Usually, C&I Studios is a establishment reserved for cool kids clad in tight pants, slathered in red lipstick after roaming art walk. Last night, however, upbeat music played where typically indie tunes rule. Yoga mats covered the floor where Toms and Chucks often walk, and women in tight workout gear got flexible where normally drinks are guzzled.
No, it wasn't a fitness-themed art show; it was a class from Pure Barre called Barre at the Bar. For 25 bucks each, participants received access to a pop-up boutique of workout clothes and a complimentary cocktail.
As weird as the whole "nightlife-themed workout" thing sounds, it really isn't that odd.
See also: Twerk Workout with Former Heat Dancer
Take, for instance the Vixen Workout. Started by former Heat dancer Janet Jones, the class invites ladies to twerk to choreographed dances from hip-hop artists like Rick Ross, Beyoncé, and Lil Wayne. Strobe lights pulse in dim lighting, and ratchetness reigns. Some attendees even wear heels and makeup; the heels are used to burn extra calories and the makeup just to nurture their inner diva. Also, in New York and elsewhere around the country, doing actual aerobics sans dancing in a nightclub setting has become a real trend. We wondered, will it last?
After a series of workout techniques at Barre at the Bar that cramped our bodies, wound us into uncomfortable positions, and tightened muscles that we didn't know we had, we felt oddly in shape. The peppy instructors were helpful and energetic, not annoying Richard Simmons types; they made the class fun. Plus, the tight space gave it an intimate atmosphere and the opportunity to interact through shared grimaces and smiles during the shared cocktail portion of the night.
Jeannine Martyanik, instructor and manager of the Fort Lauderdale location of Pure Barre, is all in favor for the nightlife/workout infusion trend. "It's always good to get our clients out of the studio," she said smiling. "It's great to get them to bond, and when they get back to the studio, they have more to talk about. There's more familiarity, more like a family feel."
Megan, 24, an attendant and fan of Pure Barre, agreed. "Adding the bar aspect to it adds a sense of community. We are in class looking at each other saying, 'We'll get through this.' Like, I just made a new friend today. The community is one of the best parts. It's one of the reasons I keep coming to Pure Barre."
The hangout aspect and postworkout drink socializing time really seem to makes this trend work. Instead of rushing out of a gym, people can actually speak with each other. Brianna, 31, points out that it's an effective way for "women to meet new people, whether you're single or in a relationship." Another attendee, Lauren, added that it involves people who "don't want to work out the traditional way and want to get out of the traditional [gym] setting."
What these ladies all can agree on is that it's fun. Their enthusiasm and the feeling that they've gone out and met new humans but also worked out is a huge draw. Killing two birds with one stone is something busy working mamas and ladies on the go really appreciate. We're predicting that these nightlife themed classes aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
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