Pure Barre Opens First Rhode Island Studio in Cranston

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Tracey Minkin, GoLocalProv Features Editor

 

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Pure Barre, one of the hottest fitness trends nationwide, comes to Rhode Island in a new studio in Cranston's Chapel Hill.

One of the hottest fitness movements is arriving in Cranston. Pure Barre, the dance-inspired fitness philosphy that's sweeping the country, will open its first Rhode Island-based studio on September 7th.

Pure Barre

Called "intelligent exercise, Pure Barre is a total body workout that promises to lift your seat, tone your thighs and burn fat in record-breaking time. Utilizing the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to music, Pure Barre is considered a fast, effective, and safe way to change your body. Students see results in just 10 classes, according to the company.

GoLocal spoke with Leslie Sweeney, majority owner of the Pure Barre studio in Chapel View, about what inspired the move to fitness, and Pure Barre in particular.

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What got you into fitness?

I owned a boutique in Providence called In the Bag, a designer boutique. I was on Hope Street first and then moved to Elmgrove Avenue. I offered brands that were only found in such major stores as Saks and Bloomingdales. I love Providence and am passionate about making our little state as cosmopolitan as NYC and Boston. I started taking Pure Barre in New York City, Newton, Wellesley and Boston. I have taken classes in Philadelphia and Atlanta too. As an avid runner, I have never been a "class" person and was surprised at how addicting Pure Barre is, and, also, by the amazing transformation in my body in a very short time.

What distinguishes Pure Barre from other fitness regimes?

Pure Barre is a 55-minute class designed to lift, tone and burn. It was created by lawyers who had ballet backgrounds. Classes are very specific and the instructors have all been through an intense training regimen. I had to fly 6 very talented women to Denver for a 4-day, very comprehensive, training program. Furthermore, they had to memorize an enormous amount of Pure Barre literature about form, technique and the overall Pure Barre lifestyle.

How'd you get this all started?

I had reached out to Corporate about a year ago and told them how Rhode Island would be a great market for a Pure Barre. Having experience bringing the major handbag designers to Providence—Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Judith Lieber, etc.—I also wanted to bring this amazing franchise to our great state too. At this point in my life I didn't want to be involved in the daily operations of the business, instead focusing on getting the franchise here. I am fortunate that my very supportive husband was thrilled by the idea and helped me to secure a space and deal with the contractual obligations. Furthermore, the owner of the PB franchises in Wellesley introduced me to one of her star clients Alexandra Yorke, who had been to 300 classes and was interested in opening a franchise, but needed an investor. Ali and I met in my Pure Barre room in my house and the rest is history.

What made you choose Cranston for the studio?

The Pure Barre studio in Chapel View is absolutely beautiful and I am so excited that our fabulous state will be home to this incredible franchise. I thought of opening on the East Side but found that the new spaces in Chapel View, were better designed for a Pure Barre studio. We are right around the corner from the amazing Alex and Ani store and Chapel View is getting busier by the day. People can work out and then go to lunch, shopping or get a massage. Lots to do in Chapel View. Also, our neighbors at Garden City have Lu Lu Lemon, Pottery Barn and, my personal favorite, Sephora, is opening soon. I cannot wait to book my Pure Barre classes on line, it is easy and the schedule is very open to everyone's lifestyle, and only drive 10 minutes to class.

What can we expect from Pure Barre on September 7th?

I can assure anyone that is interested in improving their body/mind and becoming stronger and leaner, that they will be hooked by Pure Barre's awesome classes. Don't get me wrong, they are a challenge, but the music, great instructors and the awesome studio, will have you addicted in no time. There are over 150 franchises of Pure Barre and I am very excited that I was a part of bringing one to Rhode Island. I suggest that people buy the new client special for $100 and take unlimited classes for a month. I guarantee it will be a life changer.

Pure Barre Cranston will open on Saturday, September 7th, at 2000 Chapel View Boulevard, Cranston. A pre-opening special of $100 for five weeks of unlimited classes is available now. Go here for more. 401-944-0411.

 

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