Ever since we moved to Charlotte, I am feeling rather unmotivated when it comes to putting myself through one of my own workouts. There are just too many classes I want to try and while I’m sure the “newness” of all of this will wear off eventually, for now I’m going to ride my group exercise high!
Today’s workout took me to a new Pure Barre class located within five minutes of our apartment. (We are currently living north of the city.)
I’ve taken Pure Barre with my sister in Jacksonville before and was always so bummed that there weren’t any barre classes near our previous home in Ocala. Now I have access to a bunch (yay!) and headed out for an early morning class after breakfast.
I’m not sure what was different about this class, but it was way harder than the class I took back in Jacksonville. And I mean that in a good way. It BURNED into the core of my being. My butt and core were on FIRE and it challenged my body in a whole new way.
So naturally I bought the “new member special” package for one month of unlimited classes. Pure Barre, I will be back!
(And yes, I have a billion keys right now thanks to temporary housing.)
Breakfast + Coffee
Backing up a bit to breakfast… Before I left for Pure Barre, I ate an egg sandwich with cheese and a side of strawberries.
After Pure Barre, I used Yelp to direct me to Madalyn’s, a local coffee shop.
I ordered an almond milk cappuccino (loving all the local coffee shops with almond milk here) and ended up chatting with the owner and a couple who owns a local boxing gym for over an hour (hence my delay in posting this morning).
They were super friendly and are members of a nearby church that caught our eye last week. I made plans for us to go to a Sunday morning service with them which should be great!
As a random side note, I cannot get over how friendly people have been in Charlotte so far. I know a bunch of you said that the people here are awesome and after several 45-plus minute conversations with strangers this week, I see exactly what you mean. So amazing.
Question of the Morning
- Do you think the people where you live are particularly friendly?
- Is there a place you’ve visited in the past where you noticed that the people were extremely friendly?
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I love Pure Barre, I just bought a month pass as well and have been loving the burn…such a great workout! 🙂
I moved from Seattle to LA and came to realize people aren’t super friendly here but it’s hit or miss. My hubby is from Dallas and I always love the people there, so welcoming and friendly!!
I live in a small town in Mass and most of the people keep to themselves…I really wish it was more friendly and the people were more outgoing!
We recently visited Savannah, GA and it was beautiful and EVERYONE was super friendly – I loved it!
YES! I live in NC too and coming from the West coast, I was blown away with how nice people are here! We’ve been here a year, and I’m still amazed. It’s really refreshing! We’ve made a lot of amazing friends!
So refreshing! I was worried about meeting new people and so far people have been so, so kind.
I wish we had more classes in our area, can’t wait to visit home to go to my favorite yoga studio!
Oh how I’m so jealous!! I want to try Pure Barre so badly!! 🙂
I’ve killed some time in Birkdale Village before during work trips, it’s a super cute area. You’re right, everyone there is super friendly! I think my town (Williamsburg, VA) is also really friendly. We’re a talkative bunch 🙂
We live in a big city, and I would say that people here are not particularly friendly. I’m one of those people that always smiles to runners when I pass them, but around here, you’re lucky if you even get acknowledged that you’re there! I definitely miss living in a small town in the Midwest where everyone says hello and smiles!
I went to Davidson College (not too far from Birkdale) and my fiancé is from Charlotte…such a wonderful place! Also, the next time you’re in Birkdale, please stop into The Jewel Box…it’s my favorite accessory store! And, Brixx is a great date might spot 😉
Thanks for the tips!! I’ll check them out for sure!
Im moving to charlotte in two weeks and know NOBODY so that is so exciting to hear!
That’s so awesome everyone has been so friendly! Unfortunately, out here in the west, people aren’t as friendly. I don’t think they’re quite as blunt as some east coasters, but everyone is very “me minded” it seems. I grew up with it so I’m used to it, but I do appreciate a friendly smile and/or conversation. I try to keep that in mind with my interactions with other people too.
I have yet to take a Pure Barre class. I’ve heard lots of great things about it, so one of these days I’ll have to take one. I’m glad you’re enjoying all the group exercise options! Group exercise is my FAV!
I live in NYC, so no. But people are usually very friendly if you’re asking for directions or something, they just don’t chat up strangers. I would love to live in a more friendly town someday.
Welcome to the South! I remember when I first moved to Florida in high school, I was shocked by how people were ruder.
I’m from Boston and it is not a friendly city I’d say. Most people keep the heads down and prefer not to talk to strangers. But I think its just from being from the North East, everyone is always in this big “rush”, myself included even when I have all the time in the world. Although if someone stop me to chat I would certainly do so.
Charlotte seems like such a laid back and beautiful city- so happy for you guys! I’ve heard great things about Asheville as well. It looks like you’re settling in just fine in NC 🙂
We are hoping to make it to Asheville this fall!
If you do make it to Asheville go to the Biltmore Estate. Google it! It is breathtaking and so amazing in person. We go to Asheville quite often…..I like to refer to it as the Hippie Town 😉
I just bought the new client special at our Pure Barre studio last week. I’m in love with the burn. 🙂
After our talk in SF I was wondering if you were going to!! Woo!
Ugh Charlotte sounds MAGICAL! So jealous!
People in Texas are CRAZY nice too. I’ve heard it’s just a southern thing, but I like it. The place I encountered the most unfriendly people was of course, New York City. Most of those people are just moving too fast to be friendly I suppose!
When I first moved to Denver 3 years ago I remember thinking everyone was SO friendly. More than that.. I felt like everyone was game to make new friends. Coming from Texas where most people grew up there and had their set of friends already.. Denver is more of a melting pot of people eager to add newbies to their group. Sometimes I think that friendliness is really just about manners though, right???
I felt that way about Ocala! A lot of people living there were born and raised there and that made it a little challenging to be an “outsider” coming in.
Our local lululemon store has Pure Barre Dublin as their studio of the month… so excited to try it [for free] this Sunday!!! I’ll let you know if I survive it 🙂
Awesome!!
Seeing as how I live in the Philadelphia area, I’m going to go ahead and say “no” to the people near me being friendly lol. We kind of have a bad reputation for that.
I’m from CT and as you can see from reading all the posts, and your visits up here, the Northeast is notoriously unfriendly. Everyone is a rush and will look at you crazy if you’re too friendly, like you’re going to try to rip them off. I had the opportunity while studying abroad in Italy in college to visit Croatia, and I must say, the people there were the friendliest I have ever met!
My best friend’s sister is going to Croatia this month! I’m jealous and have heard amazing things!
Barre classes always make me sore for days. I’m pretty sure I discover a new muscle in my body every time. The people where I live in Oregon are pretty friendly. Everyone is really laid back and has a go with the flow attitude – I guess that is the lifestyle in Bend. When my husband and I visit his dad and step-mom in South Carolina, everyone always seems bubbly and happy.
I’ve been dying to take a barre class! It sounds like such an awesome workout!
Julie! I’m so jealous of all the classes you have access to! Panama City Fl is pretty limited though ironiclly we have several gyms that have BodyPump, which I love too lol
I’d love to take a pure barre class but the closet one is about 45 mins away. Oh well I guess there’s always the internet 🙂
One of the best things about moving to a new area is exploring all the new places to go and meeting so many new people. The people in the town we live in now are friendly enough but I don’t really know them. I’ve always lived in little small villages before where everybody knew everyone else. A little like in Desperate Housewives!
That’s aw drone everyone is so friendly! It sounds similar to when I was in TX. Everyone was so happy and friendly! Made you feel at home. In AZ, completely different. People are not that friendly and are really stand offish. It’s difficult to meet people. Thankfully the people at my gym are super friendly and I’vemade friends that way.
Love Birkdale Village & Pure Barre Birkdale! I haven’t gone in awhile because I had to decide between Pure Barre or a gym & I chose a gym but definitely wish I could go to both. If you’re looking for another coffee shop to try, Waterbean in Cornelius is really good plus they offer almond milk. Not sure which church you’re going to but I attend Elevation Lake Norman which is right by you, & I’ve also gone to Grace Covenant which isn’t too far away. Though I love Elevation, I had a good experience at Grace. Welcome to the area!!
Thank you so much Catherine! Elevation is the church we saw that really intrigued us!
I really want to try Pure Barre!! Sounds amazing!
I moved to a smaller (for me) city about 9 years ago and the people here are soooo friendly! I love it!
I’m so happy you’re enjoying the move and I’m extremely jealous you took up a Pure Barre class–it’s on my bucket list!
I adore barre!!
Hi Julie!
Absolutely just needed to leave a comment on this one. Your blog is my very favorite and makes my day every morning! When I read this post I was soooo happy because I am a Pure Barre teacher in Denver and I am so glad you loved the workout! Take advantage of that first month unlimited, I hope you fall in love with Pure Barre just like I did. I am a former college soccer player and runner and I really loved how Pure Barre improved my flexibility and worked the small muscles instead of the larger muscels I targeted while playing soccer.
Let me know if you have any questions about the form or technique!
Megan
Hi Megan! Thank you so much for this comment! I spoke with some of the instructors today and they recommended coming to Pure Barre 3 to 5 times a week. Is that what you would recommend as well? I really liked it and would love to take advantage of the package I just bought!
Yes, 3-5 times is perfect! You really can’t go too much, I used to take almost every day but then scaled back when I was training for a marathon. I don’t really think of it as something I “have-to-do” anymore because when I go to Pure Barre I’m surrounded by all of my friends and good music and I just find it so enjoyable. I think if you go 3-5 times a week little things (like the abs portion at the wall) will start to click a bit more and you will find the workout becomes even more effective. Also, by showing up to the studio consistently you will get to know the girls and hopefully Pure Barre becomes something like a second home to you!
I am so excited for you and this new Charlotte chapter of your life!
I recently moved to Atlanta and have not really noticed people being too friendly. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve definitely found friendly people but its not something that really sticks out to me as an attribute of the location versus the people…. maybe just because I’m always starting conversations with strangers whether they like it or not, no matter where I am (be that my hometown of Philly or my last home, Raleigh, NC or Atlanta.)
My aunt lives in Raleigh and always raves about how awesome and friendly everyone is there!
We moved from Philly area to Tampa and we were shocked we thought people down here were sooo much friendlier. Up north people seem to keep to themselves and don’t go out of their way to say hi and down here for the most part people are so kind.
Hope you are loving Tampa My parents used to live in St. Pete. It’s a fun area!
The town we just moved to is SUPER friendly! so much more so that I have ever been used to!
Looks like you are adjusting well to Charlotte!! Moving to a new place is so much fun, there’s so much exploring to be had!!
I’m originally from Minnesota and yes, the saying “Minnesota Nice” couldn’t be more true! I now live in Denver and the people here are equally as nice and always up for making their “friend circle” bigger!
That is so awesome. Since we’ve moved two times in the past three years, I am so grateful for people who are willing to expand their friend circle! It’s harder to find people like that than you would think!
It’s so true how friendly everyone is Charlotte! I have family there, and coming from LA and the Bay Area, I’m always blown away by how friendly everyone is
It’s awesome that people are so friendly there. I knew I liked Charlotte for a reason haha!! I STILL have yet to try Barre. I really want to (the downfalls to living in a small town is no specialty classes)! I also love that they have so many coffee places offering almond milk!
I feel like people are always pretty friendly down south. I live in Kentucky and work in Tennessee, and find the people are even nicer in Nashville than Bowling Green. My husband and I are on vacation in South Carolina right now, and find the people here are even nicer! 🙂
Julie!!
I’ve been following your blog for a few years and absolutely love it!! I’m a pure barre instructor in Plano, TX!! If you are ever in the Dallas area and want to take a class I would love to meet you!!
I am a HUGE Pure Barre fanatic so it’s always fun when to hear others enjoy it! I’ve been doing it for almost a year now and it never gets easier, which is why I love it so much! Happy tucking!
I’ve been wanting to take one of those classes but they dont have any near me 🙁
I have wanted to try Pure Barre for several months now because there are a few near me! I have noticed a drastic difference in the “niceness” of people during my transition from Minnesota to Dallas {while in Iowa and Missouri in between}. I truly am convinced that the weather plays a HUGE role in how kind people are. People are great in the Midwest and because I grew up there, I think it is the best :). However, I have to say that now living in Dallas for 1 year, Texans are incredibly warm, authentic, and hospitable. Must be the warmer temps & sunshine! Best wishes in Charlotte!
Your breakfast looks so delicious! I have always wondered what a Pure Barre class was actually like – I love hard cardio that really makes me sweat, so it always sounded rather unappealing to me. I’m curious if you would write a post about what a class is actually like?
Hi -welcome to Lake Norman area 🙂 I live 5 min from birkdale as well and I’m home with my 2 girls each day. If you’d ever like to join me for a morning yoga class, class at my gym, a run or out to lunch I’d love to show you my favorite spots. Enjoy the area..it has a lot to offer and I think you’ll love it here!
Being from socal, I’m already used to people not being so friendly, so basically when I travel anywhere else, I’m usually blown away by strangers’ friendliness! I just recently traveled to VA for work and people were so nice!
I’m sure you’re having a blast in Charlotte as I’ve heard people from there in particular are very nice.
I’m beginning to get in a workout rut with my own workouts and took a bodypump class this morning after more than a year…let me just say it was awesome! I already know I”m going to be sore tomorrow lol!
But, I work at 7am and the class is at 5:30am at my gym so it’ll be a challenge to fit in but I’m definitely going to be looking for more classes to get into. Never tried Pure Barre cuz I feel like it wouldn’t feel like ‘enough’ for me, but I feel like I’m a lot like you in wanting to get the most out of my workouts, so maybe I will give it a try!
I’m not sure what type of church you and Ryan prefer, but there is a larger church based in Charlotte (Elevation) that’s a modern Christian style. Their pastor has preached at my church a few times and I liked him a lot – he kept the message very relevant to life and he was a pretty dynamic speaker.
Just wanted to drop an FYI in case you might be interested 🙂
I still want to try a Barre class. I need to investigate one in my area. I love nice people – I think it’s rare these days to run into exceptionally nice people and it’s refreshing when you do!
Hey, I’m a Pure Barre teacher in Miami and I love to hear that you enjoyed the workout!!! It has seriously toned my booty in ways I never knew it could and my abs are SO much stronger. You’ll love the results!
Woohoo!!
Meeting a friend for lunch in Birkdale Village tomorrow and staying with friends in Cornelius tomorrow evening! We’re planning a Saturday morning walk around Lake Norman with my friends dog, Hope–maybe we’ll see you and Sadie 😉
I love Pure Barre! My best friend is an instructor so I have a hard time keeping a straight face in her class, because her Boston accent completely disappears when she’s on the mic, it’s hilarious! Speaking of Boston…I think we have a rep of being a very UNfriendly city!