I think we probably all know someone who does barre classes – they are usually bouncing around in Lululemon and a glittery headband – green juice in hand. If that someone is your friend, they are probably telling you about how great Barre is for a cardio workout, overall toning, posture, blah blah blah. And fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective (!!), they are right.
Have you been wanting to try a barre class but not really sure if you’d like it – or even survive it? Not sure what to do, what to wear, and how much it costs? Well lucky for you, we tried all the popular Barre classes at the Lake so you wouldn’t have to. Here’s the Scoop:
Pure Barre Lake Norman
With two locations – in Birkdale and Mooresville, Pure Barre is the only nationally frachised barre spot at the Lake.  When I walked into the Birkdale spot, I was greeted by bright faces and the great selection of retail items. I wondered if it would just be terrible to shop there and just pretend I took a class (kidding). Class started with a warm-up – including an intense plank series (holy cow!) and then moved into arm work with light weights. Thigh and butt work is done at the barre- courtesy of a small, red ball – and abs and a cool down brought the workout to a close.
For barre enthusiasts craving a little more sweat and cardio, owner Katie Moscovich brought the Pure Barre Platform classes to both studios this year. Platform classes use an exercise step and larger movements to speed up your heart rate and increase your calorie burn. Stay tuned for a detailed review of platform class coming soon.
Overall, I loved the energetic instructors and sense of community at Pure Barre – and the awesome soundtrack really helped take my mind off the burning and shaking. I also like that PB incorporates stretching after each segment a positive mind-body inspiration throughout the class.
The basics for Pure Barre:
- Reserve classes online
- Bring your own water
- Socks required – sticky socks recommended
16815 Cranlyn Road, Huntersville and  129 Marketplace Drive, Mooresville
704-997-6041 and 704-360-9901
http://purebarre.com/nc-lakenorman
http://purebarre.com/nc-mooresville
lakenorman@purebarre.com and mooresville@purebarre.com
Studio 3 Five 8
Tucked into an unassuming shopping center at the Cornelius/Davidson border, this well-designed studio is serious about working out. Studio 3 Five 8 offers pilates equipment classes, yoga, deep stretch and core body fusion workouts in addition to barre classes. When I walked in I was greeted with a big smile from effervescent owner, LeAnne Howell. LeAnne took ballet through college and describes her Barre classes as ballet “amped up.” I describe it as quite challenging.
We started with an aerobic warm-up that included lots of arm work with soft ball-shaped weights. I found these much easier to handle than traditional dumbells. After the warm-up we went to the barre for thigh and seat work using a blue squishy ball (not the technical term I’m sure) and resistance bands.  Then it was back to the mat for abs and yes, more thigh and seat work. LeAnne was working right along with us and smiling all the way with her trademark “you’ll be fine” when our thighs were really burning. We ended with some great stretching to (sorta) minimize the soreness I’d feel the next day.
Overall, I loved the personal boutique environment at Studio 3 Five 8. Classes are capped at 12 students which lends itself to a fun close-knit group even for a first-timer like me.
The basics for Studio 3 Five 8:
- Reserve classes online for a guaranteed spot – walk-ins welcome if space available
- Bring your own water
- Socks (regular or sticky) optional
20700 N. Main Street, Cornelius, NC 28031
704-202-1564
leanne@studio3five8.com
15 to Fit Pilates, Barre & Fitness
15 to Fit Pilates is a pilates studio dedicated to helping their clients meet their fitness goals. Led by former college athlete and fitness competitor, Patrea Aeschliman the experienced staff at 15 to Fit includeds certified personal trainers and pilates instructors. I’ve been to the studio before to take a pilates reformer class (see post here), when I heard that were offering a new Booty Barre class, I had to check it out. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.
Class started with a warm-up and a choice of 3, 5, and 8 lb weights. Patrea recommended starting with 5’s but my arms were still hurting from my week at the barre so I went with the 3’s. Eventually I advanced to the 5’s when everyone else went to the 8’s. We stayed at the barre for almost the entire 50-minute class which included plies, lunges, and lots of pulsing. There were also more aerobic movements like side kicks than at most barre classes. The blue squishy balls made another appearance – great (sarcasm). The class ended with some ab work and stretching on the pilates reformer – which felt really good.
Overall, I loved the motivational atmosphere at 15 to Fit and the way they incorporated the reformer at the end. Classes are capped at 10 students and for a limited time, your first barre class is only $5.
The basics for 15 to Fit:
- Reserve classes online
- Bring your own water or buy it (and other) drinks there
- Socks (regular or sticky) optional
- Pilates reformer experience recommended but not required
478 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-880-8870
admin@15tofit.com
Well that’s our round-up of the best Barre classes in #LKN. Make sure you check them out and mention you saw them on scoopTheLake! And if we missed your favorite Barre class at the Lake – let us know.
