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 a uniquely effective barre workout that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training into a low-impact, high-intensity format that lifts and tones muscles while improving strength, agility, and flexibility. The classes last about 45 to 50 minutes and utilize small, controlled pulsing movements to fatigue specific muscles followed by stretching to lengthen them. This full-body workout is designed to be accessible for all fitness levels, protecting joints while delivering results. Their four signature class formats—Pure Barre Classic™, Empower™, Align™, and Define™—each offer a distinctive style while maintaining the core barre technique. Classes also incorporate props such as small weighted balls, resistance bands, and dumbbells to add variety and resistance. The studios are known for their cozy, dimly-lit ambiance and welcoming, supportive community where instructors personally call out members' names to create a motivating and encouraging environment. Founded in 2001 by Carrie Dorr, Pure Barre has grown to over 600 locations worldwide and continues to attract clients who seek a structured, addictive workout that reshapes both body and mind. The studio experience emphasizes a strong class sequencing and a dedicated teaching staff that ensures every participant can achieve meaningful progress in strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.
Here's what people think of Pure Barre
As of recent, Pure Barre holds a 4.8-star rating based on 84 reviews.
User reviews of Pure Barre are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.8 from 84 reviews. Many customers highlight the supportive and motivational atmosphere created by the instructors, who guide classes with positivity and encouragement. Reviewers frequently mention the effectiveness of the workouts for toning muscles, improving flexibility, and overall fitness gains. Positive comments also note the welcoming community vibe and the structured, consistent class format that keeps them engaged and coming back multiple times a week. On the employment side, staff reviews praise the work-life balance, positive environment, and strong management teams, describing it as an enjoyable and rewarding workplace. However, negative reviews point to occasional management disorganization and some discontent with customer service or sales pressure, particularly for former employees feeling demoralized. Despite these few criticisms, most feedback agrees that Pure Barre delivers a reliable and effective barre workout experience for diverse members. In conclusion, Pure Barre is widely regarded as an excellent fitness option for those seeking a challenging yet accessible total body workout in a friendly and motivating setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brianna Klaus
Pure Barre is the best workout class/company I have ever been apart of. Everyone is so welcoming, and always makes you feel like you belong. The workouts are rewarding, and I always leave feeling amazing. The instructors correct your form continuously, and the adjustments that they make really help you feel the difference in how much form impacts your workout! 10/10 would recommend, I will be a longtime customer for sure! (Olivia is amazing)!!!
Alexandra Retherford
From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported by the amazing staff and instructors. The studio is always clean, bright, and inviting, and the energy is consistently positive. Each class challenges me in the best way possible — it’s a full-body workout that leaves me feeling strong, centered, and accomplished every time. The instructors do a fantastic job guiding the group while offering personalized tips and encouragement. Whether you’re new to barre or more experienced, they make sure you feel confident and motivated. Pure Barre Streeterville has become a highlight of my weekly routine, and I truly look forward to every class. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, empowering, and effective workout in a welcoming community!
Joanna Yeh
I’ve had such a fantastic experience coming to Pure Barre! This studio is clean, welcoming, and full of great energy. The instructors are incredibly encouraging, knowledgeable, and take the time to help you with form and technique. They made me feel comfortable, even as a first-timer. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an empowering and supportive workout class!
Kedari Vasu
Pure barre is the only workout I look forward to; the great instructors, fun music and workouts achievable for all capabilities makes for such a positive environment and experience. I love being able to follow favorite instructors to other studios and take classes with friends at their home studio, despite the franchise model since we are able to use any of the studios under the same membership and there are a few across the city. The themed classes, fun challenges, and motivating instructors keeps things fun and fresh all year round. The Streeterville location is my favorite, I highly recommend checking it out if you are thinking about it!!
Carson Mhoon
I go to sleep so excited to go to class at 7 am the next morning! The results are a given but, the dedication of the instructors and music is off the charts. Every movement and workout is orchestrated to the beat of the music which gets me fired up and keeps me engaged. The staff is super helpful too and they’re always coming up with new incentives to motivate their members. They Are The Best!
How to reach Pure Barre
None
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? Because Pure Barre offers more than just a workout—it creates a vibrant community experience built around shared goals of strength, wellness, and self-care. With a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 84 reviews, Pure Barre has earned a reputation for delivering transformative fitness sessions that strengthen your body and uplift your spirit. Gathering your friends at Pure Barre means stepping into a supportive environment where every participant—from beginners to seasoned athletes—is guided by passionate, certified instructors through expertly curated workouts. The class ambiance combines energizing music, encouraging instructors who often personalize the experience by calling out names, and a cozy studio lighting that sets a welcoming mood. These elements together foster a sense of connection, motivation, and fun, making Pure Barre an ideal venue for social meetups that double as effective workouts. Whether your group aims to tone muscles, increase flexibility, or simply enjoy an empowering fitness challenge together, Pure Barre provides an inclusive space where friendships can deepen over shared effort, encouragement, and celebration of fitness milestones.
What activities does Pure Barre offer for groups to enjoy together?
Pure Barre offers four main group class formats, each uniquely designed to deliver low-impact, high-intensity workouts that sculpt and tone muscles while improving overall agility and flexibility. These classes range in style but share a common technique inspired by ballet, Pilates, and yoga, emphasizing small, controlled movements called isometric pulses. The four signature classes—Pure Barre Classic™, Pure Barre Empower™, Pure Barre Align™, and Pure Barre Define™—ensure variety for your group, catering to different interests within one meetup. For example, Pure Barre Classic™ is a foundational total-body workout focusing on isometric pulses and strengthening, while Pure Barre Empower™ incorporates more challenging intervals that can push your endurance. Pure Barre Align™ emphasizes proper posture and form to build long, lean muscles, and Pure Barre Define™ introduces more weights and resistance for added strength training. Besides these core classes, Pure Barre also offers a rotating “focus” class that mixes elements from various formats to spotlight muscle groups like the core, or to blend balance and resistance training. For a group meetup, this variety allows everyone to find a workout that suits their fitness level and goals while sharing a collective experience.
Why is Pure Barre the perfect place for a group meetup?
Pure Barre’s studio environment and class structure make it an ideal setting for groups seeking a healthy and engaging meetup experience. First, the studios foster a tight-knit community vibe. Instructors frequently engage with participants by calling out names and providing personalized encouragement, which makes every individual feel recognized and included—key factors for group motivation. The studios also maintain carefully controlled lighting that dims progressively during class, creating an intimate and focused atmosphere that draws your group into the workout together, intensifying team spirit. Additionally, Pure Barre’s low-impact approach means that people of diverse fitness backgrounds can join without fear of injury or overexertion. This inclusivity is crucial for groups that may vary widely in age or athletic experience. The classes typically last between 45 to 50 minutes, which is perfect for busy schedules yet sufficient to deliver impactful results. Beyond the physical benefits, the shared setting cultivates camaraderie; pushing through exercises together and celebrating post-class achievements can deepen friendships. Finally, the studios are equipped with all necessary props such as small weighted balls, resistance bands, and dumbbells, providing a complete barre workout experience without extra preparation, making group planning hassle-free.
How does the Pure Barre workout engage and benefit all fitness levels?
Pure Barre workouts rely on a proprietary technique of small, precise pulses that deeply engage targeted muscle groups. This method is effective because it leads muscles to fatigue through isometric contractions while protecting the joints, which is essential for sustainable fitness. Each class is musically driven and choreographed to guide participants through sequences that increase strength, flexibility, and endurance without high-impact strain. The careful sequencing ensures a balanced full-body workout that includes cardio elements, especially in classes like Pure Barre Empower™. Newcomers benefit from the supportive pace and detailed instruction offered by certified teachers who walk beginners through the techniques step-by-step. More advanced participants appreciate the progressive challenge and use of props like resistance bands and weights to elevate their intensity. Because the movements are small and controlled, the risk of injury is minimized, making Pure Barre accessible for people recovering from injury or those new to exercise. Overall, clients across all fitness levels often find themselves hooked due to the consistent, structured format that delivers noticeable results physically and mentally.
What makes the Pure Barre community experience unique?
Beyond the workout, Pure Barre distinguishes itself through its community and lifestyle approach. Founded in 2001, it has grown into a worldwide network of over 600 studios, demonstrating a broad and enthusiastic client base. Studio communities pride themselves on diversity and support, creating an environment where clients feel empowered to pursue personal fitness and wellness goals alongside their peers. The instructors’ dedication to calling out participant names and using positive reinforcement fosters an almost familial aura, where encouragement is constant and motivation sustained. The design of each studio carefully balances privacy with warm engagement—soft, gradually dimming lights focus participants inward yet create a shared sanctuary that encourages bonding. Many clients mention how addictive and compelling the experience is, often attending classes multiple times per week and forging friendships that extend beyond fitness. Plus, since Pure Barre offers on-demand streaming classes through its Xponential+ platform, groups can even maintain their communal motivation outside the studio by doing workouts together virtually. This blend of physical, mental, and social benefits sets Pure Barre apart as a lifestyle choice, not just a fitness routine.
How can hosting a meetup at Pure Barre benefit your health and relationships?
Hosting a group meetup at Pure Barre offers dual benefits: it promotes physical health and enhances social bonds. The low-impact barre exercises engage and tone muscles, increase flexibility, improve balance, and boost cardiovascular endurance—all within a safe environment adaptable to individual needs. This shared activity encourages accountability, as meeting friends for workout sessions increases commitment and reduces tendencies to skip exercise. The positive environment and instructor encouragement help keep morale high, making fitness feel like a rewarding group celebration rather than a solitary chore. Socially, sweating it out together breaks down barriers and builds camaraderie in ways that casual meetups may not. Sharing achievements, progressive challenges, and even the occasional humor born of collective exertion creates meaningful memories and strengthens friendships. Moreover, by prioritizing wellness as a group, the overall lifestyle of your circle of friends or family can improve, fostering a culture of health and happiness that extends beyond the studio doors.
What should you expect when attending a Pure Barre class for the first time with friends?
For those new to Pure Barre, the first class might feel challenging yet surprisingly approachable thanks to welcoming instructors and an accommodating format. Beginners can expect a thorough introduction to the movements, the use of props, and breathing techniques that protect and support the body throughout. The class typically starts with warm-up exercises focusing on flexibility and gentle muscle activation, gradually building up to more intense small-pulsing sets that target various muscle groups like thighs, arms, core, and seat. The music pacing helps maintain rhythm and energy, while teachers demonstrate each movement clearly and provide modifications for sensitivity or limitations. Because the studio atmosphere fosters encouragement, first-timers often feel comfortable asking questions or sharing concerns. Bringing friends amplifies this comfort, as mutual support and shared learning help ease initial nervousness. After class, many find themselves energized and eager to enroll again, fueled by a sense of accomplishment and the positive group dynamic.
How does Pure Barre enhance the overall fitness journey for groups?
For a group committed to long-term wellness, Pure Barre acts as a cornerstone by offering structured, varied, and measurable workouts. Its class formats ensure that the routine does not grow monotonous, as participants can rotate between styles to emphasize different fitness goals like strength, balance, or muscle definition. The consistency in class length and format allows scheduling meetups regularly with predictable structure, optimal for integrating into busy group calendars. The low-impact technique minimizes injury risks, making it viable as a lifelong fitness routine. Additionally, the community support and instructor engagement maintain high motivation levels, which is often the biggest challenge in group fitness journeys. Besides physical gains, the mental benefits of stress reduction, mindfulness, and endorphin release cultivate a holistic health improvement. Groups may also participate in studio events or challenges that further cement bonds and inspire commitment. This synergy ensures that the fitness journey remains exciting, sustainable, and socially rewarding.
By gathering at Pure Barre, your friends and family embrace not merely a workout but a shared, enriching experience that transforms bodies and nurtures relationships through fitness, empowerment, and community. The variety of classes, expert guidance, and warm atmosphere make it a top choice for meaningful, health-focused group meetups.