I recently decided to take a Pure Barre Platform class for the first time. Come along as I share my experience!
One of my goals for this month is to try four new-to-me workout classes. My personal fitness journey really started when I began taking group classes with my roommate right after college, so group fitness has a special place in my heart.
Recently, I decided to take a Pure Barre Platform class at the Bellevue studio. This format is still relatively new, so I thought it would be fun to share my experience with it.
I take original Pure Barre classes on a semi-regular basis (at least a few times a month) and they kick my seat every time 😉 I love how much barre challenges my flexibility, mobility and core strength (major areas I am continuously working on in my fitness journey) and was really curious about the Platform format to see how it compares to the original.
The Pure Barre describes Platform as:
“A new fast-paced class designed to optimize cardiovascular results and increase total body strength. This heart-pumping class combines quick bursts of high intensity, yet low impact cardio work with periods of lower intensity muscle-sculpting movements.”
Barre meets cardio? Ummmm…sign me up.
If you have ever taken a Pure Barre class before, then you are familiar probably with the layout of the class. You start with a warm-up, then work arms, thighs, seat and abs with lots of stretching in between. Platform follows the same general format, but the movements are done at a much faster pace and with a larger range of motion.
In regular barre classes, it is all about making small, pulsing motions. “Up an inch, down an inch” is a common cue you’ll hear in class. But in Platform, the movements are much bigger. We went through a series of traditional barre exercises, incorporated into circuits with high-intensity moves including kicks, jumps and mountain climbers, along with plenty of stepping on and off the platform in between. The class definitely had a barre meets step aerobics vibe – minus the complicated step aerobics choreography.
The verdict: brutal. As I said above, there wasn’t any complicated choreography involved. All of the exercises were really straight forward and do-able, but were put together in a way that kept the intensity high. You are definitely working hard the whole time.
Barre classes are always hard for me because I’m about as flexible as a cardboard box. Throw some jumps and kicks in there, and I turn into a panting, sweaty mess. It. Was. Awesome.
I’m a freak of nature who loves doing things I’m bad at (at least when it comes to fitness…) because it gives me room to grow and improve. The class was pretty fast-paced, so I definitely feel like I will need to try it a few more times to really get the hang of it. While my schedule won’t allow me to take the class on a weekly basis, I definitely see myself taking more Platform classes in the future and recommend the format if you’re looking to try something new or if you already love barre and would like to incorporate more cardio into your fitness regime.
The instructor Brooke was super helpful and upbeat!
Your turn:
- Have you tried Pure Barre Platform?
- Are there any fitness classes you are interested in trying?
As an FYI, this post is not sponsored. I paid for the class with my own moolah, and wanted to share my experience with you. <3
YES. That’s me too. I am so not flexible, and those moves look HARD. I would probably be flat on my face.
You could totally do it! From one inflexible person to another – you won’t fall on your face. 🙂
YESS I have been wanting to try this! There is a studio within walking distance and I am thinking about trying their regular class tomorrow. I’ve only taken one barre class before in my life which is just ludicrous because I miss dancing. I feel you on group fitness having a special place, started for me in college too with TurboKick! 😀 I miss my old gym and BodyAttack and Step, so I have a feeling I need to get to this platform class STAT. Thanks for sharing Les!
You would LOVE IT. I recommend taking a few regular classes before Platform just so you know the cues and format. But seriously you will love both versions!
Fun post! I work across the street from a PB and need to go check it out. The Bar Method also offers a cardio style fast paced class. If you haven’t been you should totally come with me sometime! And blog about it, of course.
I would love that Olivia!