Hi Smile Darlings! If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I recently started my fitness journey. I took a year off from the gym because my heart rate was so high. When I would workout, I would almost faint. After finally being diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and an autoimmune disease in November, having answers meant I could get better. With my heart rate back to “normal”, I knew it was time to get both my mind and body back on track.
Recently, I had the privilege of collaborating with Barre3 in Charleston. This post contains my honest thoughts and all opinions are my own. Please note: This post will be more specific toward the Charleston location. Let’s jump in!
What is Barre3?
Barre3 is a full-body balanced workout combining strength conditioning, cardio, and mindfulness.
Each workout is designed with their signature approach of sustained holds, micro-movements, and cardio bursts that will leave you feeling balanced in body and empowered from within.
Rooted in three fitness disciplines—ballet barre, pilates and yoga—Barre3 workouts will have you feeling strong and balanced inside and out.
Every Barre3 class works strategically to build strength and flexibility for optimal body balance and improved posture.
Their classes are designed for everyone!
How is Barre3 Different?
I have tried a couple barre studios in the past. Four years ago, I was a member at Pure Barre (which was short lived cuz $$$). I used to religiously do barre at the YMCA multiple times a week. I have done free classes at Fly Wheel, Hylo (their hot barre is awesome), and Air Fit Charlotte just to name a few. I love barre! All these studios have commonalities and similar techniques.
For me, the thing that stood out most about Barre3 is that the transformative power of the workout is far more than just physical. They put a strong emphasis on empowerment and self love. They do not pressure you to feel as though you must “look the part” or “be fit” in order to go there. They instill in their clients that “Every Body Is A Perfect Body”.
I know, I know… That may sound so cliché, especially in a culture that is force feeding us all this “body positivity” and “self-love” mumbo jumbo. BUT, I swear! Their method and words are powerful. They keep me accountable. They make me feel motivated to carry that strength with me through the rest of the day. After doing such an intense class, I lay there on the floor with my lavender towel covering my face almost in tears. I feel proud. I feel humbled that my body got me through that workout. All those self-conscious feelings melt away in those moments. I get to escape my mind that has been nothing but truly toxic when it comes to body image. After a Barre3 class, I feel at peace.
Where is Barre3 Located?
The Barre3 Charleston location is in the historic district of downtown. It is located above West Elm on the NW corner of Upper King Street and Mary Street.
If you do not live in Charleston, no worries! They have soo many other locations! Click here to find a location near you.
While we are on the subject of location, because it is downtown they do not have a parking lot. If you cannot find street parking (or parallel park like me), there is the Visitor’s Garage on Mary St. It ends up being $3-4 to park during your class. I know it isn’t ideal to pay for parking, but it isn’t expensive. I bring up the parking situation, because for my first class I did not know what to expect. Trying to find street parking gave me such bad anxiety, I almost cancelled the class lol.
How Much Does it Cost?
If you know me, I am honest. These kinds of studios are what I like to call “boutique gyms”. For me, that is a fancy way of saying they are expensive.
With that being said, at Barre3 you definitely get what you pay for. Their classes do not disappoint. The Charleston location provides a couple opportunities for you to get some awesome discounted rates. Also, if you go to college in Charleston, then you’re going to want to keep reading!
Their intro specials include 3 classes for $40, and 2 weeks unlimited for $59.
They offer college discounts on class packages and memberships. If you’re in college and plan to go 3 times a week, then the unlimited is definitely recommend. It breaks down to about $8.25 a class (me pondering if I still have an old college ID to use for this discount, haha). College students also get a discount on class packs.
The Charleston location does a sale twice a year on 10 class packs! The sale is in April (so soon!), and November.
Members get discounts on retail and all memberships including Barre3 online.
They accept Class Pass too!!
Do I Recommend?
I am not going to sit here and act like barre and other gyms like this are the most affordable. They are not. They are an investment, and I am aware not everyone (including myself) has the budget for it. With that being said, I do 100% recommend Barre3!
If you are unable to afford a monthly membership, I love the idea of buying visits. I would by X amount of visits and use them alongside another more affordable gym. I get the basic membership at Planet Fitness, and then I save and buy classes in bundles. I take a few classes a month. I have found that to be more cost effective when you’re on a tight budget, but still want to attend a more “boutique” workout gym.
I truly love and support Barre3 and their mission. They are trying to change they way people workout and view their bodies. They want to eliminate the “before and after” image we have formed in our minds, and focus on the present. If you have a studio near you, I highly recommend giving a class a try!
To Recap
If you live in Charleston (or anywhere really), I definitely recommend you try a Barre3 class! These classes will challenge you physically and mentally, but it is all worth it!
I want to take a moment to graciously thank Mary Ann, the studio owner of Barre3 Charleston. I very much enjoyed my experience and classes! I look forward to more down the road!
xx Courtney
