March 2022 by Rhonda P.
Please note, these reviews and 5 star ratings are all before the latest management/owner take over. Unfortunate, disappointing and unnecessary changes have been implemented to a formerly professionally managed studio, upon takeover by a new mgr/owner as of August 2021 (list below). One of the best long time teachers left, many long time clients have left. Things that haven't changed are the beyond amazing teachers and clients! Some of who warned me, so trying to pass on the favor. Buyer beware...Do not expect the former customer service, professionalism or Pure Barre experience a client used to receive from the previous managers/owners. Current owner/manager isn't aligned with or honors certain aspects of the former PB Bethesda managment or corporate brand. Examples of changes: unlimited 1 yr contract rewritten-can only sign up for 15 classes at a time, only 1 freeze allowed, no longer includes bringing 2 new clients per mo. etc., parking no longer validated as it was, classes cancelled within an hour before class (but late fee charged if clients don't cancel 4 hours prior), livestream classes cancelled, schedule not posted until a few days before next month, schedule never the same month to month, studio policies no longer emailed, classes waitlisted evenings and weekends (need to sign up weeks in advance), wipes no longer provided to clean equipment, clients have cleaned toilets, reduced rate/intro pkg for new clients replaced with one free foundations class, mistakes made with contract/class pkgs, blocks former clients from social media after cancelling client membership contract, former clients considered trespassing if no membership, 100, 500, 1000 etc. milestones not acknowledged in real time when achieved, PB challenge rewards earned not provided.
May 2021 by Victoria N.
Ambiance: 5/5Customer Service: 5/5Friendliness: 5/5New to the area? Moved during COVID-19 and don't have any friends? Consider Pure Barre.I just tried the free introduction class on a Saturday since I was trying to figure out what fitness/gym center I should sign-up for. I knew nothing about Pure Barre coming in, but the folks there are quite responsive via text.Upon walking in, I was greeted by the instructor who was at the front desk, and she had informed me that I was the only one who had signed up for that class time, so I basically had a one-one session with the instructor. The environment was very clean and the ambiance felt bright.The instructor was very lively and fun to be around. She had emphasized that it was a welcoming environment and even informed me of a military discount since she recognized I was in the army. She had noted that the community is very friendly, and it is a great environment to be in if you just moved to the place. During the class, she was very professional and guided me through all of the movements. I would say that the Pure Barre class reminds me of a mix of Pilates and Ballet. It definitely did make my muscles sore during the workout, but I thought this was a little slower place than what I was looking for, and I didn't feel sore the next day. If it were my style of exercising/what I was looking for (an exercise that will help me train for the ACFT and learn how to incorporate heavy weights into my routine), I would have definitely signed up.At the time I had tried the free class, there was a promotion of the first 3 months being $99 each month (which is a steal!) since their normal prices are usually around $199, so it is a great way to start Pure Barre and see whether or not you like it. In addition, they had informed me that the capacity is currently at 10 people (due to COVID-19). People on average comes in 3-4 times/week but others come in 1-2 times/week as an addition to another workout.So, I'd say: give this a try! You never know if you'd like it or not.
