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From PiYo to Prius', hybrids are positively an L.A. obsession. So is attaining the perfect physique. Now fitness-conscious amalgamites have a new mash-up to choose from, Pure Barre.
Founded eight years ago by dancer/choreographer Carrie Rezabek in the basement of an office building in Michigan, Pure Barre is a low-impact blend of ballet, pilates, and weight training that promises a full body workout (including cardio) in 55-minutes. Its humble beginnings have since expanded into a nationwide following, a stream of 'when are you coming here?!' inquires and even a few offspring--e.g., Kelly Ripa's favorite exercise class, Physique 57, is an offshoot.
The first LA studio, located in Brentwood, just opened its doors in February and already has a steady following of exercise hounds who are addicted to the thigh-slimming, butt-lifting, ab-riping classes.
Set back from the street on the second level of a business complex on Wilshire Boulevard, the studio is intimate and private (no fishbowl-feeling here) and class sizes hover between 15 and 20 people.
Tools are provided--a mat, small resistance ball, long jump rope-like band, and various sizes of dumbbells--and every muscle group, especially the gluts and abs, are engaged.
Pure Barre
Address: 11819 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 213Cross Street: Westgate Ave.
Info: (310) 463-7873
Hours: Classes run Mon.-Sun.,
check website for schedule
Website: www.purebarre.com
Parking: Free lot
Type: Workout studio
Anyone with a background in ballet can attest to the ass-kicking results that barre work produces--half of every class is spent at the barre doing pliés and leg raises, some on raised heels, some on flat feet. Both versions will have you feeling the burn and trembling with fatigue.
Owner of the LA studio Marni Chaikin says her already fit figure has changed noticeably in only four weeks. Skeptics, don't scoff 'til you try it. After experiencing one class, we can see how doing this even three times a week could really change a body dramatically in just a month.
Single classes are available for $25 each, and packages come in multiples of 5 and range from $110-$340, or $225 a month for unlimited access. Sounds steep, but Chaikin is offering all new members a special intro for a month of unlimited classes at $100.
The road to long and lean muscles may not be cheap, but can you really put a price on obsession, uh, perfection?
