Are you curious about barre classes but no clue what they’re all about? Throughout the month of January, Pure Barre, a barre studio with 14 locations in Illinois alone and a multitude of locations nationwide, is spearheading an barreniative, Learn to Barre … Continue reading
Finally! Events are starting to pick up and Chicago is bringing it’s S game. Super. Spectacular. Spring.
We are so excited to share some of our secret spring events this week to put that sprang back in your step.
We got our first taste of Mountain Athletics at the kickoff event at the end of March on a clear 50 degree day and man, we didn’t know what to expect. Our duo of personal trainers explained that each week focuses on a different body area all while integrating the core. We went through a series of intervals all using our own body weight. Exercise sets can be modified to fit your level of fitness which makes the workout approachable yet challenging. We loved the partner exercises so bring a pal and get ready to sweat.
Calling all house heads slash yogis! Bender Flavor Lab serves up a hot serving of unique fitness and jams each Tuesday at the Lab Dance Studio. Each week holds a different theme and DJ set but always gives you snacks and water in an urban street art styled loft space.
Bonus: Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s on Tuesday 4/14!
Big City Blonde and Goldplaited presents a trivia and pampering event: “Blondes vs. Brunettes”. Get competitive, red heads and dark locked people can rock the trivia too. Participants can win glam make up prizes, indulge in styling and make up tutorials from Goldplaited, and obvs flex their hair color knowledge. We need to study up! Rsvp here.
Pure Barre is is partnering with Real Simple for a “Beauty & Balance” Weekend April 17-19. Stop by any of the participating locations to take a “Pure & Simple” specialty class. To register for one of these special classes, please visit the local studio page and find the “Real Simple’s ‘Pure & Simple’ Class” on your studio’s schedule and click “Sign Up Now.” New clients are welcome to try a complimentary class using the promo code “REALSIMPLE” – make sure to select the “Real Simple Class” option and enter this promo code upon checkout.
It is time to Live Out Loud Everyday with Lole Activewear. In celebration of the new Lole Southport location, they are having a grand opening party and fashion show brunch across the street at the Yoga Loft located at 1350 W Newport. The store is directly across the street at 3434 N Southport Ave.
image borrowed from Lole
Lole Spring/Summer Collection Preview Fashion Show
Doors Open: 10am
Show Time: 11am
Mimosa’s and brunch from Kitchfix, a $15 Lole voucher, and a Goodie Bag. $10 Ticket donation going to CTF Children’s Tumor Foundation.
10 brave women made it out in the cold after a appetizer, sides, and pie holiday to get their fitness on this past Sunday at our first ever private Chiorganic Girls class at Pure Barre Lincoln Park, an admirable feet given the tendency to want to sleep off the lingering food coma. We were grateful for our motivation to attend as we got a kick a*@ workout that toned and tightened to reset the good habits and prepare us for the back to work grind.
Lincoln Park Pure Barre is a brand new workout hot spot that just opened November 4th. Ashley Gertz, owner of the newly opened Pure Barre in Lincoln Park, opened the location because of her personal love of barre classes and keen business sense. She welcomed our group with a tour and an overview of what Pure Barre has to offer. Ashley, a former marathoner and avid runner, found that cardio didn’t promote toning and strength so she joined the River North Pure Barre and was hooked.
Marguerite, our teacher, gave us the overview of common moves of Pure Barre and then we got cracking with an immediate plank set (WHYYY??). Bubbly pop music as well as giggles from class participants offset the strenuousness of the miniscule muscle movements. We rolled through abs, arms, legs and ended with (sigh*) more abs and a bridge set to tense up the tush.
After class, we took our shaky legs to the lobby area for complimentary Kashi and Luna snack bars as well as raffle for 2 lucky participants.
And now, we are sore…very pleasantly “can’t walk up the stairs so well” sore, evidence of a real workout. Wanna check it out? Pure Barre Lincoln Park offers new students a very affordable unlimited month of classes for $99. If you join now, you can also compete in the Jingle Tuck challenge (15 classes in 30 days) for prizes and the ultimate win, a retreat at a spa in Arizona.
Usually the idea of wiggling into a pair of hot pink leggings on the Sunday after Thanksgiving to go workout may not be so tempting but when it’s for FREE!? We’re so excited…and we just can’t hide it! On November 30 at 5 pm, we would like to invite you, dear reader, to don your sticky bottomed socks and long pants to tuck and trim your tush at a private class at Pure Barre, Lincoln Park!
GO US!!
Hmmm…but what are you committing to with this “Pure Barre” class?
During this 55 minute class, you will experience a full body low impact workout including strength based movements alternating with stretching. Most moves involve using your own body weight with tiny movements to change the shape and length of your muscles. The class incorporates the ballet barre, small 2 to 3 pound weights and a rubber workout ball. The goal is the lengthen the muscles to create a lean (not bulky) look…and yes, you will do some planks.
And what do you have to do to join us?
Send us 1,000 dollars worth of unmarked bills in a nondescript envelope to secure your spot. JK follow the instructions below.
What: Private Chiorganic Girls Holiday Trim Those Turkey Thighs Class
Where: Pure Barre, 2058 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park, IL
When: 5 pm, Sunday, 11/30/2014
Who: You lovelies!
Dress Code: Long workout pants or capris, socks (no shoes needed)…oh and of course, wear a top please
Sign Up? RSVP here with you and any guests names. Please let us know, as well, if you decide to cancel. There are 23 spots available.
Now you can feel good about stuffing yourself (in moderation) with your family. Meet us at the BARRE!
Ok so our weather still isn’t too summery but the events in Chicago are in full swing! We wanted to share all the summer goodness with ya’ll instead of keeping it for ourselves. Here’s just a few fun, free events to keep you fit and entertained this summer.
Looking to get your muscles tight for your new polka dot bikini (or speedo)? Join the Old Town Purre Barre team for a grand opening party on Thursday, June 19th from 6-8 p.m. Pure Barre gives clients a chance to sculpt and lengthen their muscles by alternating tiny shake inducing muscle movements with stretching sequences. Believe us, you will tighten your problem areas and wonder why such little movements can be so sweat provoking. The grand opening party will feature drinks, light snacks, raffles as well as retail and class specials so this would be a perfect opportunity to snag a deal and step to the barre. See the Purre Barre website for class information and more details.
Pure Barre Old Town
1350 N. Wells Street, Suite 4
Chicago, IL 60610
Free Parking in the Self Park lot behind Cobbler Square is available.
Are you a city kid with country dreams? The North Face, the well known outdoor clothing brand, and our beloved Chicago Park District are doing outreach to help us urbanites learn to camp in under our unforgettable Chicago skyline. Events may feature camping basics, fishing skills and nature hikes, or even spooky campfire tales lead by Chicago Park District staff. Visit the website to register and more information. Registration is mandatory to attend.
There are several spots to learn and set your gear down throughout the summer:
Activity Guides from North Face are also available to give you the low down on other fun park events.
http://exploreyourparks.com/pdf/Chicago_EYP_Download.pdf
Grab some mini massages, snacks, and behind the scenes tours (OH MY!) of the brand new Massage Envy Spa Mount Prospect, at their Grand Opening event on Tuesday, June 17 from 5-6:30 p.m. Email massageenvy@heronpr.com to RSVP to the event. (Text modified from Heron PR)
Photo Credit: MLK Photographs
Not sure if your family baked you 3 tins full of holiday cookies and marble cakes, but ours did. We are so over sugared from this past week that a fridge full of carrots seems like a refuge. Luckily, you don’t need to wait til the new year to strengthen your resolve and boost your healthy habits. Chicago seems to know we all probably overdid it (in true Midwestern style) and has some limited time hot deals to get you back on track even before you even squeeze into your NYE digs.
Groupon is offering a limited time only deal of a 3 or 7 day juice cleanse for our fave freshy-fresh juice bar, Peeled. Info on the efficacy of juicing research is mixed but proponents say it clears toxins from the body, delivers vitamins instantly and eliminates cravings. We haven’t tried the cleanse but love their made-to-order smoothies, juices and raw foods. Try the Bright Pink juice, with dazzling pear, pineapple and ginger, for a first taste. Must haves: Motivation to say goodbye to solid foods!
Peeled Juice “Bright Pink”
Bar Method may look like a dance in the park but we have seen our male friends quiver in the class. If you have never stepped up to the Barre, you can join the Bar-lution Challenge. Take 21 classes in 30 days from January 6th through February 4th to win! Prizes during last year’s competition included Bar Method socks, tanks, DVDs and a membership for one faithful attendee. Beyond the goodies, your body will look fantastic. We lost inches, gained flexibility and strength during our challenge foray last year. Must haves: grippy socks, knee length pants and a steely determination. Hot tip: The Wicker Park Bar Method has free parking for you driving folks.
Consistently voted as one of the best gyms in Chicago, i.d. gym has a small personalized environment and a schedule chock full of original exercise classes. Ever flown in the air in a hammock during yoga? How about pushing a tire around to get a pre industrial revolution physique? Classes like Fly Yoga and the Caveman Workout may renew your fitness fire. I.d. gym is running a membership special until the end of December so hurry up and lunge in to the deal.
For those who want to get back in touch with their naughty side now that Christmas is over, Flirty Girl Fitness, an all women’s gym with a focus on bringing sexy back, has class packs on sale as well that could mix up the boring basics of gym rat life. Getting a mani pedi with your package ain’t half bad either!
i.d. gym fly yoga
Personal training may be a way to wade through the mass of fitness trends out there. Score a deal on a free consultation with our North side trainer extraordinaire, Sabri Xhaferi, to get the feel for it or jump right in with a package deal.
Sabri Xhaferi, certified personal trainer
With all this sweating, what about a swell new workout outfit to make you feel footloose at the gym!? We just discovered a cut and affordable spot for just such a task, vfish. What else do we wanna try in 2014? TRX, HIIT, Bollywood Groove, Pure Barre, Cheerobix and more to test out just for you!
vfish designs gripsocks!
Chi Organic Girls 