When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Pure Barre
Why Pure Barre is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Pure Barre is a premier fitness destination widely recognized for its unique barre workout that blends ballet, Pilates, and yoga elements into a comprehensive, low-impact, and high-intensity group exercise. This fitness studio offers four distinct class formats—Pure Barre Classic™, Empower™, Align™, and Define™—each designed to lift and tone muscles while improving strength, agility, and flexibility. Beyond these signatures, they regularly introduce special focus classes that target specific areas like core strength and balance, keeping the workout engaging and adaptive for all levels. Classes typically last between 45 to 50 minutes, providing an efficient yet challenging session. The workouts emphasize small, controlled movements and isometric pulses, allowing participants to build endurance and muscle tone without stressing the joints, making it ideal for all fitness backgrounds. The environment at Pure Barre studios fosters a strong community spirit where instructors support and motivate members, adding a social and empowering dimension to each visit. Additionally, Pure Barre balances effective workouts with accessibility, featuring options like at-home classes through their Xponential+ streaming service, broadening opportunities for connection and fitness beyond the studio. This holistic approach makes Pure Barre an outstanding venue to meet friends, engage in empowering workouts, and be part of a supportive, health-conscious community.
Here's what people think of Pure Barre
As of recent, Pure Barre holds a 5-star rating based on 171 reviews.
User reviews of Pure Barre overwhelmingly praise the studio's ability to deliver intense, effective workouts that challenge the entire body while remaining accessible due to their low-impact nature. Users highlight the expertise and enthusiasm of certified instructors who guide participants through choreographed routines that blend barre, Pilates, and yoga, resulting in noticeable improvements in strength, flexibility, and balance. Positive feedback frequently mentions the supportive community atmosphere and the variety brought by different class formats and monthly focus sessions, which help keep engagement high. Many reviewers also appreciate the detailed attention to form and the inclusion of props like resistance bands and small weights that enhance workout intensity. On the other hand, some users note the intensity of the classes can be demanding, especially for newcomers, and the monthly cost for in-studio classes may be a consideration for some. While the Pure Barre app provides flexibility and access to on-demand classes, some individuals find adapting to virtual classes challenging compared to in-person participation. Overall, the glowing 5.0 rating from 171 reviews reflects a high level of customer satisfaction, highlighting Pure Barre's effective training, engaging teaching style, and community spirit as compelling reasons to join and stick with their fitness programs.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jelena Kovacevic
There are no words to describe how happy I am to be a part of the PB South Loop community. I have never been particularly enthusiastic about working out or engaging in physical activity, but Pure Barre has completely changed that for me. It has given me a new perspective on making my body stronger and healthier. After each class, I feel energized, stronger, and more confident. My mind is clear, my muscles feel stronger and the instructors provide an extra push that makes me want to do more. My body has toned up, my muscles are defined, and my mind is sharper.
Xiao Li
I've been going to Pure Barre South Loop since 2024 and can't say enough good things about it. I attended classes every week throughout my pregnancy, and it helped me stay strong—both mentally and physically. Now, as I return postpartum, I can feel the positive changes and recovery happening day by day. Huge thanks to all the amazing instructors and staff for creating such a supportive and motivating environment!
Lisa Lukaszewski
Pure Barre South Loop is one of my favorite places on earth. Through nearly 750 classes, starts and stops, breaks with Covid and surgeries and life events, and many years, it is a place I consistently return to and am welcomed back into the community of amazing people working their (ahem) seats off in every class. It is a challenging workout, and because it is technique based, you can celebrate little improvements and wins class over class. If you are looking for a great challenge (physically and mentally) with a great group of people and fabulous instructors, come check it out.
Hannah Flatau
Pure Barre is great and the South Loop team is amazing! The instructors are always enthusiastic and helpful. It’s always a great workout and each class is a little different. I know that every class will be challenging and fun and I will always be glad I went
Alejandra Cobo
I absolutely love Pure Barre! Every class leaves me feeling so energized and ready to take on the day. It’s the perfect place to leave everything else behind and just focus on myself. Hands down my favorite workout—can’t recommend it enough!
How to reach Pure Barre
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Why Pure Barre may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Pure Barre with your friends? Because Pure Barre offers a unique, full-body workout experience that combines fitness with community in a way few other studios can match. Whether you are looking to deepen friendships, stay motivated, or simply enjoy a healthy, uplifting activity together, Pure Barre creates the perfect environment for group meetups. The studio's signature low-impact yet high-intensity workouts are accessible to all fitness levels, ensuring everyone in your group can participate comfortably and effectively. Beyond the physical benefits like improved strength, agility, flexibility and muscle toning, Pure Barre fosters a strong sense of camaraderie through its welcoming atmosphere and supportive instructors who call participants by name, encouraging and motivating throughout each session. The carefully curated music and choreography offer a shared rhythm that brings friends together physically and mentally. Additionally, with multiple class formats and a safe, inclusive setting, it’s an ideal place to bond deeper while engaging in a health-conscious, purposeful activity. Rallying here isn’t just a workout—it's a celebration of friendship, wellness, and community all rolled into one.
What kinds of workouts and classes does Pure Barre offer for groups? Pure Barre provides four distinctive group class formats, each designed to deliver a full-body workout focusing on low-impact movements that lift and tone muscles without stressing joints. The four signature classes—Pure Barre Classic™, Empower™, Align™, and Define™—blend influences from ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training, offering variety while maintaining the core principle of small, pulsing isometric movements. These movements fatigue and define muscles evenly, promoting long, lean strength and flexibility. Group members can select classes that best suit their fitness goals, whether it’s endurance, core strength, or balance. For example, Pure Barre Align™ emphasizes posture and whole-body alignment, making it perfect for beginners or those seeking gentle strengthening, while Pure Barre Empower™ energizes with interval training for cardiovascular benefits. The dynamic sequencing and music-driven flow create an engaging and motivating workout turned communal celebration, making it easy for your group to stay synchronized and support each other’s progress. The studio also offers a monthly “focus” class that mixes class styles or targets specific areas like core stability and resistance, adding fresh challenges for groups returning regularly.
Why is Pure Barre perfect for hosting a group meetup? From the moment you walk into a Pure Barre studio, the atmosphere is designed to make everyone feel welcomed and part of a vibrant fitness community. The studios use carefully controlled, cozy lighting to create an inviting space that encourages connection and focus. Instructors are trained not only to lead effective workouts but also to cultivate a supportive community by calling out participants’ names and providing positive encouragement, which is a powerful motivator when attending with friends. Additionally, Pure Barre’s classes are usually 45 to 50 minutes, a manageable length that fits well into social schedules and doesn’t feel overwhelming to newcomers or casual exercisers. The use of props like small weighted balls, resistance bands, and dumbbells adds variety and interaction in lessons, delivering a tactile and engaging experience perfect for groups to share laughs and friendly competition. Because the workouts are low-impact, they cater well to mixed-ability groups, ensuring no one feels left behind due to fitness level or injuries. Furthermore, Pure Barre’s culture emphasizes empowerment and body positivity, which creates a safe environment for friends and family to connect meaningfully through movement.
How does Pure Barre’s approach support both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts in a group? Pure Barre’s method is grounded in small, precise movements designed to fatigue muscles gradually using isometric holds and tiny pulses. This approach is modifiable on-the-spot, making every movement accessible to newcomers without sacrificing the workout’s intensity or benefits for advanced practitioners. The choreography is built to protect joints and prevent injury, a vital consideration for group meetups where participants may have varying physical conditions. The instructors are highly trained to provide personalized corrections and alternatives during class, so no one feels overwhelmed or moves beyond their comfort zone. Experienced members appreciate the consistent structure and flow that facilitates progressive results, while beginners gain confidence from the clear, guided instruction and encouraging studio culture. As group members attend classes together, they can cheer on each other’s achievements, creating accountability and shared joy in fitness milestones. The team-oriented format feeds motivation, helping everyone stay committed and excited about improving their strength, agility, and balance alongside friends.
What extra amenities or offerings enhance the Pure Barre group experience? Pure Barre goes beyond studio classes by providing members access to Xponential+, a digital streaming platform offering on-demand Pure Barre workouts. This flexibility allows groups to keep the momentum outside the studio whenever meeting physically isn’t possible. The availability of multiple class formats and a rotating monthly focus class keeps things fresh and challenging, so groups can avoid workout monotony. Furthermore, the use of music-driven choreography energizes the sessions, making workouts feel more like a fun, rhythmic gathering rather than a chore. Pure Barre studios often host community events and challenges which encourage socializing and friendly competition, adding layers to group interaction beyond regular classes. The welcoming environment attracts people from all walks of life, enhancing social diversity and enriching conversations post-workout. Altogether, these features craft a holistic experience that nurtures physical health, emotional well-being, and social connection—making Pure Barre a distinctive destination to rally friends or family for a meaningful, enjoyable, and transformative meetup.
Why do people keep coming back to Pure Barre and make it their go-to group activity? Many practitioners describe Pure Barre as addictive due to its effective combination of structure, music, and community. The predictable class format offers reliable pacing and familiar choreography, which creates a comforting rhythm that motivates repeat attendance. At the same time, the physical results—strengthened muscles, improved endurance, and enhanced flexibility—fuel a powerful sense of accomplishment that participants want to maintain and build upon. Peer encouragement and the personal attention from instructors who remember names and milestones help develop a supportive, positive culture that transcends typical fitness experiences. This group-oriented environment encourages participants to commit to multiple sessions weekly, turning workouts into regular social occasions. Along with the proven physical benefits, this social and emotional fulfillment is why Pure Barre scores a perfect 5.0 rating from an extensive body of reviews, making it not just a leading barre program but a community hub worth rallying around.
How can Pure Barre transform the entire group’s mindset and lifestyle? Pure Barre is more than a workout—it’s a lifestyle change. The studio community encourages members to focus on self-care, mindfulness, and holistic wellness alongside physical fitness. Regular attendance promotes not only muscle toning but also enhanced body awareness and mental resilience. The combination of physical effort and rhythmic flow often leaves participants feeling empowered, refreshed, and mentally clear, which positively influences habits outside the studio. For groups, this shared journey towards better fitness and wellness fosters stronger bonds, while adopting a commitment to regular movement and mindful practice together. Pure Barre’s emphasis on small, achievable movements removes intimidation, making fitness approachable and sustainable. As your group grows stronger and more confident, these changes ripple into daily life—boosting energy, improving posture, reducing stress, and elevating mood—creating a ripple effect that improves overall quality of life. Hosting your next meetup at Pure Barre means you’re choosing an environment that sparks transformation, connection, and lifelong wellness habits collectively.