Pure Barre - Burlingame, California

JS Dickey

For my fellow brothers who may have dismissed Pure Barre as “not a real workout,” or if you are looking for a way to elevate your core conditioning game and build or maintain a six-pack in a group exercise setting, look no further than the 9:30 a.m. Saturday Pure Barre Classic class taught by Sarah.

This class delivers an adaptable format suitable for all fitness levels but is challenging enough for high-performance athletes. Yes, in theory, branded group exercise classes are created equal; however, the instructor sets the tone and tenor for the experience. Sarah’s energy and attitude make her exceptionally well-suited for her role.

Sarah is one of those rare, talented individuals who can lead a meticulous class while keeping participants motivated from beginning to end. The movements and transitions were perfectly synchronized with the music and articulated in a technically flawless yet easy-to-follow flow. This was my first time in a barre-style class, and Sarah was able to provide one-on-one guidance to correct form and posture—all while keeping the class’s attention focused on her and her attention on the class as a whole.

I can’t speak to the other classes or instructors at this studio, but Sarah is one of those rare, captivating instructors who makes working out enjoyable.

The studio is clean and provides ambient lighting during class, and it also offers off-street parking, which allows for a stress-free arrival and departure.

Depending on your goals, this is a great class to augment your existing routine, or Pure Barre could be a one-stop shop if you take multiple classes a week.

Elaine

The instructor for my class only demo’ed half the movements, and those were done from places where half the class couldn’t see her. The instruction was so hard to understand that the whole class would be guessing and doing 3 different things at the same time. People held bad forms just to catch up. Most of resistance band movements were confusingly demo’ed without resistance bands. The instructor was also in a baggy sweatshirt that didn’t show her form. Her nails appear too long for her to grab weights. The music was too fast paced for proper core engagement. All these made this class the worst group class I’ve ever attended. I hate leaving negative reviews but this one felt necessary. The lack of leadership in this class can lead to injuries. Seeing that this is not the first review on injury-prone instruction, I would avoid this studio.

Atieh Madani

Honestly this place rocks! I have been to many different barre classes all over the country, and trust me when I say this place has it all. The workout is only for people who are serious about getting strong and fit. It will challenge you to become better no matter how fit you are. I just can’t say enough, the teachers are all really really good. Highly recommend and be aware it can be addictive cause it feels so good after!

Ali Penner

Great group fitness classes, very structured. Studio is cozy, organized and tidy. My favorite is the Empower Fusion-Cardio class, I wish they offered more of this type. The instructors are knowledgeable, very helpful and correct form or show modifiers when necessary, which I appreciate. Alyssa, Coryn and Sarah are wonderful instructors. The Receptionists are really welcoming too. Very friendly environment in general and great variety of music playlists. I started going just a couple times a week and gradually worked up to five times a week. I recommend Pure Barre if you're searching for low impact high intensity type exercise classes or challenging+fun group fitness exercises.

Judy Cheng

Was going to do the free trial but was refused entry because they don’t allow bare feet or regular socks, and you must purchase grip socks from them. I’ve been to other barre studios before that allowed bare feet. No communication regarding mandatory grip socks beforehand. Wasted my time driving 1hr back and forth.

Kay Fan

After falling and breaking my arm I decided it was time to take charge and get myself back in to shape. Pure Barre is exactly what I needed! Classes are challenging, sweat-inducing and never boring. The Burlingame studio is friendly and inviting, ALL the instructors are encouraging and positive. More than 500 classes in, and I am in better shape than I have been in years!

Natalie

I came here for a beginners session 5 months ago and have been suffering from lower back pain ever since. I am extremely upset and have had to go to many doctors and physical therapists to try to get me back to my original state. The instructor (Coryn) pushed down on my back to adjust my position when I had my leg on the barre and I immediately felt a sharp burning pain. I went to the ER that same night. DO NOT GO HERE

Laura Hilgart

Was so excited to try this class. As a working mom my day is always complicated but I was able to make it (wahoo!) albeit 7 minutes late which I didn’t see as a deal breaker. Was rudely turned away because I had “missed plank.”