Happy Hour at the Barre

     Lift. Tone. Burn.  This is the mantra of the latest workout sensation known as Pure Barre.   Located on Cochran Road in Mt. Lebanon, Pure Barre is an innovative combination of ballet, yoga, and Pilates that promises to do all of the above for the areas of the body with which most women are concerned, areas like the thighs, seat, and back of arms.

Owner Melissa Evancic was introduced to the Pure Barre method while working in Raleigh, North Carolina.  She recognized there was nothing like it offered in Pittsburgh and set out to open a Pure Barre facility here.  Echoing Evancic on the uniqueness of the workout is instructor and Nevillewood resident Becca Wasson.  “It is totally different from anything I have ever taught.  And I have been teaching for over twenty years!” says Wasson.

     The technique isolates small muscle groups until fatigue and then follows with a stretch to lengthen and tone.  Hour long classes are fast paced; participants move from the floor to the barre and back again, and movements can involve light weights, resistance bands and balls. Class begins with the lights bright and ends with them dim during a final stretch. There is less talking from the instructor than one may be used to; class is more about focusing on and getting lost in the movements and the music. “It’s your time and your workout.  I am just there as a guide,” says Wasson.

     Although some of the technique is based on ballet, do not expect any classical music here!  The music is high energy and motivating.  And while lifting and toning may be the goals of many women, they should not let the burn scare them away from this type of workout.  It is a technique designed for all fitness levels.  “If you can hold on to the barre, you can take class,” says Evancic. 

In addition to offering classes, Pure Barre Mt. Lebanon also has a dedicated retail space.  They carry the exclusive Splits 59 and Karma clothing lines.  Wasson is a Fit Pro for the Splits 59 company.  Both lines offer chic workout apparel designed to transition from the barre to everyday life. “You can go straight from your workout to running errands,” says Wasson.
     With all of the lifting, toning, and burning, some participants can see results in as few as ten classes.  Another Pure Barre instructor mentioned she has a pair of pants that have never fit like they do now that she has begun regular Pure Barre sessions! But more than just a great workout and stylish workout wear, Evancic, Wasson and the rest of the Pure Barre team want to create a sense of community for women.  “Women are always looking for something to target areas like the seat and the thighs,” says Evancic, “but I also think that they are seeking to be around like minded women.  I hope to form a community of individuals focused on health and wellness.”

     If you are ready to lift, tone, and burn, check out Pure Barre in Mt. Lebanon.  The first class is always free, new classes are being added all of the time, and online scheduling makes it convenient to reserve a space in class.  Visit their website at purebarre.com or contact the Mt. Lebanon location at 412-248-2424.