Pure Barre: IE Begins Her Pure Barre Challenge

Here we go

9:15 am class, Mon-Fri

The biggest thing about Pure Barre is the “tuck.” We do it in the obvious places at the barre and on the floor. The benefit of so much tucking is that it works the back and the core and sets the body up correctly so you can get the benefits of all the Pure Barre exercises. It feels like it stretches the lower back, and trains you to go deeper, finding the deep abdominals and the smaller internal accessory muscles to complete the movements.

  See below for a Pilates-type anatomical breakdown:

And here's a cool section from a class of tucking in seated knee position:

Starting Measurements for IE:
Hips:  37

Thighs:  left,  21 ½  right, 21

Calves: left,  12 1/2, right, 12 3/4

Biceps: left, 11,  right, 11

Waist: 29

Star move of the week:

The key move here is the "oblique crunch" inspired by the Martha Graham Technique's sitting fourth position.

Pure Barre adds stretchy bands that are held over the head

as you "crunch" down toward the back leg and reach up with the extended arm. The obliques are both contracted and extended on each side as and the core supports the back. This one is both a balance and toning exercise, plus it looks pretty!

 

Check back for week two--

IE

IE does her own Pure Barre Challenge

Here in Marin when you say your exercise routine is a "barre workout"—the next question will be,  "OK, but what kind?" IE has already investigated several of these varieties: Pure Barre, Dailey Method, Bar Method, Le Barre, Pilates, and Gyrokinesis.

With the New Year, several of these studios are offering “challenges.” That is, come once or twice day every day, for a month, or two and see what happens. IE thought it would be interesting to put self through such a challenge, albeit slightly differently.

IE is committing to two full weeks of classes every day at Pure Barre Marin. We'll get specific with before and after measurements,and maybe even a few exercise videos with some key class moves.  We'll see what its like to "transform your body" the Pure Barre way.

See you at the Barre,

 

IE