A Pure Barre Workout Studio Comes To Bay Shore

BAY SHORE, NY —Barre exercise gyms have become more widespread since the ballet-inspired workout took off in popularity in the early 2000s. Pure Barre is the largest chain of barre style workout studios in the country, and a Bayport resident wants to bring the workout to the South Shore of Long Island.

Sara Kuhar and her husband Dan opened a Pure Barre franchise in Bayport in 2019 and although they always planned to open a Bay Shore location, they waited for the pandemic to ease before finding a location. Pure Barre Bay Shore will open in the Stop & Shop shopping center, 603 E. Main St. by Saxon Ave.

Kuhar told Patch she fell in love with barre workouts when she first tried them in Manhattan. She comes from a dance background, she explained, and the workout soon became her favorite and she attended classes every day. After starting a family and moving back to her hometown of Bayport she briefly taught at a Pure Barre before deciding it was time to open her own studio.

The Pure Barre brand was formed in 2001, but the workout—borrowing elements of ballet barre training and Pilates—has grown in popularity over recent years.

Kuhar says people who are looking for a low-impact workout are attracted to Pure Barre.

"We don't use heavy weights; it's more about isometric repetition movements. People are looking for toning, strengthening, flexibility...We also have fun music, and it's fun community," she said.

Kuhar hopes to be able to offer outdoor classes and events before a July opening.

She says she's heard from people in the area that they are excited for another workout option in the area.

"I'm very excited to open in this area."