In the last six years, a franchise called Pure Barre has made its way into cities across the nation. The workout class, based on equal parts Pilates, ballet and core workouts (and now cardio), is known for their incredible playlists and tiny movements targeting specific muscles. These workouts are not only just a great way to tone your body and incorporate aspects of stretching and strength training all in one class, but for several clients (myself included), Pure Barre is an essential part of their week.

We live in a culture that is constantly on-the-go. We're busier than ever, and we jump from class or work to meetings or family and work related events and, additionally, are expected to live up to the high expectations that society has set for us. I can only speak for myself when I say that I look for variety in my workouts. In fact, it's essential. Monotony can ruin a workout for me, so when I was in desperate search of something to switch up my exercise regimen, Pure Barre was everything I hoped for.

Pure Barre not only offers an experience unlike any other workout establishment, but it's about more than the body. At Pure Barre, they emphasize creating a connection between your mind and body during class, similar to the internal connection you can make through yoga or Pilates or for me, similar to the mind-body connection I made during dance classes as a child and teen.

Pure Barre's 55-minute class sessions consist of a warmup, abdominal exercises, weightwork, thigh and seat work, along with exercises to strengthen the back, followed by a cool down. In between sections, clients stretch the part of the body just worked, giving them time to re-cooperate physically and mentally before entering the next working part of class. Better yet, no prior experience is needed. Additionally, Pure Barre isn't just highly motivating through their out-of-this-world playlists, but the teachers and other clients will motivate you, too. There's not a single negative vibe in those studios.

For a lot of people (again, myself included), Pure Barre offers 55 minutes of time away from what the hustle and bustle of the real world brings. Pure Barre allows for clients to have an experience unlike the kind you'd receive at a gym or local fitness club — you can truly focus on yourself, your body, and your mind, and the instructors and all staff members are there to help you do just that. As someone who suffers from anxiety, Pure Barre has been my escape, my vice. I strongly encourage you, if you're looking for that "something," that thing that will be your escape, your time to yourself, give Pure Barre a try. You won't regret it.