You’ve probably heard of Portland, Oregon. This coastal Pacific Northwest city is known for a few things.
- Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, was born in Portland over 60 years ago.
- “Put(ting) a bird on it“.
- In 2008, Sadie Lincoln and her hubby Chris started a killer brand of fitness called Barre3 that, in February 2017, finally opened in Center City, Philadelphia!
Barre3 has been around for a while, but, as they’re new in town, you might be wondering: What makes it different from other barre classes? Maybe you’re a Pure Barre fan, or you’ve never tried any barre classes and just want a crash course. Either way, let’s get down to brass tacks.
The Studio & Equipment
Wide open space in Barre3’s GIANT studio!
Barre3, unlike many barre classes I’ve taken (and I’ve taken quite a few in my day), takes place on a hard wood floor. Bright lighting for sure, and I noticed the instructor will dim the lights and turn up the music during certain points (like when you’re repeating a move for a little longer). You’ll use the barre around the room for leg/thigh work.
The only equipment you’ll use is a super squishy ball and a set of hand weights (ranging from 1-5lbs). Your instructor will bring you a mat when it’s time for that.
Pure Barre, like most other barre classes I’ve attended, is on a carpeted floor. The lighting starts bright and gradually gets darker, and I felt as though you used the barre much more often, for more than just leg work.
You use a ball, small hand weights, and a resistance band during class. The instructors bring over mats.
What to Wear
Barre3’s gorgeous retail section
Barre3 – While there’s no required attire (officially), the “unofficial outfit” of the ladies of Barre3 is typically leggings or crops and tank tops. I don’t think I’d personally enjoy wearing anything with sleeves due to the larger movements of arms, but that’s just me. Barefoot in the studio!
Pure Barre – I believe they require socks (you can buy at studio if you always forget, like me. Note: this can get pricey.) Leggings were “strongly suggested” at my studio. I felt silly in crops, as I was the only one wearing them.
The Class Itself
Barre3 – These were my first few Barre3 classes, and I gotta admit, I liked them more than most barre classes I’ve taken. This is probably due to the addition of large, dynamic movements in addition to the teeny-tiny pulses that most barre classes highlight. The class went:
- Warm-up – In the center of the room, no equipment at first. Lots of movements to stretch you out, open you up, and get the blood pumping. Eventually you’ll use the hand weights.
- Barre Work – Leg-centric, this portion of class was pretty similar to many barre classes I’ve tried before. Squats, tiny pulses, raising of the heels. My inner thighs were burning.
- Mat work – Here’s where the balls come into play. Your abs are gonna be ACHING after this set, but it’s totally manageable and instructors offer modifications when necessary!
Pure Barre – Format is always the same so you know what you’re in for (they do have a “Platform” Class I’ve never done, so I can’t speak to that)
- Warm-up – Center of the room. Lots of marching.
- Arm work – Here’s where their weights come in, with a systematic pumping of biceps, triceps, and shoulders.
- Barre Work – Focuses on “Seat” (read: tush) and thighs. They love the term “Tuck” and you’ll hear it a lot during this portion of class, as you tuck your backside in and tighten your core.
- Ab work – on the mat, sometimes leaning against the barre. This was always tough for me as the barre isn’t meant for someone over 6′ tall…
- Cool down – Stretching, pretty similar to Barre3
Cost
Keep in mind the UNLIMITED cost of Barre3 is ONLY for the Barre3 Rittenhouse location, and only for a limited time. SO if you’re gunning for that unlimited membership, you gotta strike while the iron is hot (if you go 4x/week, that’s $8.06/class!) (Bonus at Barre3: $5 gets you childcare during your class!)
I don’t know if I could do either of these methods EXCLUSIVELY, but I think they both make a challenging and unique addition to any workout regime. I’d lean towards Barre3, personally, but I’m a big fan of those LARGE dynamic, explosive moments, and I know that’s not for everyone.
Welcome to Philly Barre3!
Have you ever done a barre class?
What did you LOVE?! What did you HATE?!
(I can’t stand the marching portion… ugh.)
Food, Sweat, and Beers 
I’m a Pure Barre addict so I can comment on the dress code there. You’re supposed to keep your midriff covered (no crop tops unless you’re wearing a high waisted bottom) and keep your knees covered (no shorts). Officially it’s to keep the muscles in those areas warm, but it may also help prevent body shaming. People tend to wear capris in the summer and full length bottoms in the winter, at least here in Boston. On top it’s typically tanks (a sports bra may or may not be visible depending on the design of the tank top) though some wear Ts.
Socks are required. They don’t have to be sticky socks but the sticky ones make it easier to hold a position. Most people wear the socks that Pure Barre sells but I’ve seen others, including socks from competing barre studios. The new Pure Barre socks with the larger stickies are amazing; much stickier than the old design.
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