Knee Pain Pushes Me to the Pure Barre

I have been having issues with my knees. First, my left knee; then, while compensating for my left and still running, my right knee. It took awhile, but I finally get it--my knees need a break from running.

A colleague at work told me about a free Pure Barre class offered at the Dupont studio (2130 P Street NW). January 31 was the last free class sponsored by Lululemon. Even though it was a mere 20 degrees outside, I half-ran/jogged to the studio for the 7am class. I am so glad I did.

As a newbie, I was welcomed into the studio and asked to fill out some paperwork. I removed my sneakers (Mizuno Wave Creation) and headed into the carpeted studio. The instructor, Mary Margaret, began the class right on time (love that).

We started with a warm-up of knee lifts and arm raises. At first I thought, No problem, I got this. Then we started using a small ball and squeezing it between the legs; holding and pulsing, while keeping good posture and tight abs. My legs were shaking in no time. This is normal; the instructor warned at the beginning. You want to get to this stage because it means you are fatiguing the muscles. Even more weird was during the ab/core portion when my abs were shaking. Very bizarre feeling.

I have never taken ballet classes, but this class did not remind me of a dance class at all (my pre-conceived notion). The class is an intense, low-impact workout with no jumping or bouncing. The bar is used for body weight resistance, stretching, and pulsing. It is so much harder than it sounds. Really, it is SO much harder than it sounds.

Initially, I found it strange that the instructor did not participate; you had to pay very close attention to every word of her directions. However, it made sense as we went through the class that she would walk around checking form and helping people--especially since I received three personal visits and each time it made a big difference. :)

Although I am not a fan of group exercise and I enjoy my solitary runs, I am considering trying it for a month. (Pure Barre has a special one-month deal for new clients.) And I will recommend this class and studio to others.