. ) is so much better. Every time I make it through a class I feel so much better about myself and what I just accomplished. It's evidence that I am so much stronger (physically and mentally) than I ever gave myself credit for before. I have raised my own "Barre" and I know now that I am capable of doing so much more with my body.

my goal is to get on my highest tippy toe with that leg higher and straighter

I'm telling you if you haven't tried a class yet you're missing out. If you're in San Antonio the location here is super friendly. I've had several instructors and they have all been great. Is there a Pure Barre in your area? Have I convinced you to try a class yet?

31 Before 32: Join a Pilates Class

I can barely write this post because my arms are so sore. Last night I had my first experience at a barre class. Have you heard about this? It's a mix of Pilates and barre work. Apparently, I'm late to this party because all of my friends knew about it. Why didn't anyone tell me?!

First of all, the studio was super cute. It was clean and bright. The traffic around the location was a bit crazy but I did go to class during rush hour so there's not much that can be done about. I'd happily leave my house a few minutes early if it means I can feel this good.

Secondly, class started on time. I love it when things are on time. The instructor was very motivating without being over the top. She kept class going at a steady speed. I could hear her praising people and giving words of encouragement all throughout class. She even praised me a couple times! I liked how the instructor walked around and corrected your form if something was off. During the cool down she helped me with one of my stretches and I think that's what sealed the deal for me.

So, I'm not going to sugar coat it. This workout worked me all the way out. I would have to say that every part of it was challenging. I workout three times a week at the gym and this was by far better than anything I've done in a while. The barre work that we did for our thighs was tough. There were times when my legs were actually shaking and I could feel my muscles contracting. My abs feel stronger than they did before class and I can definitely feel my workout in my "seat".

If you are someone who likes a crazy good challenging workout Pure Barre is for you. I personally like workouts like this. I like the way my body feels when it has muscle shock. That lets me know something is working and I can step my game up. The fact that I actually made it through class without passing out is amazing. I'm stronger than I thought.

I'll be returning for more classes. Even though I've only been to one class I think I'm hooked. I kind of want to go back Thursday but Savannah has soccer so I'll go back for another class next week. I'll be sitting down this week and picking a class pack to purchase.

If you're in San Antonio I highly recommend Pure Barre San Antonio for an efficient all over body workout. All it takes is fifty-five minutes and you'll feel a difference in your body. I'm so glad I gave this a shot. Now I can check "join a Pilates class" off m'list!

Have you heard about or tried a class like this? What's your favorite workout right now?

*This review is not sponsored. I paid for my own class. I'm sharing because it was awesome! :-)

Pole Fitness Experience

In an effort to keep getting fit fun I tried out a pole fitness class last night. I had heard great things about these dance classes so I figured it wouldn't hurt to try them out. There's only one pole studio here in San Antonio and that's how I ended up at Soft Sensuous Moves.

The reviews for the studio online were great. My expectations were really high and SSM did not disappoint.  Before class we all had to choose a name for our alter ego. I chose the name Caramel. It was the only thing I could come up with on the spot. I kinda wish I had known we'd have to pick names before hand. I'm one of those crazy girl's that actually cares about what my fake stripper name is. I think I picked a good one though.
My instructor was Victoria Contortia. I wish I had taken a pic with her. Her teaching style was so direct but fun. She made everyone in the class feel very comfortable. During the "Try Me Out Pole" class we learned a lot; more than I was expecting in an intro class. The fact that all of the women in class were doing spins by the end of class speaks to the talent of the instructor. All of the women in my class were completely different. We were all at different stages in our fitness journeys.

After this class I have to say that I have a whole new level of respect for strippers, exotic dancers (because I'm not sure if those are two different job titles) and all other women of the pole. You have to be in some serious shape to do this for a living. Dancers definitely earn their dollars. 

Have you tried a pole fitness class? Do you plan to try anything new to change up your workouts?
*I was not compensated in any way for this post. I paid for my own class. This review is based on my own experience with Soft Sensuous Moves.

Running With Babies: Who Run The World?

Hey Ladies.

I just had to come here and share an achievement of mine. I would have never considered myself a runner before. When I was trying to pull it together for our trip to Vegas I started stepping up my cardio. That was big for me because I've never been a cardio girl. I'd take a walk with you all day but running was not something I was interested in unless I was being chased or I was chasing a baby.

The more I ran the more I liked it. Even though I couldn't run for very long at the time I still enjoyed the  way it made me feel. Then a friend of mine started the whole Operation Snapback movement and our first challenge was to run 26.2 miles this month.


I decided that I wasn't going to let anything get in the way of me conquering this challenge. By the end of this month I could be a runner. Today was the longest run I've ever done. I was into it too. Once Savannah started asking to leave the gym I knew I had to wrap it up, but I think I had at least one more mile in me.
I felt so strong afterwards.


One of my Flirty30 resolutions was to be in the best shape of my life. I think I'm well on my way. You couldn't tell me nothing when I left the gym today! I am sharing this story to remind you that no matter what your goal is you can do it. Don't let kids, husbands, work and all that other stuff keep you from achieving your goals. Do it and celebrate the small milestones along the way.

Four miles today could turn into a marathon tomorrow.