Review: Pure Barre: Mile High 1

One conclusion I’ve come to after doing ballet barre-inspired workouts is that ballerinas and dancers do not get enough credit! Maybe that’s changing as dance has come into the public eye more with Dancing With the Stars, but dancers are serious fit business.

Pure Barre has studios for those who want the real live deal, but I tried out the Pure Barre Mile High: 1 workout to get the in-home experience. Live classes can’t be replaced, but  as one of my first DVDs getting back into the groove, this one didn’t disappoint.

As a new mom trying to get my muscles back post-pregnancy, this workout DVD was a definite challenge. When Pilates-inspired ab work was incorporated in the warm-up, I had to laugh—and take a couple of breaks. Most of the workout is standing work, using the Pure Barre ball for resistance between your legs or behind your knees. You can easily use a chair for your barre, and it’s also not the end of the world if you don’t have a ball. The standing work uses small movements—think circles the size of a dime and pulses (oh, the pulsing!)—to really focus the burn. And man, does it burn! Mile 1 burns from the core down; your glutes, thighs and hips will really feel it.

I do wish there were more modifications shown for beginners, but the workout definitely gave me a goal to work toward: Not taking breaks! Plus, both Mile High 1 & 2 workouts are 45 minutes long, which is easy(er) to fit into the schedule. You can even buy a package set that includes a ball and sticky socks!

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★1/2

Fit Bottom Line: Pure Barre’s Mile High workouts will prove challenging for new moms and seasoned exercisers alike!

Have you found ballet-inspired moves to be as challenging as we do? —Erin