Just started attending classes at pure barre and I am obsessed. It is a very welcoming environment. The workouts are challenging but not impossible. I can already feel a difference in my posture and my general sense of wellbeing. What's great is if you sign up at this location they also own the edgewater and Skokie location so you can take classes at a few different places. I have a few back injuries so the low impact feel is really helpful. The instructors have all been nice so far and offer good corrections. I bought a pass but plan to upgrade because I honestly feel excited to work out which is not often the case. read more

I really want to give a big shout out to the Pure Barre Lincoln Square team. I have been going for a little over two years ( I think?!) , and I really enjoy it, both the health benefits as well as the community that has been cultivated by Aija and her entire team. Speaking from my point of view as a male client, which is not the typical demographic of client, they have always had a very inclusive culture and how they support everyone. I have found the the classes to be a great and important complement to all the all the other activities that I do. If you are someone that enjoys strength training HIIt workouts, and yoga, I think you'll very much enjoy the variety of classes they have here. read more

My barre journey started about nine years ago in New York. After a LONG hiatus and a move back to Chicago, I decided to give it another go. My first few classes back were at another studio, but then I switched to PBLS because it is closer to home and I am 1000% sold. The studio is welcoming, friendly, very supportive, and completely non-judgmental. I have never been this comfortable going anywhere to work out. It feels like we're all in it together, to get out of it as much as we put into it. And for the first time in maybe ever, I think I have a cute butt! Would absolutely recommend PBLS read more

This is a really welcoming and low-key Pure Barre studio! I love all the different class formats that challenge you to get a full-body workout. I would highly recommend this studio to anyone interested in starting a workout routine! read more

5 Star Review coming at ya! I've been a client of Pure Barre Lincoln Square since January, but have been doing Pure Barre as my primary workout for 4 years. This workout totally clicks with me: it emphasizes form over range of motion, it's low impact, it's full body, it's constantly evolving to provide continual results, and it's always fun. On a more shallow level, the retail at every studio I've visited has been spectacular and unique to that studio. A couple of things set the Lincoln Square studio apart from others that I think make it a really quality experience when you come here. One is that there is a clear commitment for the instructors to constantly get better. When there are new instructors teaching class, they are frequently being reviewed and provided time with the more senior instructors. The dedication this studio has to providing their clients with a quality experience shows. Further, I think the MAJORITY of the instructors at this studio are on par with the "top" instructors at other studios I've visited. The second is the space: this is a great sized studio where you always feel like you have enough space to complete the full range of motion you need to, but also somehow manages to feel just as intimate and high energy when the class size is smaller. The sound system is good (weird thing to mention but some studios' aren't) and there is lots of cubby space and space for equipment. As far as class experience goes, I think the instructors and staff are really quality. They know each other well and know their clients well. There is never any laziness in the cues and you can tell the instructors are constantly learning new ways to verbalize what they want you to do. I leave sweaty and having learned something after almost every class--they really know when to challenge you and how to give you your best workout. For those that it's important to: if you don't have appropriate attire when you show up, they have enough retail for sale you can make a complete outfit--they also sell water and snacks if you need to grab one on the way in or out. They're also in an area with lost of parking nearby--the lot out front is paid parking, but there's also ample free parking in the area. I highly recommend this studio if you're in the neighborhood or even just visiting on the weekend (the brunch options nearby make it totally worth it). Even beyond the staff, I found the clients here to be warm and welcoming; it's an all around fantastic experience. read more

Signed up for a free class from some holiday promo. I was on a work trip so figured I'd look at my schedule when I got home the next week. From the second I signed up, I received no less than an email, a text, AND a voicemail (all 3) every single day urging me to schedule my class immediately. This went on for a month. Never actually been (gave 3 stars because I feel like this is important but also less than 3 seems mean) but it felt like such a scam that I couldn't bring myself to ever engage with this place. read more

Poor management practices; suckered into staying frozen after a traumatic accident instead of cancelling and refusal of mass amounts of paperwork stating such. Initially stopped wanting to attend because the owner kept forcefully yanking my arm during multiple classes, which is in a fixed position and unable to move the same way as regular individuals. Could be an easy error, but we had multiple lengthy conversations about it before and after class about my and her leg injuries. Would recommend trying out other locations! read more

Don't give them your credit card. I took a free class in August and just realized that have been charging my account $79.00 for six months for a grand total of $474.00. No email verification. No calls. Highway robbery. Wondering if I'll get this money back. Will update. UPDATE Just talked to Katie at the Ravenswood location. They sent me a verification on my phone, which I signed not knowing i was signing up for a membership. A legal contract.which they will not reimburse. Also, I have not stepped foot in there for 6 months. You would think I would get a call or something. Guess this is how they make their money BEWARE and READ THE SMALL PRINT before you sign your phone. read more

Great workout and phenomenal teachers! The owner-and-also-instructor, Aija, is fantastic! She creates a warm welcoming community and makes it fun to be there. Love this local business and exercising with a wonderful group of (almost exclusively) women. read more

So I'm new to this- I took my first two classes last week while I attended a conference in Palm Springs and I tagged along with my BFF who is a Barre addict. I enjoyed it and decided to look into it here in Chicago. I've taken 2 classes so far. The first was 7 am with Mollie and the second was 545 am with Laura. Both were fantastic and super supportive. I recently had surgery and have to do some modifications but could keep up with most of the exercises. I thought the instructor was good in Palm Springs until I had class here in Lincoln Square. I had a far better experience with the Lincoln Square instructors. I am excited about coming back incorporating this into my weekly schedule. One of the things I like aside from the instructors going around the room and helping with form is the encouraging things they say such as "You are stronger than you think!" That keeps me going. Comparing the classes in two locations, this studio is larger. Music is good. Everything appears clean. The only disappointing thing is you have to pay for parking in the parking lot regardless of whether you are there early (other places in the city, pay parking doesn't start until 8 am). Granted, it's only a dollar hourly before 8 am but still. read more

PBLS is the best! The studio, owner, teachers and all the clients make this truly a second home. The classes change all the time and have made me so much stronger. I started years ago and it's still my happy place! read more

I've been a client at Pure Barre Lincoln Square for about two years and cannot say enough good things. It isn't just a Pure Barre studio, it's a community. The workouts are challenging, the instructors are supportive, and the client community is welcoming. Strongly recommend giving them a try! read more

Before PBLS, I never worked out as an adult (currently mid40s). This place brings the fun, brings the support, brings the results. I'm a believer and now I workout 4-5 times a week. Their staff and teachers are amazing, clients too! read more

Love this community! I am fairly new to working out, and their instructors are patient, fun, and will correct your form in a very kind way if needed. This is the first time I've enjoyed attending a workout class. read more

I have been really impressed with this Pure Barre location lately. I stopped going to Pure Barre (not this location) a few years ago because the choreography felt a bit stale and I felt like there wasn't enough cardio to counter balance the strength training. It just felt very formulaic. I'm so glad i gave it another chance because I feel like they've completely revamped their structure for the classes. They change the workouts up much more frequently, and choreography is really fun and effective. Every time I leave class I'm in a great mood because of the fun music, friendly faces and challenging workouts. I had twins four months ago and am trying to get back into shape (which is challenging because I have no core stability, haha) and the staff is also SO nice. about it They always go out of their way to correct your alignment and remember your name and any injuries/other body things like pregnancy/recovery you have going on. read more

I don't think I have ever enjoyed working out as much as I love Pure Barre Lincoln Square. It doesn't even feel like working out (though if you're like me you're going to sweat a ton at every class) it more so feels like hanging out with some pretty impressive and badass ladies. Empowered women empower women! Everyone here is friendly, nice and most importantly caring about you! The schedule typically works for me, they have great instructors that really kick your tush! read more

So, I signed up for a pass with Pure Barre three months ago.l I was inspired by the supportive environment focused on female empowerment . I was even more incentivized to sign up for a pass because I shared I had an eating disorder and was assured that I would not only be safe in this environment but inspired and supported. Now as a corporate fitness brand that was created for and caters specifically to women 2019 I assumed the people I was telling this too were trained to handle this and their words/ program would be a safe fit for me. As an eating disorder is a life threatening medical condition I couldn't imagine that these certified Pure Barre professionals would put me or other women at risk by encouraging us to buy this kind of a program for someone who it would not be safe for. How wrong I was. This program has shamed me, damaged me, and thrown me back into bad patterns of exercise through the methods of "encouraging" they have ruined years of work I have put in. I confided in the staff when signing over a huge amount of money and time that they had my best interest in mind and I was wrong. 1. I am never attending enough class in their minds. Now as someone who is paying for my workout classes and has a history of feeling shamed into working out that caused me to almost loose my life I think that is for me to determine. I have revived upwards of 30 threatening calls and texts about not attending enough class. I have reached out the the studio multiple times BEGGING them to stop and explaining once again my trauma. Despite the fact the calls and texts are personalized so someone is making the effort to communicate their disappointment and shame in my exercise habits the same effort can't be made to stop the aggressive berating contact. Not only that the nature of the texts and calls are full of disappointment and negativity. It is really hard for someone to stay healthy when the gym you paid for to try and get healthy won't stop blowing up your phone to "motivate" you. 2. So the classes themselves I love, however I am not always able to attend due to my work schedule but was promised this shouldn't be a problem. Twice I have had to horrifyingly press my phone to the glass and beg an instructor of a class I am LOCKED OUT OF and then on top of that I am CHARGED for that class. I am all for accountability but if someone is investing financially in their fitness journey to choose to no allow them to participate for being exactly on time or one minute late is stealing and its not supportive. 3. Unfortunately this is not the only financial "mistake" I have had to incur at Pure barre. Obviously the system of support and encouragement they have decided to use wasn't working for me. I have tried to cancel my membership 2 and both times my credit card, which they have on file and refuse to relinquish, has been charged incorrectly (double the amount, for an extra month) and the "only way to fix it" is to sign me up for another month, with the extension of that contract extends the shaming texts and calls and the whole scary cycle continues yet again. They are stealing money from me but worse they are stealing the precious self esteem I have worked for years to create. I can not caution you against this studio more. If you are in recovery DO NOT GO THERE and DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR CREDIT CARD information! I hope no one else has to go through this degrading disrespect and I pray they take the health and fitness of the women who attend their classes more seriously. read more

I started going to this studio at the end of March and instantly felt comfortable and part of a community. The studio is clean and organized. The instructors are great--personable and kind. I am so excited to continue to build relationships at Pure Barre Lincoln Square! read more

Had my first Pure Barre class ever at this location recently and wow it kicked my booty in the best way! I have arthritis mainly in my back and knees so this workout was truly perfect for me as it incorporated a ton of strengthening work with minimal impact on my joints. The instructor was super high energy and gave individual feedback to make sure we were doing everything correctly. As a major added bonus, the whole staff there is so pleasant every time I interact with them. I have had to move or (sadly) cancel a couple of times since starting there and unlike most fitness places they are so nice and understanding about it. I bought my package through Groupon but once that is used up I definitely plan on purchasing monthly subscriptions to this location. So great! read more

I'm currently enjoying the New Client Special ($100 for 1 month unlimited) at this location. The layout of this studio is better than other studios I've visited, and the clients are more diverse in age and body type than other locations around town, making this location less intimidating than others. There are at least 6 class times to chose from Mon-Thurs and 4 classes per day Fri-Sun, so it's easy to fit class into your schedule (plus, the app makes it super easy to sign up). I tend to like the older, more experienced instructors though. There is one instructor here who rushes through class, so I try to avoid her. The format is fast-paced enough as it is - there's no need to shave off 5 minutes. I'm still deciding how often I'll visit once my new client special expires. This workout doesn't provide cardio, but I do feel a nice soreness 1 to 2 days after each workout, so I think I am slowly getting stronger. However, during seat work my standing leg gets fatigued very quickly and, despite making as many adjustments as possible, I'm sometimes unable to fully work my working leg. Also, the pushup sequence goes too fast for me - I have to be very careful of my form due to shoulder issues, so I'm always lagging behind in this part of class. The stretches are also very fast, but you can stay after class for a few minutes to use the bar for further stretching. read more

Update: I'm adding another star to this review as the owner of the studio has consistently and kindly followed up with me - she even restarted my groupon and left it open in the system for a very long time to encourage me to come back and give the studio another try. Cait could not be nicer and she truly cares about her clients. Ultimately, I never got up the guts to go back, but I do believe my bad experience was an exception, not the normal. read more

I have been taking bar classes around the city for years. Bar is one of the only types of workouts I have consistently stuck with. There are many studios in the city, but none that challenge me like Pure Barre. The general structure of class is the same every class, but they love to switch up choreography. As a result, my muscles are always challenged and sore. It is faster-paced than other bar studios, and I get a touch of cardio from class too. The music is loud, the instructors are really helpful, and you will become hooked when you see the results. read more

I bought my first package of classes on Guilt. I was recovering from an extended illness and Pure Barre is right up the street. I had a friend and family member swear by Pure Barre. So glad I tried this! This is the ONLY thing that works every muscle in your body- you will feel it! I have tried a class from every instructor and love them all! Everyone is professional and knowledgeable and can show you ways to modify class to accommodate any need. The owners are fantastic and very hands on - there is a range of people who attend classes and the facilities are spotless and designed well. Can not recommend Pure Barre Lincoln Square enough ! read more

Love attending classes at this Pure Barre location! Bummer that they're not on Class Pass anymore.

Pure barre has literally changed my life! I used to hate working out but now it's my obsession! This studio in particular is excellent! Everyone is super friendly and welcoming. I always joke that going to pure barre here is my social life! read more

I love this studio! The instructors are great. They are very helpful and always available to answer questions. I have been doing pure barre for 3 years now and it never gets easy. It is always challenging and fun! Pure barre is a great exercise for strengthening your core and toning your muscles!! read more

This is a great addition to the neighborhood! I have lived in Lincoln Square for 13 years and these last 6 month have been the best yet! The classes are fast-paced and challenging. If they are not hard, you are not doing it right. Consistency is key and with the first week free, and a $99 first month, there is no excuse for not giving it a shot. Within the first week, I knew I wanted to do this 5x a week. Lots of class times to choose from and all of the instructors are great. So glad they finally opened! read more

I've been coming to Pure Barre Lincoln Square since they opened in February, I used to attend another barre type studio farther away from where I live but when I found out they were opening up so close to home I was thrilled! I can honestly say I'm addicted to this place: it manages to provide me with an awesome workout, improves my mood after a stressful day at work and motivates me on my path to staying healthy. The instructors are all very knowledgeable and encouraging during class and they correct your form during class as well as point out your good form. Even tough the moves might look easy, they're actually challenging and I leave with sore muscles consistently. The studio is well lit, clean, there are 2 bathroom and a locker area. The front desk staff are very upbeat and friendly. Don't hesitate to try give this studio a chance, they have a $100 introductory offer that cannot be beat. read more

If you are into barre, then I imagine you would enjoy this studio. The owners and instructors are very hands-on and supportive both in my opinion and the obvious following they have in the neighborhood. Another plus is the class schedule....it can be a challenge to find classes before 6 am and, yep, they have a 5:30 am every weekday. Along with the introductory offer of unlimited month for $99 and the fact that two friends are addicted to barre, I had to try it. In an effort to be honest and fair, I don't believe the format is for me. True, I had wanted a low-impact workout but I never really felt like I worked out at all. As my two friends (those barre-lovers) pointed out "you're not doing it right then"....perhaps. That said the muscle movements are so small I consistently wondered if I was supposed to be feeling something. Personally I need a more body engaged activity to pump my heart and test my muscles. With a monthly rate of $179, this doesn't leave a lot of room for additional studio memberships that it would take to actually achieve results. The 5 stars are based on the super nice team that runs this studio, its convenient location and flexible schedule. I do encourage anyone who is interested in barre to give them a try. What didn't work for me might just be perfect for you. read more