Anonymous
Post 02/23/2018 14:00     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of checking out classes in my closest studio in D.C. because I'm familiar with the science behind isometric exercise and strength. That's appealing.

However I've hesitated because I'm afraid of being enveloped in a cult of disordered body image and orthotexia. Is the extreme navel (ass) gazing evident on this thread representative of a typical barre studio? Do the teachers unwittingly encourage this kind of obsession over every quarter inch change in appearance?

Maybe the paid subscription at home is the answer but it sounds like you should attend a few classes to confirm correct posture first?


Well, the website flat out says that they focus on areas "women struggle with the most" and want to build "long, lean muscles without bulk" (the horror of bulk!) https://purebarre.com/technique/

To me, that's a complete turn off. I'm sure it's a reasonably effective way to build strength, and I know many women who love it, but that's way too retrograde an attitude for me.


Oh grow up! are you THAT sensitive??? the fact that you are on this forum tells me that you're struggling with something related to your body.


Not at all. A friend wants me to take a class with her, so I am, and in looking at their website, I saw that language. And it reminded me of this thread (which, like DCUM, is a guilty indulgence).

It's not about being that sensitive, it's that I think that kind of language is outdated and ridiculous. It's 2018. Surely we can do better than branding our products around women's problem areas (or maybe we can't).
Anonymous
Post 02/23/2018 10:57     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of checking out classes in my closest studio in D.C. because I'm familiar with the science behind isometric exercise and strength. That's appealing.

However I've hesitated because I'm afraid of being enveloped in a cult of disordered body image and orthotexia. Is the extreme navel (ass) gazing evident on this thread representative of a typical barre studio? Do the teachers unwittingly encourage this kind of obsession over every quarter inch change in appearance?

Maybe the paid subscription at home is the answer but it sounds like you should attend a few classes to confirm correct posture first?


Well, the website flat out says that they focus on areas "women struggle with the most" and want to build "long, lean muscles without bulk" (the horror of bulk!) https://purebarre.com/technique/

To me, that's a complete turn off. I'm sure it's a reasonably effective way to build strength, and I know many women who love it, but that's way too retrograde an attitude for me.


Oh grow up! are you THAT sensitive??? the fact that you are on this forum tells me that you're struggling with something related to your body.
Anonymous
Post 02/22/2018 14:17     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of checking out classes in my closest studio in D.C. because I'm familiar with the science behind isometric exercise and strength. That's appealing.

However I've hesitated because I'm afraid of being enveloped in a cult of disordered body image and orthotexia. Is the extreme navel (ass) gazing evident on this thread representative of a typical barre studio? Do the teachers unwittingly encourage this kind of obsession over every quarter inch change in appearance?

Maybe the paid subscription at home is the answer but it sounds like you should attend a few classes to confirm correct posture first?


Well, the website flat out says that they focus on areas "women struggle with the most" and want to build "long, lean muscles without bulk" (the horror of bulk!) https://purebarre.com/technique/

To me, that's a complete turn off. I'm sure it's a reasonably effective way to build strength, and I know many women who love it, but that's way too retrograde an attitude for me.
Anonymous
Post 02/21/2018 14:11     Subject: Re:Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:I can attest to the slim down.

I'm a petite person but I've always had thicker more muscular thighs and tend to gain weight there. My thighs are now way more lean. They are still strong but not in a bulky way anymore.

I've been going for over a year, I'd say I noticed this after around 8-9 months. I don't have a monthly membership because I'm pretty sporadic about my attendance. Some weeks 1 time, others 2 and sometimes 3 times a week. I also had times when I skipped several weeks entirely, so those that go more regularly may see a difference faster. The only other exercise I do is Zumba and walking (again sporadic).

So yes, leaner legs can happen. That said my butt got smaller which I found to be an unfortunate side effect of this exercise, but the positive difference in my arms, back, stomach and legs more than makes up for that.



Thanks PP - I'm going to stick with it for sure. It will be one year for me this May. My butt is for sure rounder and lifted. My arms are way more defined, my abs are the tightest they've ever been - EVER! My legs feel tighter and firmer, but I'm still waiting for that lean look to happen.
Anonymous
Post 02/21/2018 14:08     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of checking out classes in my closest studio in D.C. because I'm familiar with the science behind isometric exercise and strength. That's appealing.

However I've hesitated because I'm afraid of being enveloped in a cult of disordered body image and orthotexia. Is the extreme navel (ass) gazing evident on this thread representative of a typical barre studio? Do the teachers unwittingly encourage this kind of obsession over every quarter inch change in appearance?

Maybe the paid subscription at home is the answer but it sounds like you should attend a few classes to confirm correct posture first?


PP - I can tell you that at the Bar Method in Bethesda this mindset or attitude is non-existent! The atmosphere there truly is the furthest from cultish, as you described.

The only thing the instructor is focused on is your form, making sure it's proper so you don't injure yourself. And you will see every body type there, and zero Judgmental Judy's.
Anonymous
Post 02/21/2018 05:55     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
I was thinking of checking out classes in my closest studio in D.C. because I'm familiar with the science behind isometric exercise and strength. That's appealing.

However I've hesitated because I'm afraid of being enveloped in a cult of disordered body image and orthotexia. Is the extreme navel (ass) gazing evident on this thread representative of a typical barre studio? Do the teachers unwittingly encourage this kind of obsession over every quarter inch change in appearance?

Maybe the paid subscription at home is the answer but it sounds like you should attend a few classes to confirm correct posture first?
Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 21:44     Subject: Re:Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:I can attest to the slim down.

I'm a petite person but I've always had thicker more muscular thighs and tend to gain weight there. My thighs are now way more lean. They are still strong but not in a bulky way anymore.

I've been going for over a year, I'd say I noticed this after around 8-9 months. I don't have a monthly membership because I'm pretty sporadic about my attendance. Some weeks 1 time, others 2 and sometimes 3 times a week. I also had times when I skipped several weeks entirely, so those that go more regularly may see a difference faster. The only other exercise I do is Zumba and walking (again sporadic).

So yes, leaner legs can happen. That said my butt got smaller which I found to be an unfortunate side effect of this exercise, but the positive difference in my arms, back, stomach and legs more than makes up for that.





Forgot to add that I do The Bar Method, not Pure Barre and don't know how the two compare.
Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 21:43     Subject: Re:Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
I can attest to the slim down.

I'm a petite person but I've always had thicker more muscular thighs and tend to gain weight there. My thighs are now way more lean. They are still strong but not in a bulky way anymore.

I've been going for over a year, I'd say I noticed this after around 8-9 months. I don't have a monthly membership because I'm pretty sporadic about my attendance. Some weeks 1 time, others 2 and sometimes 3 times a week. I also had times when I skipped several weeks entirely, so those that go more regularly may see a difference faster. The only other exercise I do is Zumba and walking (again sporadic).

So yes, leaner legs can happen. That said my butt got smaller which I found to be an unfortunate side effect of this exercise, but the positive difference in my arms, back, stomach and legs more than makes up for that.



Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 21:18     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I want to do barre classes but can’t afford them. Does anyone know if the YouTube videos are just as effective?


A good way to sample a live barre class, and still have it be affordable is to purchase via Groupon. That's what I did, and that's how I got hooked. I think I paid $79 for one month of unlimited classes at Bar Method. this is also a good way to get the proper technique down so that if you choose to do them online, it will be more effective.

here's a list of good DVD's to try at home:

http://www.sheknows.com/best-reviews/barre-dvds




Thanks so much!
Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 21:18     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I want to do barre classes but can’t afford them. Does anyone know if the YouTube videos are just as effective?



Pure Barre on demand is almost as good as going to class. Not free but way more reasonable than in studio. They tape real classes. Lots of lengths and options related to what a class focuses on (seat, thighs, abs, arms)


Thanks so much!
Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 13:26     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:I want to do barre classes but can’t afford them. Does anyone know if the YouTube videos are just as effective?


A good way to sample a live barre class, and still have it be affordable is to purchase via Groupon. That's what I did, and that's how I got hooked. I think I paid $79 for one month of unlimited classes at Bar Method. this is also a good way to get the proper technique down so that if you choose to do them online, it will be more effective.

here's a list of good DVD's to try at home:

http://www.sheknows.com/best-reviews/barre-dvds
Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 13:24     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
Anonymous wrote:I want to do barre classes but can’t afford them. Does anyone know if the YouTube videos are just as effective?



Pure Barre on demand is almost as good as going to class. Not free but way more reasonable than in studio. They tape real classes. Lots of lengths and options related to what a class focuses on (seat, thighs, abs, arms)
Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 11:08     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
I want to do barre classes but can’t afford them. Does anyone know if the YouTube videos are just as effective?
Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 10:34     Subject: Re:Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
I have been doing Pure Barre for about a year and a half and I have yet to "slim down." My shirts also fit more tightly in the arms due to arm muscles that I didn't have before. I am a fan of the changes but it would take a change in my diet to "slim down."
Anonymous
Post 02/20/2018 09:27     Subject: Pure barre classes = bigger butt?
I get mine when I do a lot of biking.

Did you watch the Olympics skating? A lot if the muscular skaters have firm but pronounced butts. Same with gymnastics, etc. Those are muscles.

It's rarer to see with ballet dancers, but that is because dance companies select for a different body type. A lot female dancers who are genetically predisposed to gain major muscle mass in their rears switch to jazz or modern dance or other types.