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 offers an outstanding environment to meet up with friends while engaging in an effective, full-body workout that blends elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training. With over 600 studios across North America, Pure Barre is a well-established barre franchise known for its welcoming community and focus on low-impact, high-intensity movements. The workout sessions, lasting around 45-50 minutes, emphasize small, controlled pulsing movements that tone muscles, enhance strength, agility, and flexibility, and protect joints from injury. Each class is musically driven and led by certified, highly trained instructors passionate about barre and movement, ensuring workouts are accessible and effective for every fitness level. Their unique technique targets all major muscle groups through isometric exercises and uses props like weighted balls, resistance bands, and dumbbells. What's more, the studio atmosphere is clean, inviting, and supportive, making Pure Barre an excellent social and fitness destination where friends can connect while working toward their health goals. Additionally, Pure Barre offers a variety of class formats and an evolving monthly focus class, maintaining engagement and challenge for members. For extra convenience, members can access streamed classes anytime via Xponential+, enabling workouts from home or on the go.
Here's what people think of Pure Barre
As of recent, Pure Barre holds a 4.9-star rating based on 188 reviews.
Users consistently praise Pure Barre for its inclusive and motivating environment, noting the expert instructors who personalize workouts and maintain high energy with good music. Positive reviews often highlight the challenging yet low-impact nature of the workouts, which effectively tone and strengthen muscles without joint strain. Many appreciate the variety of signature class formats and how approachable the program is for different fitness levels. Reviewers also remark on the welcoming studio culture, cleanliness, and the supportive community that keeps them returning. On the other hand, some negative feedback centers on the mandatory purchase of sticky socks for classes, which a few find inconvenient or costly. A minority of users mention occasional scheduling issues or difficulty with booking popular class times. Another criticism includes that the workout might feel repetitive for those expecting more ballet-like classes or high-intensity cardio. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive user sentiment with a 4.9-star rating from 188 reviews underscores Pure Barre’s success in delivering a balanced, enjoyable, and community-focused fitness experience that appeals to a broad audience of fitness enthusiasts.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Carley Hall
I am new to Pure Barre but so far, I love it! It is motivating and the classes make me want to come back for more. It is a good challenge that makes me feel accomplished and stronger with each class. The staff is so kind and welcoming. They don’t just lead the class, they help you through it, guide you, push you, and are there for any questions before/after class. This is the first studio that I feel has a great community and I’m excited to be a part of it!
S Fung
I enjoy the Pure Barre workout since it provides so many options included in the membership - Classic provides full body low impact workout or if I want heavy weights Define provides a great way to move with weights, Empower is more high intensity workout and to stretch and lengthen I can take Align. The West Loop studio has very friendly staff that are knowledgeable about body alignment and always helpful. You always feel welcomed and it’s like a sisterhood with all the nice people you can meet.
Elizabeth Fairfield
The community is amazing and supportive - teachers and members alike. I've met so many great people here! Teachers are all high quality and uniquely motivating. I get stronger, but it never gets easier - love this!
Stephanie Miller
I have been a member of Pure Barre since 2017. I. Love it! The instructors are so knowledgeable and helpful, the workouts are always different and the community is so encouraging!
Erica Zervanos
I joined in January - I was so nervous after coming back from health issues and they have been nothing but empathetic and understanding. I have struggled to find that in other fitness modalities, but they are truly so supportive, kind, non-judgmental, and motivating :)
How to reach Pure Barre
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Website: None
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? Pure Barre offers an exceptional environment perfect for sharing a fitness journey together, strengthening both body and social bonds. This studio isn’t just about exercise—it fosters a welcoming and supportive community where friends can motivate one another while engaging in a workout that’s simultaneously challenging and accessible. With a remarkable 4.9-star rating from over 188 reviews, Pure Barre has proven its ability to deliver satisfaction, professionalism, and results. The classes focus on low-impact, high-intensity movements, making them suitable for various fitness levels, so you and your friends can workout side-by-side without anyone feeling out of place. Beyond physical benefits, the studio atmosphere—featuring dimmed, cozy lighting and personalized instructor attention—creates a space where everyone feels valued and encouraged. This setting is ideal for a group meetup that combines wellness, fun, and mutual support, helping each participant push through plateaus while enjoying quality time together.
What activities can you do at Pure Barre and why do they make it ideal for group meetups? Pure Barre offers four distinct group class formats—Classic, Empower, Align, and Define—that collectively provide a comprehensive full-body workout inspired by Pilates, yoga, and ballet. Each class lasts about 45 to 50 minutes, targeting muscle toning, strength, endurance, agility, and flexibility through small, controlled pulsing movements called isometrics. This low-impact approach protects joints from injury while delivering high-intensity benefits, making sessions approachable for beginners and challenging for seasoned athletes. Classes incorporate props like light weights, resistance bands, and small balls, adding variety and engagement. For a group, this diversity allows friends or family members to find classes that suit different interests or fitness goals but still share the experience together. Furthermore, instructors personalize guidance, often calling clients by name and offering encouragement, deepening the sense of connection within the group. This combination of expertly designed workouts and intimate community makes Pure Barre an inspiring venue for collective wellness activities.
How does Pure Barre’s workout structure support group motivation and inclusivity? Pure Barre’s method is highly structured with musically driven choreography that creates a rhythmic and consistent flow throughout each session. Every class adheres to a specific template, helping participants anticipate movements and progress through sequences confidently. This structured predictability reduces intimidation for newcomers while maintaining excitement for returning attendees. Within a group, this means everyone moves in unison, building camaraderie as participants sweat through identical routines that sculpt every major muscle group. Instructors lead with positive reinforcement and personal attention, often remembering and calling out participants’ names to foster individual and group motivation. Unlike some fitness venues that push only elite athletes, Pure Barre’s range of low-impact, adjustable exercises caters to all ages and abilities, making it inclusive for groups with varying fitness backgrounds. This inclusiveness paired with a dedicated community spirit ensures that group meetups are enjoyable and empowering experiences that nurture both personal growth and social connection.
Why does Pure Barre’s environment enhance the social experience of a group gathering? The ambiance of Pure Barre studios plays a crucial role in creating an inviting and comfortable environment that encourages repeat visits. The lighting is carefully controlled—soft and dimming as classes progress—evoking a cozy and focused space that minimizes distractions and enhances concentration. The studios tend to be located beyond the reception area, giving a sense of retreat and exclusivity. This helps groups feel like they are stepping into a special setting dedicated entirely to their wellness journey. Additionally, the culture of Pure Barre is rooted in community: instructors take the time to learn participants’ names and provide encouragement throughout the workout, which adds a personalized, uplifting aspect to each session. For friends and families, this communal feel can strengthen bonds, as they encourage each other in a positive, noncompetitive atmosphere. After class, many studios serve as informal social hubs where members linger to share experiences and build friendships, transforming Pure Barre from just a workout location into a true gathering place.
What makes Pure Barre a versatile fitness destination for groups with diverse interests? Pure Barre’s class formats are specifically designed to target different fitness components, allowing groups to experience variety while engaging together. Classic classes focus on total body toning and foundational movements; Empower classes add more cardio and plyometric bursts for those seeking intensity; Align centers on proper posture and form to enhance flexibility and stability; and Define incorporates heavier weights for strength building. This variety means groups can either pick a specific class to attend together or rotate among formats to keep meetups fresh and engaging. Furthermore, monthly “focus” classes mix styles or concentrate on specialized goals like core strength or balance, offering unique workouts that can accommodate evolving group preferences. For groups with differing fitness levels or interests, this flexibility ensures everyone feels challenged and satisfied. Beyond physical workouts, Pure Barre also provides access to virtual classes through its streaming platform, Xponential+, allowing group members who are remote or unable to attend in person to participate synchronously or asynchronously, further broadening options for connection and fitness commitment.
How do Pure Barre instructors and community culture contribute to a positive group experience? Instructors at Pure Barre are highly trained and passionate about barre fitness and movement, guiding participants with expert insight into form, pacing, and safety. They create a motivating and nurturing environment by combining technical coaching with personalized attention—often recognizing individuals by name and providing real-time encouragement. This approach reinforces a sense of belonging and accountability, essential ingredients for a successful group dynamic. The community culture at Pure Barre is diverse and inclusive, welcoming members from all walks of life and fitness levels. Regular clients often describe the environment as uplifting, addictive, and transformative—not only physically but mentally and emotionally. For group gatherings, this means the space supports both individual journeys and collective empowerment, making the experience more than just a workout but a shared lifestyle choice. This community emphasis encourages friendship building and mutual support, turning exercise into a social affair that fosters lasting connections.
What benefits can groups expect physically and mentally from attending Pure Barre together? Physically, Pure Barre’s workout delivers profound benefits across strength, endurance, flexibility, agility, and balance by targeting all major muscle groups through low-impact, precise movements. The consistent, controlled pulsing helps fatigue muscles effectively, leading to muscle toning, enhanced posture, and improved joint stability without undue strain. Cardiovascular health also improves slightly depending on class intensity. For groups, exercising together enhances motivation and consistency, essential factors for achieving these results. Mentally, participants often report increased focus, stress relief, and a boost in confidence as they gain mastery over their bodies and witness improvements. The camaraderie developed within the group setting further elevates mood, providing emotional support and enhancing feelings of belonging. This holistic improvement in body and mind underscores why Pure Barre is not only a fitness venue but a destination for transformative group experiences that positively impact overall well-being.
How can Pure Barre accommodate various schedules and lifestyles for group events? Pure Barre studios understand the modern need for flexibility and provide multiple class times throughout the week to suit different schedules. This scheduling versatility helps groups find common times to gather without compromising individual responsibilities. Additionally, the option to use the Xponential+ streaming service offers an alternative way for members to stay connected and engage in barre workouts from home or while traveling. This hybrid model supports group meetups that combine in-studio classes with virtual sessions, allowing members to maintain momentum and social bonds even when physical attendance isn’t possible. The variety of class formats and the inclusive environment also mean that groups can curate their meetups around shared fitness goals, be it strength, flexibility, or stress relief. Such accommodation makes Pure Barre an ideal fitness and social hub for groups balancing busy lives but prioritizing wellness together.
What makes Pure Barre stand out compared to other fitness studios for hosting meetups? Pure Barre’s distinctive mix of ballet, Pilates, and yoga elements combined with small, controlled movements offers a unique full-body workout that differs from traditional gym or high-impact training. Its low-impact approach reduces injury risk, making it a safer environment for diverse groups. The studio’s reputation for outstanding customer satisfaction—evidenced by its 4.9-star rating from nearly 200 reviews—reflects exceptional quality in instruction, atmosphere, and community support. Moreover, the carefully cultivated ambiance with dim lighting and personalized instructor attention makes each class feel like a special event rather than just exercise. The strong sense of community, with instructors encouraging participants by name and fostering positive energy, creates an engaging, welcoming space for friends and families. This rare combination of effective workouts, inclusivity, and social warmth positions Pure Barre as a premier destination for group meetups focused on health and connection.
Why is Pure Barre considered a lifestyle choice beyond just fitness? More than a place to exercise, Pure Barre embodies a lifestyle centered around body positivity, mindfulness, and consistent self-improvement. By emphasizing small movements and gradual strength building, it encourages patience and attention to detail—qualities applicable beyond fitness. The community connection nurtured in studios supports ongoing motivation, mental well-being, and accountability, fostering healthy habits that extend into daily life. Members often describe the program as transformative, improving their overall outlook and confidence, which underscores its impact beyond physical shape. By rallying at Pure Barre, groups not only support each other’s fitness goals but also build a shared commitment to wellness, balance, and positive lifestyle shifts that strengthen friendships and create lasting memories. This holistic experience defines Pure Barre as more than a workout—it's a destination for meaningful social engagement and personal growth.