Business Spotlight: Clients get a grip on better health with Pure Barre workout program

At Pure Barre in the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, people are grabbing on to an effective, full body-changing workout that lifts, tones and burns in a good way.

Although only open since June 15, Pure Barre was voted the best fitness studio/health club in the Best of North County Readers Poll.

“We’re really excited about that,” said owner Mandy Eisenhart. “It’s such a thrill to already have the support of the community.”

The energetic Eisenhart is new to San Diego as well, moving here in September 2014 from Philadelphia. Always active in athletics, she grew up the daughter of a fitness instructor in upstate New York. She played soccer and became an NCAA Division I golfer at Pepperdine University and University of Nevada Reno.

She first discovered Pure Barre four years ago, while living in Philadelphia and working at the Merion Golf Club.

“The music drew me to it, and then the results,” said Eisenhart. “I’d never done an exercise where I immediately felt stronger, and after class I could see the results. It’s highly effective.”

It not only improved her golf game because of her enhanced core strength, but she just felt better overall every day. She was hooked.

“Pure Barre had a sense of community that I really enjoyed. There is nothing intimidating about coming into class — everyone is focused on doing their own thing,” Eisenhart said. “The teachers compliment you, and it’s a very welcoming environment that makes you feel good.”

In owning her own studio, Eisenhart’s No. 1 goal was for people to always feel welcome and special. She enjoys being there every day, meeting and “chit-chatting” with her clients.

Since 2001, 300 Pure Barre studios have opened across the country. PHR joins local San Diego locations in Hillcrest and Eastlake. Eisenhart said the Village couldn’t be a better fit for a studio, in a brand-new shopping center in a convenient location close to so many schools and homes.

Eisenhart made the spacious second-story spot her own by adding elements of her style: whitewashed reclaimed wood, modern details and lots of spaces to gather on benches or in the boutique filled with workout gear and Pure Barre essential “sticky socks” — socks with grippers to prevent feet from sliding in class.

The Pure Barre workout is 55 minutes, a series of exercises targeting the core, upper body, thighs and seats with stretching in between. Weights are used to help tighten and tone, and exercises performed until the muscles quiver, which is a tip that they are changing.

“It gives you the long, lean, no-bulk muscles, and it’s low impact, so anybody can do it,” Eisenhart said.

The workout can be adjusted to all levels. She has one client who is 70 years old and has had two hip replacements. It’s the only thing that works for her, Eisenhart said.

Instructors don’t do the entire class along with the students, but instead circulate to help set and adjust postures and offer encouragement.

Eisenhart said she understands that people may be nervous to try the class, but she assures them: As long as you can hold on to the barre, you can do it.

“Pure Barre is about the mind-body connection,” Eisenhart said. “Your goal is to focus on yourself and make that connection.”

While walk-ins are welcome, she recommends reserving a spot online. Classes can be purchased in packages or in three- to 12-month contracts. New clients can enjoy a special of unlimited classes for one month for $99.

“A lot of new clients have become just die-hard contract clients,” Eisenhart said. “They’re in here, they’re dedicated and they’re already seeing results.”

To learn more, visit purebarre.com/ca-delmar or call 858-481-4950. Address: 5965 Village Way E202, San Diego, 92130.

Business spotlights are developed through this newspaper’s advertising department in support of our advertisers.