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That’s what drew Ashley Allen to Pure Barre eight years ago while still a college student at Temple University in Philadelphia majoring in kinesiology.
The Boston native was looking for a workout for herself that went beyond weight-lifting alone at the local box gym. She spent more than enough time personal training others and wanted something different. Scouring Craig’s List, Allen found that a Pure Barre studio in Philly was looking for teachers. Never having taken a group fitness class of any kind, Allen was up for the challenge – and challenged she was, as well as hooked.
“I love the group environment,” said Allen, “and I don’t have a dance background, but Pure Barre is designed for anyone and everyone.
“The technique is still just as challenging for me after eight years of doing it. It doesn’t become easier, but you become better and stronger; there’s no plateau.”
Allen’s father owns a clothing store in Boston, and she grew up knowing she wanted to own her own business, too. Upon graduation from Temple, she decided to open her own Pure Barre studio in Greenwich because of its proximity to New York City and because at that point, in 2012, there were no Pure Barre studios in the state of Connecticut. (Fairfield County now boasts five Pure Barre studios. There are 460 studios – and growing – across the United States and Canada.)
“I love it here in Greenwich,” said Allen, who is celebrating five years in business. “I think it’s a perfect place for a Pure Barre studio. The community makes it so.”
And Allen credits the sense of community she and her staff nurture at Pure Barre Greenwich as key to its success.
“Clients come not just to work out,” added Allen, “but to meet with the friends they’ve made.”
For more information, visit Pure Barre.
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